Revealed: The most iconic fashion items of all time

They say that jeans never go out of style. And as if to prove the point, Levi’s 501s have been voted the most iconic fashion item of all time.

The classic denims topped a survey of shoppers with 45 per cent of the vote – beating the Ralph Lauren Polo shirt into second place.

Patented in 1873, the 501 recently celebrated its 150th year. Originally called a ‘waist overall’, it had one back pocket – with the signature Levi stitching design.

The hard-wearing trousers, with their durable rivets, were introduced to the masses in 1939 when John Wayne wore a pair in the landmark Western movie Stagecoach. 

They soon became a staple in the States, with Hollywood icons including Marilyn Monroe, James Dean and Marlon Brando seen in them.

A hugely successful series of adverts in the 1980s and 1990s saw 501s achieve a global reach, and they have remained popular, with recent devotees including actresses Selena Gomez, Kristen Stewart and Sydney Sweeney. 

Second place in the poll was the classic Ralph Lauren polo shirt, introduced in 1972, while the timeless little black dress, designed and created by Coco Chanel in 1926, came third.

Staples such as Converse All Star trainers, Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses – and the classic, plain white T-shirt – also featured high on the list.

The poll also found that fashionistas are becoming more thrifty, with seven in ten saying they regularly go shopping for vintage or second-hand clothes.

Daniel Fisher of shopping website Whatnot, which commissioned the poll, said: ‘It’s clear that more Brits are embracing second-hand fashion and iconic vintage pieces like Levi 501s, Ralph Lauren Polo shirts and little black dresses.’

THE MOST ICONIC FASHION ITEMS OF ALL TIME, ACCORDING TO THRIFTY BRITS

1. Levi's 501 jean - 45%

2. Ralph Lauren polo shirt - 25%

3. Chanel little black dress - 23%

4. Levi's denim jacket - 20%

5. Converse All Star trainer - 20%

6. Nike Air Max 90 trainer - 18%

7. Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses - 18%

8. Bomber jacket - 15%

9. Plain white t-shirt - 15%

10. Cherry red Doc Martens -15%

11. Green Barbour jacket - 13%

12. Mary Quant miniskirt - 13%

13. Ugg boot - 12%

14. Fred Perry polo shirt - 12%

15. Croc - 11%

16. Trench coat - 10%

17. Vans trainer - 10%

18. Louboutin heel - 10%

19. Burberry tartan scarf - 9%

20. Adidas ‘popper’ joggers - 9%

21. Chanel tweed jacket - 9%

22. Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses - 9%

23. Hunter Wellington boot - 8%

24. North Face fleece - 8%

25. Bucket hat - 8%