30 practically perfect products no-one has ever bettered
If it ain't broke, why fix it?
In a world of shrinkflation, rampant rebranding and relentless upgrades, it's reassuring to know some of our favourite branded products have stayed the same for decades. Boasting outstanding design, these iconic favourites just can't be improved any further. We take an admiring look at 30 peerless products that have stood the test of time.
Levi's 501 jeans
The world's most iconic style of blue jeans has remained more or less unchanged since its launch way back in 1890. The quintessential pair of denims, the Levi's 501 style has seen off trend after trend, thanks to its timeless, enduring design.
Vangelis Vassalakis/Shutterstock
Bic Cristal ballpoint pen
Based on László Bíró's 1931 invention, the Bic Cristal pen was launched in France in December 1950 by entrepreneur Marcel Bich and has gone on to conquer the world. By 2006, a staggering 100 billion Bic Cristal pens had been sold and the design of the pen remains untouched to this day.
Aga cooker
A fixture of countless upscale kitchens, the classic Aga range was invented in 1922 by a Nobel Prize-winner, the Swedish physicist Gustaf Dalén, and has been in production ever since. While electric and eco models are now available, the fundamental design remains unaltered.
Lego bricks
The modern Lego brick design was patented on 28 January, 1958, and has remained unmodified since its introduction. In fact, Lego bricks manufactured in 1958 interlock perfectly with bricks made in 2017. They're probably just as painful to step on, too...
Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses
Ray-Ban has introduced variations on its Wayfarer design over the years, but the classic sunglasses model hasn't changed since 1952. The design has been popular for decades, worn by Hollywood stars in the 1950s and hipsters in the 2010s alike.
Hille polyprop chair
The world's best-selling chair, millions of Hille polyprop chairs have been sold since the product was launched in 1963 – just think how many times you've found yourself sitting on one. The ubiquitous chair is the handiwork of Robin Day, the UK's most celebrated 20th-century furniture designer.
Post-it notes
These clever little adhesive notes were invented by 3M scientist Spencer Silver in 1968 and launched as Post-it notes in 1977. Never bettered, the design of the notes remains untweaked to this day.
Siemens UK traffic lights
The UK's national traffic light system was redesigned in 1965 by David Mellor, who also designed stainless steel cutlery and bus shelters, and German industrial giant Siemens has been making traffic lights to Mellor's exemplary design ever since.
Linn LP12 turntable
Dubbed 'the pinnacle of record player design', the high-end LP12 turntable was introduced in 1972 by Glasgow-based firm Linn Products and remains the gold standard record player for audiophiles – no other turntable can match its exceptional quality.
Little Trees car air freshener
Hire an Uber and it's likely you'll spot a forest of Little Trees air fresheners hanging from the rear-view mirror. Invented in 1952 by chemist Julius Sämann, these handy air fresheners have been making vehicles smell good for decades.
Victorinox Swiss army knife
Swiss firm Victorinox has been producing its famous multitasking pocket knife since 1891 and is still making the product today. Though Victorinox has expanded its range of Swiss army knives, the company has stayed true to the original 19th century design.
Dr. Martens boots
The Dr. Martens boot was invented by German soldier Klaus Märtens in 1945 and marketed in the UK from 1959 by shoe manufacturer R. Griggs, where it soon garnered icon status. Doc Martens are now available in a variety of colours and finishes, but the basic design is identical to Klaus Märtens' 1945 prototype.
Pyrex Classic measuring jug
A kitchen essential for over a hundred years, the heat-resistant Pyrex Classic measuring jug was invented in 1915 and still sells by the truckload. Brimming with quality, each jug is guaranteed for 10 years.
Anglepoise 1227 desk lamp
The archetypal desk lamp, the Anglepoise 1227 was created in 1932 by British car designer George Cawardine and launched in 1935. A bona fide design classic, the 1227 remains popular to this day.
Weber Original Kettle grill
Weber's George Stephens invented the famous dome Kettle grill in 1950, which is still a best-seller. A former buoy designer, Stephens chopped a metal buoy in half to make the barbecue and the rest is history.
Hardy Perfect fly reel
Living up to its name, Hardy's Perfect fly reel was invented in 1891 by brothers William and John James Hardy in Alnwick. Widely regarded as the ultimate fishing reel, the much sought-after Perfect is still in production.
Schott Perfecto Model 118 leather jacket
The original biker jacket made famous by Hollywood legend Marlon Brando, Schott's Perfecto Model 118 has inspired myriad imitations since its launch in the late 1940s and is still available to buy today.
Zippo lighter
Invented in the 1940s, Zippo was the era's best-selling lighter, shifting millions of units. The lighter firm cornered the market during World War II, when it was the official supplier of lighters to American GIs billeted abroad and the product is a best seller nowadays too.
Le Creuset Signature casserole
French firm Le Creuset has been churning out its round Signature casserole since 1925. The cast iron cooking utensil is prized among amateur cooks and top chefs alike, and continues to sell in high numbers.
Kikkoman soy sauce
Kikkoman is certainly a stickler for tradition. According to the Japanese company, the recipe for its superior soy sauce has remained unchanged since the 15th century and the design of the classic smaller bottle hasn't been altered since 1961.
King Dick wrench
Abingdon King Dick has been manufacturing quality hard-wearing tools since 1856 and the King Dick wrench is one of the firm's most enduring products. Its design hasn't changed in any significant way since the 19th century.
Brompton folding bike
London-based company Brompton invented its indomitable folding bike in 1975 and while the firm has launched super-lightweight and electric versions, the superlative design of its star product remains unchanged.
Dualit Classic toaster
A common sight in kitchens the world over, the eye-catching Dualit Classic toaster was designed by German-born inventor Max Gort-Barte in his London factory in 1954, and has gone on to sell millions.
Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars trainers
Converse created the precursor to the perennially popular All-Stars shoe in 1917 and basketball player Chuck Taylor improved upon the design in the 1920s, which has stayed virtually unchanged over the years.