Levi's has been making jeans clothing since 1873, and is still renowned for the quality and style of its products. Levi's uses numbers to show the styles of its products. Check the label for the style number on the jeans, and do a little research if the label has faded.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Checking the Label
Step 1. Look at the label on the back of the waistband of the jeans
These leather or cardboard labels usually bear the symbol of two horses pulling a pair of jeans. This iconic symbol is named Two Horse. The company owned the brand "The Two Horse Brand" from 1873 to 1928, before changing its name to Levi's.
In the 1950s, leather patches were replaced with heavy cardboard to reduce production costs
Step 2. Check the bottom left corner of the Two Horse label to find the style number
While older jeans don't have many numbers or style numbers on their labels, they should appear on jeans made after the late 1930s. Style numbers have 3 digits and usually start with 5.
- The initial number 5 indicates that the jeans are Levi's products of the highest quality.
- The symbol of two horses is intended to describe the strength of the jinn's rivet.
Step 3. Look at the label on the inside of the jeans if the style number on the outer label has faded
At modern Levi's, the style number is often included on the jeans care label. Having a care label also helps you determine the year of the jeans, as products began to be labeled since 1970.
Method 2 of 2: Determining the Genie Style Number without a Label
Step 1. Compare the jeans to other Levi's
Although the leg opening and fit of Levi's jeans have changed somewhat due to the trend, the style has remained fairly consistent. Examine the jeans carefully and compare them with the most similar styles.
- The classic style numbered 501 is known as the Original Fit, which features straight legs and a classic fit.
- The number 505, or Regular Fit, has straight legs and a loose fit, and is a style that Mick Jagger popularized on the cover of the Rolling Stones album Sticky Fingers in 1971.
- The number 517 has a casual boot cut, and is a bit slimmer on the legs.
Step 2. Check the color label
The red label with the white Levi's logo (or a simple trademark symbol) is instantly recognizable, but it is commonly used on style number 501 and denim jackets. Other style numbers may wear different color labels so check what your pants have.
- In the 1960s, Levi's wore an orange label to signify its denim trends, including bellbottoms, t-shirts, hats, and accessories. The orange label is still sometimes used in vintage reproductions.
- The black label with orange carrots is a hallmark of Levi's Fresh Produce line from the 1970s.
- The blue label signifies Levi's premium product line, Levi's Made and Crafted.
- Silver labels have been in use since the late 1980s for Levi's baggy pants.
Step 3. Try setting a Levi's date
Levi's jeans have undergone many changes since their introduction in 1873. Look for small details that can help you pinpoint the date of manufacture.
- In 1941, Levi's removed the rivets on the crotch of its jeans because they tended to overheat when the wearer sat by a campfire.
- During World War 2, Levi's supported the war by removing rivets and decorative stitches on its jeans. The stitching on the back pocket, also known as arcuate, was replaced by painting.
- Jins manufactured after 1971 have a small “e” on the red label. Prior to this, Levi's used a capital "e".
Step 4. Check with a Levi's historian if your vintage jeans don't have a label
Levi's has many fans all over the world. Some people specialize in the history of denim, especially the Levi's brand. Find and contact these experts if you can't find the numbers yourself.
- Look up local directories to see if there is a vintage store in your town that might specialize in Levi's denim.
- Check out the archive of history experts on Levi's site.
- Find online forums centered on vintage trends. Look for information on Levi's jeans, or ask on the message boards.
