Dating levis 501

How do you identify vintage Levis 501 jeans?

Proof of the exact date is unknown due to the loss of company records in the San Francisco earthquake and fire of 1906. While the 501 model continues in production, jean collectors look for vintage 501 pairs, identifiable through careful examination of pant details.

How can you tell a Levi’s 501 from a 501?

On the left is a Levi’s RED TAB with capital or big “E” (Image via Marvin’s) versus its younger counterpart with the lowercase or small “e” (Image via Basecamp Vintage). Another good indicator (i.e. if the RED TAB isn’t present anymore) of a post-1970’s 501 is the absence of the waist button “V” stitch.

How do you date a pair of 501 jeans?

Examining the fabric alone does little to date a pair of 501 jeans; however, during times of cotton shortages, including during the 1970s, jeans made from denim used thinner weaves. The denim also thins on well-worn jeans as washing and wearing reduces the thickness.

Is there a guide to dating vintage Levi’s jackets?

A century of truckers and blousons, however, has made for a multitude of models that many devote their lives to cataloging. There’s no such thing as an official guide (i.e. provided by Levi’s) for dating vintage Levi’s jackets.

When did Levi’s 501 jeans come out?

This article provides an overall guide to the eight details you should be looking out for when putting a production date to vintage Levi’s 501 jeans, exemplified with this rare pair produced between 1967-1968. Vintage “redline” selvedge denim made by Cone Mills in the 1960s.

How can you tell a Levi’s 501 from a 501?

On the left is a Levi’s RED TAB with capital or big “E” (Image via Marvin’s) versus its younger counterpart with the lowercase or small “e” (Image via Basecamp Vintage). Another good indicator (i.e. if the RED TAB isn’t present anymore) of a post-1970’s 501 is the absence of the waist button “V” stitch.

How can I tell what year my Levi’s jeans are?

Check the Red Tab: Take a look at the right back pocket. Do you see our famous red tab? Is the word LEVI’S® in all capital letters, or does it have a small letter “e” instead? The Tab with LEVI’S (also known as “Big E”) means the jeans are from before 1971. Look for Care Tags: Care tags began being added to Levi’s garments in the 1970s.

What to look for when buying vintage 501 jeans?

Vintage “redline” selvedge denim made by Cone Mills in the 1960s. The first thing you should look for when inspecting vintage 501 jeans is whether it’s a selvedge denim. If so, the jeans are likely to be produced before the mid-1980s. Learn all there is to know about selvedge denim here!

How can you tell how old a Levi’s jacket is?

If they are there then it’s from the mid-1980 until the present. In this period, Levi’s has produced a lot of colours and stonewashes. The jackets have four pockets and a small e tab. If your jacket doesn’t feature hand warmer pockets but still has the small e red tab it’s dating from 71 till mid-80s.

What are the different types of vintage Levi’s denim jackets?

This article will help you sort and identify the types and dates of vintage Levi’s denim jackets from the three most iconic Levi’s designs: 1 506XX Blouse – later referred to as the first or Type I jacket (1905-1953) 2 507XX – also called Type II jacket (1953-1962) 3 557XX/Type III – referred to as the “Trucker” jacket (1962-present)

How can you tell the right period of Levi’s?

In this period, Levi’s has produced a lot of colours and stonewashes. The jackets have four pockets and a small e tab. If your jacket doesn’t feature hand warmer pockets but still has the small e red tab it’s dating from 71 till mid-80s. To define the right period, there are subtle differences of the stitching adjacent to the bottom buttonhole.

How many pockets does a Levis Jacket have?

Newer Levis jackets have four pockets: Two breast pockets and two side pockets are on Levis jackets from the mid 1980s to the 21st century. Look for two front pockets and double pleats in the front on either side of the center buttons as well as a red Levis tab featuring a capital E.