Are you holding your Levi's jeans in your hand, looking at the care tag and have no idea what the numbers mean?
Well, we will try to explain it simply in the next few paragraphs.
The first three numbers on the label, for example 501, represent the number of the trouser series. In the case of Levi's, the 501 model is one of the most famous and popular. These iconic numbers indicate a specific style of pants and serve to identify the model.
A second important triplet of numbers, such as 299, represents a factory number that is specifically assigned to a particular location or factory, in this case England. This number can also be linked to the number on the button, providing an additional identification element for the trousers.
Finally, a numerical code that will determine the age of the pants. The code 3899 gives the specific date your vintage pants were made and tells us that the pants were produced on August 3, 1999. So if you are looking for an answer to the question: How to identify vintage Levi's pants? Follow these steps.
Overall, these numbers provide important information about Levi's pants, including model identification, manufacturing location, and manufacturing date, contributing to transparency and consumer confidence in the brand.
Evolution of Levi's labels
Prior to 1967, it was common practice for Levi's to print care instructions directly on their pants. This method provided basic instructions for the maintenance of denim products, but could be impractical, especially if the instructions were lost or became illegible after several washes. However, this way of labeling reflected the times and industry standards. So if you have trousers with a printed "care tag", you own a relatively valuable pair of trousers.
A revolutionary change occurred around 1967 when Levi's switched to a modern approach to branding. Instead of printing directly on the fabric, they started adding a small white label with care instructions to their products. This label provided a clearer and more permanent way to communicate the necessary information to customers on how to properly care for their favorite jeans. This method lasted until about 1983-84.
In the mid-1980s, Levi's made another innovation in their marking system. Although the basic care information on the label has been retained, the brand has added its iconic logo in black and red. This change not only added an aesthetic element, but also strengthened brand awareness and created a consistent visual identity across products.
From the mid-1980s to the late 1990s, this label design remained virtually unchanged. Levi's followed a proven branding approach and maintained consistency in their products, which helped build customer loyalty and strengthen brand awareness.
The big transformation came at the beginning of the 21st century when Levi's moved to a new and expanded way of branding. Instead of one small label, they introduced a larger one and added 3 to 4 more labels, apparently in response to the growing demand for more detailed information about the products and their care. This change may also have been a response to consumers' growing interest in sustainability and transparency in the clothing industry, providing more space to communicate important information and values of the Levi's brand.
However, as everywhere, there are exceptions in this case too, and if you are not sure even after the above-mentioned instructions, you can, for example, subject the trousers to the "touch" test. If the material of the pants is thinner, lighter or stretchy to the touch, it is most likely not a vintage Levisky. Genuine vintage Levi's pants from the last century were usually made of non-stretchy and heavy material.
Every time we go shopping and come across a pair of Levi's pants, we make an honest effort to identify the age of the pants in order to offer you the highest quality, truly vintage Levi's pants!
Are your Levis vintage? Let us know!
I hope you liked the article and we look forward to seeing you next time!
Passé ♡
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