A Guide to Vintage Levi’s

When it comes to jeans, it doesn't get much better than a pair of Levi's 501s. Flattering, versatile and adorned by style icons from across the ages they really are a style staple every wardrobe needs. Why? Because a classic pair of jeans never goes out of fashion. However, like most good things, sourcing the perfect pair doesn't come easily - but with some expert knowledge, patience and determination we’re here to help you make your jeans dreams come true.

Levi’s 501s are a true classic: with the signature button fly (created before zips were even invented) and the iconic Two Horse patch stitched onto the back of every pair, they have a legacy that dates back to the 1870s. As well as the 501s though, Levi’s have a whole host of styles, such as the 505s, 510s, 511s, 513s, 514s...you get the picture! So what do you need to know when you’re looking for your vintage Levi’s?

Measurements and fitting

Firstly, don’t panic. Vintage jeans are always smaller than contemporary jeans. If you’re looking to buy vintage Levi’s, they’ll be at least a couple or three sizes higher than your normal waist measurement. As a general rule, the older the pair, the more high waisted they’ll be.

Colour and fade

Also known as the wash, this is a key consideration. While you can always amend the fit, the colour of the denim will be as a result of the washing and wearing over the years and is less easy to change. It’s important to ensure that the colour is exactly what you’re looking for. Also bear in mind other touches like paint splatters, whisker fades or rips.

Alterations

It’s possible, if you find the right wash but not quite the right size, to have a tailor make alterations without compromising the vintage feel of your Levi’s. A baggier pair is preferable as that gives the tailor more material to play around with when it comes to altering them and getting them right.

Also, vintage Levi jeans can be cut into shorts - if you can bear to take the scissors to them!

Other tips

Check the tags!
Authentic vintage Levi’s jeans were manufactured before 1971. To check a pair of jeans, simply find the classic red tab and check that the ‘E’ in Levi’s is a capital letter. 80s and 90s Levi’s will have a lower case ‘e’. However, these are still stylish so don’t ignore these either!

Another giveaway which helps determine a true pair of vintage Levi’s is the inseams: almost all Levi’s manufactured before the mid 1980s featured a single felled inseam (a single stitch running down the inner thigh).

Not just for men
For ladies, it’s worth keeping an eye out for men’s jeans as well. A lot of vintage Levi’s are men’s styles and will fit just fine.

Now you’re armed with all the information you need to grab yourself the perfect pair of vintage Levi’s. Check out our men’s jeans collection and our women’s selection to find the ones for you. Happy hunting!