The term "vintage" refers to articles of clothing that are at least 25 to 30 years old. Levi's manufactured prior to the 1980s would be considered vintage. Check the buttons. Levi's manufactured in the mid-1970s and prior will have a single digit stamped onto them.
Look at the tag inside the jeans for the style number if the label is faded. In modern Levi's, the style number is often included on the care tag inside the jeans. The presence of a care tag can also help you date your jeans, since they started being added in the 1970s.
When buying 501s, expect to go up at least two to three sizes from your regular waist. For a boyfriend fit, go closer to four sizes Also, note that fit can vary slightly by decade. Levi's has a pretty comprehensive guide, but basically: The older the pair, the more high-waisted and stiff they'll be.
The Levi's 504 is a regular, straight fit pair of jeans. Slightly slimmer than the Levi's 501, the 504 is a tad more forgiving with a low rise waist, straight leg shape and a regular fit.
The Levi's 504 jeans are no longer in production and have been replaced by the new 516 jeans. The 516 jeans are available in the same fabric and colours as the 504 jeans including the popular Stonewash, Rinse and Black Rinse.
size chart
| Size | Waist | Hip |
|---|
| 28 | 72.3 cm - 73.6 cm | 86.7 cm - 87.5 cm |
| 29 | 74.9 cm - 76.2 cm | 88.7 cm - 90 cm |
| 30 | 77.4 cm - 78.7 cm | 91.2 cm - 92.5 cm |
| 31 | 80 cm - 81.2 cm | 93.7 cm - 95 cm |
Inspired by vintage Levi's® 501® jeans from the '90s, the Ribcage is our highest rise, sitting at the natural waist and extending into a super flattering straight leg,†Jill said. “Like 501s, the Ribcage has a button fly and back pockets that have been placed to achieve an optimal rear view.â€
R.I.P Black JeansDigging around on some fashion forums I learnt that Levi's discontinued the 508 jeans. Apparently they weren't selling too well. If only more tall people knew about them before!
Most of our jeans have been preshrunk, so there should be very little shrinkage if any. We recommend you purchase the size that fits you best before washing, and they should still fit fine after washing. To minimize any shrinkage, we suggest you wash your jeans in cold water and line dry.
3 Ways to Identify Vintage Levi's® Jeans
- Check the Red Tab: Take a look at the right back pocket.
- Look for Care Tags: Care tags began being added to Levi's garments in the 1970s.
Measure around the fullest part of your hips. Make sure to keep the tape measure as horizontal as you can. Measure around the fullest part of your thigh. Measure straight down the inside leg from the crotch to the ankle.
INSEAM.
| INSEAM | HEIGHT |
|---|
| 32 | 5'8" - 6' |
| 34 | 6' - 6'4" |
| 36 | 6'4" - 6'6" |
| 38 | 6'4" - 6'8" |
For men, each number in the Levi's collection signifies the overall sit, including the rise of the waist, the cut of the leg opening, and the fit of the seat. For women, each style number indicates the fit through the waist, hips and thighs, with many leg shapes and cuts to choose from.
Locate the color code on your Levi jeans tag to purchase a new pair in your favorite color. Look inside the jeans for a fabric tag. The tag is generally white and located at the back of the jeans under the waistband. Look at the tag to find a nine-digit product code, call a PC9.
By the end of 2003, the closure of Levi's last US factory in San Antonio ended 150 years of jeans made in the United States. Production of a few higher-end, more expensive styles of jeans resumed in the US several years later.