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How old is my Levi's Jacket?
Levi's produced thousands of models over 150 years, its entire history cannot be condensed into one page. If you want to learn more specifics, or if you have a pair you want appraised or to sell:
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1961-Modern
Version 3:
-In 1960, Levi's unveiled this design in its Levi's Californian line of jackets in beige sateen and corduroy. A year later, Levi's introduced the design in its new 14 oz pre-shrunk dark denim. Despite being heavily influenced by the Lee 101-j, which was introduced in 1946, Levi's 3rd major iteration of its denim jacket became a cultural icon and has remained Levi's flagship design for the last 60+ years. The most noteworthy details are the converging seams, lack of pleats, lack of rivets, shovel pocket design, and 4-panel back design. This jacket has gone through 2 major changes in the past 60s years. The original jacket design was shorter and cropped, but by the early 70s, Levi's lengthened it and slimmed the sleeves. Around the same time, Levi's began to transition from using a capital 'E' on its Levi's tab to a lower case 'e'. The jacket remained unchanged until the mid-1980s. Around 1985, Levi's lengthened the jacket even more and added welted hand pockets to the side. If you find a jacket with 4 pockets, it is most likely not very old or valuable, unless it is new with a tag.
1953-1961;1965-1967
Version 2:
The difference between Levi's first and second jackets is quite subtle. The most obvious change is the addition of a second pocket and the removal of the back belt in exchange for button waist adjustors placed on the waistband. The jacket still featured rivets on its sleeves, double pleats on the front and single on the back. The second model was short-lived, lasting less than ten years. Compared to its competition, it was an antiquated design. These jackets originally had a large back patch on the inside near the collar, but with time they often fall off. In 1958, Levi's transitioned from leather patches to cardboard patches.
The jacket was resurrected in Europe in the mid-1960s for a few years in Europe. If you ever find this style jacket with 'O' stamps, it is from the mid 1960s, not the original run. These jackets are valuable, so if you are looking to sell or curious of its value, please contact us.
1922-1953
Version 1:
Levi's first jacket design was not actually Levi's first jacket, they produced blouses in the late 1800s, but since the survival rate is so low, these are essentially the first jackets that can be seen. These jackets are double pleated on the front, have 1 large chest pocket, a small buckle adjustor on the back, and rivets on the corner of the pockets. These jackets were produced with a leather neck patch, but they would often shrivel up or fall off as a result of age or washing machines. These jackets were originally referred to as blouses and were work wear popular with miners and eventually ranchhands. The short length was conducive for mobility, and the contemporarily thick fabric was excellent for protecting against abrasion. A consequence of this is that the jackets fit very short compared to what you may expect from modern jackets. These jackets are very special and depending on the size and condition can be very valuable. If you find one of these, you can count yourself very lucky! If you have one of these, please contact us so we can authenticate, there are many reproductions that can easily pass for real.