thanks for the info, i was perplexed on the newest versions with the multiple tags that they started using c. 2011. it was much easier with the previous iteration!
about halfway through and i‘m so confused right now. no adhs. how are you supposed to remember any of this high speed number stuff lol. but - it will all resolve in the second half, i guess.
Thank you so much for all these great videos! I have a pair of 550s that seems to defy all of these methods. I know they aren't OLDold...but I was curious as to whether they are pre or post 2000. There's no factory code on the back of the button shank, and the numbers on the care tag make no sense. There's 5550-C30 (which I assume is lot number and material) then to the right of that 313, and below both of those 0426. I suppose 313 could be March 2013? 0426 makes no sense, since 2026 hasn't happened yet (at this writing). The sizing on these is 10 HUSKY, so they're boys (not adult) jeans. Maybe that's why? Or...are they fake?
Im usually pretty good with levi but Ive got a pair that I cant seem to find match. Its Levis the original jeans 559 relaxed straight, red tab. However the inner label is brown rectangle LEVIS the original jeans under it. The back tag is also differnt from other 559 Ive found it feels almost leathery.
Hello I have a question on a Levi Patch that is very different from the other ones. It is on a pair of Junior pants from the 70's I think. I would like to send you a picture of it to get your feed back.
This is a helpful way to authenticate each codes and year and a pair of Levi's jeans that i might stumble upon looking someday one of those many examples that Josh describes, that i would someday see on Thrift Shop's. Thumbs up and more power Josh and Lootfam, i wish you could do Levi's Engineered Jeans Atlantis reviews. 🙏🤙
Very helpful, I have several pair still having a hard time with though. I have not seen any talk of paper tags on the zipper instead of waist. One shows 085 and another 729 where I would expect date codes. Can identify the lot/model/and button codes, along with the sizes. phew. Cant make since of those two though.
Hi, I love your videos, and you are right, there is some confusion between 70’s and early 80’s care tag. I am hoping you see this. My question, is I believe the orange tab Bell bottoms deadstock I found were from 1971 and January 1972 Due to the fact that the factory code is 8 on the back of the button, which single numbers stopped around 1981, but!!!!!! All the way to the right is a code 532 on the tag( which could be a factory code per your education, but is not on the back of the button.) so now I don’t know if they are from 71 and 72 or 12/80 and 1/81- I felt the 8 represented the factory code until you mentioned the three digit code. Each jean reads on the bottom line under the lot and wash code. 1 81 532 and the other reads 12 80 532, but the code on the button is 8. Here is the caveat, they are from County seat which opened in 1973- though we all know , that when they ordered for the new stores, it would be closer to 71 and 72, butttttt they could be from the 80’s uggghhhh. Please help if you can. I love your videos I reference them all the time.
So, if they were from 71-72 they wouldn’t have a a care tag but rather a stamp on the pocket bags. These stamps ran as late as 74, but generally were phased out by then. My guess is 1980. Still a great pair!
My leather tag is worn off the back on a newer pair of Levi shorts and I want to buy more and don't know which model they are how can I find which model these are by looking at the codes on the care tags?????
I actually have an odd pair of 505s which I believe are date coded August ‘81 that have the care tag on the outer pant leg seam near the bottom of the front left pocket. Is that something you’ve seen a lot? Also has the black batwing logo on the front of the tag and a 532 factory code if it matters. It reads 532-081. So are these ‘91 or ‘81 considering the black batwing Levi’s logo?
thanx a ton Levi's for making it as confusing as possible to date your jeans. I have pair of 540s from Jan 1990 and the date code 190, so they decided to not add a zero before the 1 but then I guess later decided to add a zero for single number months. Like come on, if it ain't broke then don't fix it.
11:26 if this tag was used briefly what was the years it was used briefly? I have 2 of different jeans from this time and i really can't make sense of it
They generally have the factory code. The current theory is that the letter/number code is the date code on Canadian made levi's. The alphabetical position of the letter is the month A=jan, G=July etc. And the number is the last digit of the year. We are still confirming this theory but so far it seems to work.
I have an orange tab levis 506 and the factory code is 575 left and only 3 numbers date code on the right 059 what month and year is it? Thank you for the response. 🙏
Everything I’ve researched (including this video) says the red batwing tags were only made from 1988 to 1994. However, I have a pair of 501s that are acid wash and have a red batwing tag with 097 as the date code (and 544 as the factory code). I’m assuming 09 is September, but what would the 7 be? If 1988-1994 is correct, it couldn’t be 1987 nor 1997. These 501s (technically 17501s) are high-waisted and acid washed, so my guess would be 1987. This makes me think the red batwing tags must have started in 1987 instead of 1988. Thoughts?
Actually, this video does say that the red bat wing originated in 87. Remember all transitions are fuzzy as they were progressive not all at once. Additionally, sounds like a women’s 501 too. Sweet pair!! Thanks for watching!
@@LootFam I must have misheard, thanks for clarifying! And yes, they are a women's 501 (and coincidentally in my size!). The kicker is they were only $2! :) Another question if you don't mind - what does the 17 in 17501 represent? Thanks for your time and content.
I have a pair of Levi's 550 red tab jeans that have a made in Bangladesh on it, but above at the very top it says OOCCAN1? Wouldn't that mean Canada? Also on the back it has 4Q ' 06 and underneath that to the right a little, it says 07/06? So July 2006 it what it says to me. The back of the button it has 357, and that number is nowhere to be seen. I believe it was made in Canada simply because it says relaxed fit, and under that coupe relax, which makes sense because we are a bilingual country. Does 357 check out for a factory in Bangladesh?
2:38 Just A Correction. The Small Red Tag Since In 1987 To 1992 & The Same In Black Tag From 1992 To 1993 In Pairs Of Jeans.1994 The Tag Complitly Change. In The Trucker Jacket Levis Still Makes This Small Tag Early 2000.
Mostly from examining many of these tags. That 46 could make sense, but that number isn't always a number that wouldn't make sense as a date. Additionally, Levi's had generally firmly established the use of a three digit date code by this time.
So I have two orange jeans no number on the button. I’m lost. There are care instructions written on a tag in red but not branded on the tag. Style of jeans are 619 orange tab. Can anyone help?
Didn’t find my tag at first so I was a bit confused but then I realized it was down under the pocket instead and found out that my pair of 501s I thrifted two weeks ago are from July 2008, so not vintage, but still pretty cool
No, three digit factory codes generally are from the 80s. That's how you would know that the date code should be read as 80s. Some exceptions, but generally true.
Oooh geez….i must not be smart enough, still don’t know what mine are….i don’t get the 3 code? 060. It’s on the black wing tag with 546 before it. Any help?
I try to avoid the word "always", haha. But yes, the factory code is nearly always adjacent to the date code. But always try to confirm by using the stamped number on the back of the button.
Can you help please identify Levi’s 630 with orange tag? A think this jeans from 90s or early 2000 Size 36x34 On label: 00630 0210 36X34 002014 4100 2510 247 On button 247 (Turkey)
I'm still a bit confused about how to read the date code on my jeans. The numbers adjacent to the factory code is '037331'. There is another '037' at the bottom right end of the tag as well, I'm assuming this is another reference to the date but I'm not sure. Any help would be appreciated.
Super helpful content for dating vintage Levi’s! Thank you for that! Question for you, you mention in another vid that Levi’s stopped mfg in the US after 1991, correct? When did mfg begin in Mexico? Around the same time or was there simultaneous mfg in other countries? Thanks, again, Jen
@@dasfxllc Levi's stopped all US manufacturing in 2003 but started moving production of some mainline production as early as 1991. They had international production prior to that, but most was for international consumers. This transition really took off after the passing of NAFTA in 94. Mexican production really took off in the late 90s and early 2000s. I'm not aware of a pair produced in mexico prior to 1995.
I have a couple pairs of black Levi 501s that have a very similar to the one shown in 12:59. The differences are that the "Made in USA" is on the backside of the tag, there are extra wording on the instructions, and the temperature wash symbol doesn't show 105 degrees. Most importantly, the backside of that tag does not look like the one on 13:03. There doesn't appear to have a factory code or date code on either of the jeans' care tags. In fact, the back of both levi's care tags have the same numbers as well. Do you have advice on how I could date these jeans? Any help in this matter would be greatly appreciated
I have a confusing date tag. I understand you mentioned the week of the year number and then the year, but my tag seems to either read(if it is the month and year) 08/82….but if it is the week and year it would be the 88th week of 2021…..not possible correct? Definitely not. I will write it out just how it is on my tag. 52408 8 21647 4 with 524 being the factory code on the back of he button. Is this 1982? I cannot think of any other date that it could be unless I am missing a way to read the numbers. It is a red logo tag of made in the USA 501’s. I would appreciate any help you could supply. I am just getting into this and I must say I really like the history, collectibility and niche of American culture.
Such a helpful video! Thank you for making this
Hey. I live in canada and have some made in canada levis. The care tag is super confusing to me. Can ya help a guy out?
thanks for the info, i was perplexed on the newest versions with the multiple tags that they started using c. 2011. it was much easier with the previous iteration!
What years the orange tab start and end thanx , godbless
1969-1999 and briefly 2017
Thank you! I learned that my inherited trucker jacket is from 03-'93 :)
Every time I have to figure a tag out I come to this video I got ADHD therefore can't remember shit aka CRS lol so I appreciate y'all and this video
SAME😭
about halfway through and i‘m so confused right now. no adhs. how are you supposed to remember any of this high speed number stuff lol. but - it will all resolve in the second half, i guess.
Thank you so much for all these great videos! I have a pair of 550s that seems to defy all of these methods. I know they aren't OLDold...but I was curious as to whether they are pre or post 2000. There's no factory code on the back of the button shank, and the numbers on the care tag make no sense. There's 5550-C30 (which I assume is lot number and material) then to the right of that 313, and below both of those 0426. I suppose 313 could be March 2013? 0426 makes no sense, since 2026 hasn't happened yet (at this writing). The sizing on these is 10 HUSKY, so they're boys (not adult) jeans. Maybe that's why? Or...are they fake?
Just a thank you for the countless times I’ve referred to this video for dating Levi’s. Good stuff, thanks man
You're welcome! Glad it's helpful.
Still coming back to this video. Such a wealth of information!
Im usually pretty good with levi but Ive got a pair that I cant seem to find match. Its Levis the original jeans 559 relaxed straight, red tab. However the inner label is brown rectangle LEVIS the original jeans under it. The back tag is also differnt from other 559 Ive found it feels almost leathery.
Shoot me some photos to lootfam1@gmail.com
@@LootFam k just did
Hello I have a question on a Levi Patch that is very different from the other ones. It is on a pair of Junior pants from the 70's I think. I would like to send you a picture of it to get your feed back.
send some photos to lootfam1@gmail.com
This is a helpful way to authenticate each codes and year and a pair of Levi's jeans that i might stumble upon looking someday one of those many examples that Josh describes, that i would someday see on Thrift Shop's. Thumbs up and more power Josh and Lootfam, i wish you could do Levi's Engineered Jeans Atlantis reviews. 🙏🤙
Very helpful, I have several pair still having a hard time with though. I have not seen any talk of paper tags on the zipper instead of waist. One shows 085 and another 729 where I would expect date codes. Can identify the lot/model/and button codes, along with the sizes. phew. Cant make since of those two though.
Thanks ! Great explanation and thanks for the sample labels shown.
Hi, I love your videos, and you are right, there is some confusion between 70’s and early 80’s care tag. I am hoping you see this. My question, is I believe the orange tab Bell bottoms deadstock I found were from 1971 and January 1972 Due to the fact that the factory code is 8 on the back of the button, which single numbers stopped around 1981, but!!!!!! All the way to the right is a code 532 on the tag( which could be a factory code per your education, but is not on the back of the button.) so now I don’t know if they are from 71 and 72 or 12/80 and 1/81- I felt the 8 represented the factory code until you mentioned the three digit code. Each jean reads on the bottom line under the lot and wash code. 1 81 532 and the other reads 12 80 532, but the code on the button is 8. Here is the caveat, they are from County seat which opened in 1973- though we all know , that when they ordered for the new stores, it would be closer to 71 and 72, butttttt they could be from the 80’s uggghhhh. Please help if you can. I love your videos I reference them all the time.
So, if they were from 71-72 they wouldn’t have a a care tag but rather a stamp on the pocket bags. These stamps ran as late as 74, but generally were phased out by then. My guess is 1980. Still a great pair!
Another great one brother. You are the "Levis Guru"
My leather tag is worn off the back on a newer pair of Levi shorts and I want to buy more and don't know which model they are how can I find which model these are by looking at the codes on the care tags?????
I actually have an odd pair of 505s which I believe are date coded August ‘81 that have the care tag on the outer pant leg seam near the bottom of the front left pocket. Is that something you’ve seen a lot? Also has the black batwing logo on the front of the tag and a 532 factory code if it matters. It reads 532-081. So are these ‘91 or ‘81 considering the black batwing Levi’s logo?
thanx a ton Levi's for making it as confusing as possible to date your jeans. I have pair of 540s from Jan 1990 and the date code 190, so they decided to not add a zero before the 1 but then I guess later decided to add a zero for single number months. Like come on, if it ain't broke then don't fix it.
Haha, truuue
11:26 if this tag was used briefly what was the years it was used briefly? I have 2 of different jeans from this time and i really can't make sense of it
My mistake, they were used in the mid 80s in approx. 85-87.
just a heads up, canadian manufactured levis do not have any of these codes mentioned in this video.
They generally have the factory code. The current theory is that the letter/number code is the date code on Canadian made levi's. The alphabetical position of the letter is the month A=jan, G=July etc. And the number is the last digit of the year. We are still confirming this theory but so far it seems to work.
У меня двое джинс 619 модели канадского производства. Orange tab. На одних кожаный патч и нет номера завода на заклепке.
Levi bit levis Levi Strauss
Just watched the old video yesterday, went back to watch it again and was shocked you made a new one today lol
Yeah, been meaning to for a while haha.
Do you have any tips on how to datepairs made in Canada? I can't find any info on their tags
I can't find too... Any information about this😢
Hi at 13.35 you said 40th week of 2017. How did you get that from the numbers 0619?
Apologies, 4017 was an example and the wrong reference image was added. The referenced image indicates a date of the 6th week of 2019.
@@LootFam thanks for clarification
Always interesting to learn and refesh my💫🧠knowledge...🤘🏼💯✔️
when did Levi's add the website?
I have several pairs with just one tag... and it has the website.
It has the black bat wing logo on it
There isn't an exact date, but it does first start to appear on some late 90s Levi's.
I have an orange tab levis 506 and the factory code is 575 left and only 3 numbers date code on the right 059 what month and year is it? Thank you for the response. 🙏
April 1989
@@LootFam thank you so much 🙏🤙
Everything I’ve researched (including this video) says the red batwing tags were only made from 1988 to 1994. However, I have a pair of 501s that are acid wash and have a red batwing tag with 097 as the date code (and 544 as the factory code). I’m assuming 09 is September, but what would the 7 be? If 1988-1994 is correct, it couldn’t be 1987 nor 1997. These 501s (technically 17501s) are high-waisted and acid washed, so my guess would be 1987. This makes me think the red batwing tags must have started in 1987 instead of 1988. Thoughts?
Actually, this video does say that the red bat wing originated in 87. Remember all transitions are fuzzy as they were progressive not all at once. Additionally, sounds like a women’s 501 too. Sweet pair!! Thanks for watching!
@@LootFam I must have misheard, thanks for clarifying! And yes, they are a women's 501 (and coincidentally in my size!). The kicker is they were only $2! :) Another question if you don't mind - what does the 17 in 17501 represent? Thanks for your time and content.
I have a pair of Levi's 550 red tab jeans that have a made in Bangladesh on it, but above at the very top it says OOCCAN1? Wouldn't that mean Canada? Also on the back it has 4Q ' 06 and underneath that to the right a little, it says 07/06? So July 2006 it what it says to me. The back of the button it has 357, and that number is nowhere to be seen. I believe it was made in Canada simply because it says relaxed fit, and under that coupe relax, which makes sense because we are a bilingual country. Does 357 check out for a factory in Bangladesh?
2:38 Just A Correction.
The Small Red Tag Since In 1987 To 1992 & The Same In Black Tag From 1992 To 1993 In Pairs Of Jeans.1994 The Tag Complitly Change.
In The Trucker Jacket Levis Still Makes This Small Tag Early 2000.
On the transitional tag at 10:49 how did you know the date code was 107 and not the 46 adjacent to it?
Helpful video. Thank you!
Mostly from examining many of these tags. That 46 could make sense, but that number isn't always a number that wouldn't make sense as a date. Additionally, Levi's had generally firmly established the use of a three digit date code by this time.
Great info!! Thanks for all your hard work!
Thank you so much for this guide, really helps alot. Could you maybe do the same kinda video on Lee and wrangler labels?
Thanks? I actually have! Check out the playlist “how to date Vintage Clothing” on our channel page.
So I have two orange jeans no number on the button. I’m lost. There are care instructions written on a tag in red but not branded on the tag. Style of jeans are 619 orange tab. Can anyone help?
Sounds like a Canadian pair, but send me some photos to lootfam1@gmail.com and I'll take a look.
Yes both pairs made in Canada! Will email photos I really appreciate that
My 505s say 307 where the date code is. Everything else points to 80s , full code on the back red leather patch . I’m confused by the 307 though.
Didn’t find my tag at first so I was a bit confused but then I realized it was down under the pocket instead and found out that my pair of 501s I thrifted two weeks ago are from July 2008, so not vintage, but still pretty cool
I have a limited edition pair that I'm struggling to identify. A limited run of 370. Can't identify anything from the care tab. Can anyone help? 😢
I can try! Send some photos to lootfam1@gmail.com
Is a Digit code and Date code the same thing? 10:18 So is this tag from Jan 1976?
No, three digit factory codes generally are from the 80s. That's how you would know that the date code should be read as 80s. Some exceptions, but generally true.
Oooh geez….i must not be smart enough, still don’t know what mine are….i don’t get the 3 code? 060. It’s on the black wing tag with 546 before it. Any help?
060 would be June 1990
@@LootFam Thank you! It’s greatly appreciated!
one question, the factory code is always in the left/right (corners aswell) of the date code?
I try to avoid the word "always", haha. But yes, the factory code is nearly always adjacent to the date code. But always try to confirm by using the stamped number on the back of the button.
@@LootFam yea the button helps me know where is the factory code lol
Thank you for sharing this information. It solved some mysteries for me.😂
Super helpful and detailed guide, many thanks
Thanks so very much!!! Really appreciate this awsome video.
What are Levis stapress pants worth, i have 70 to 80 pair, brand new, never worn, with price tags and all tags, believe to be from 70s 7:31
They can be in some cases. Email me some photos at lootfam1@gmail.com
Found a red batwing paper tag like the one at 12:21 but the date code is 077, so would that be 1997 or 87?
My levis 501-0109 button 532. On care tag 532-907. What dated it was?
Truly a great guide!
Can you help please identify Levi’s 630 with orange tag? A think this jeans from 90s or early 2000
Size 36x34 On label:
00630 0210 36X34
002014 4100 2510
247
On button 247 (Turkey)
I can't get it i got a jacket with no numbers on buttons then the other jacket is Frosted its got numbers
I'm still a bit confused about how to read the date code on my jeans. The numbers adjacent to the factory code is '037331'.
There is another '037' at the bottom right end of the tag as well, I'm assuming this is another reference to the date but I'm not sure. Any help would be appreciated.
Yes, it's most likely 037 and that would be March 1987. My guess is that your tag is the transition tag before the red batwing.
@@LootFam Thanks a bunch for getting back to me! yeah, it does look pretty similar to the second transitional tag you showed in video.
The numbers on the back of the top button are nowhere on my care tag. ????
That can happen sometimes. Send me some photos to lootfam1@gmail.com and I can help sort it out.
My care tag is in Japanese and I’m not sure if it’s a 2,3,4 date code,
I just found a perry ellis collard shirt....made by levis🤯 looks 80s, but no usual tags
Really? That’s wild. Shoot me some pics. Really curious.
@LootFam in my search for an example I found a levisXperry ellis chore coat🤤🤤🤤
Thank you, great video! it would be interesting and helpful if you could make a "european tag" version of this too.
Mine are not like any of the tags on here, but I bought then in the 80’s I’m sure! X
Very helpful!
Glad it was helpful!
Okay I’ve watched this more than once but still am not sure of the date of the pair I have lol. I wish I could comment a photo for help!
I got you, email photos to lootfam1@gmail.com.
why my levi's 501 selvedge big e is dated in 93 in care tag?
Might be a Japanese LVC Repro.
Is there a way to date Levi’s Action Slacks using their care tag?
The format should be the same as the ones in the video. If not email me at lootfam1@gmail.com.
@@LootFam I’ll send a picture via email, thanks for the help!
Thanks bro
Thank you!
you didn't say anything about the black batwing tag from the late 90s
2:46 i do mention it. thanks for watching!
Thanks!
Thank you!
Super helpful content for dating vintage Levi’s! Thank you for that! Question for you, you mention in another vid that Levi’s stopped mfg in the US after 1991, correct? When did mfg begin in Mexico? Around the same time or was there simultaneous mfg in other countries? Thanks, again, Jen
@@dasfxllc Levi's stopped all US manufacturing in 2003 but started moving production of some mainline production as early as 1991. They had international production prior to that, but most was for international consumers. This transition really took off after the passing of NAFTA in 94. Mexican production really took off in the late 90s and early 2000s. I'm not aware of a pair produced in mexico prior to 1995.
Need help too on it .
I have a couple pairs of black Levi 501s that have a very similar to the one shown in 12:59. The differences are that the "Made in USA" is on the backside of the tag, there are extra wording on the instructions, and the temperature wash symbol doesn't show 105 degrees. Most importantly, the backside of that tag does not look like the one on 13:03. There doesn't appear to have a factory code or date code on either of the jeans' care tags. In fact, the back of both levi's care tags have the same numbers as well. Do you have advice on how I could date these jeans? Any help in this matter would be greatly appreciated
Send me some photos to lootfam1@gmail.com and I can take a look. Thanks!
Can you help me date a pair of levis? If so, where can I contact you?
Sure! My email is lootfam1@gmail.com
Email sent. Thanks man appreciate you
Did you get the email?
❤
mine is 4503 😭 im so confused
ohhh its week year i think
Yep! I
80s tags still stump me
I’m here for you. ;)
why don't they just stamp the full date instead of these convoluted systems
Great question. I do know that some these codes were considered trade secrets at the time.
my orange tab levis have way more numbers
1:46 cool about the history.
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Way too confusing 😂
I have a confusing date tag. I understand you mentioned the week of the year number and then the year, but my tag seems to either read(if it is the month and year) 08/82….but if it is the week and year it would be the 88th week of 2021…..not possible correct? Definitely not. I will write it out just how it is on my tag.
52408 8 21647 4 with 524 being the factory code on the back of he button. Is this 1982? I cannot think of any other date that it could be unless I am missing a way to read the numbers. It is a red logo tag of made in the USA 501’s. I would appreciate any help you could supply. I am just getting into this and I must say I really like the history, collectibility and niche of American culture.
this was very helpful and informative. thank you.
Thank you!