How to Determine the Age of a Vintage Levi’s Corduroy Jacket

Many people have a love for vintage Levi’s jackets. You can find them in thrift stores or in specialized vintage clothing shops. There are several factors that can help you determine a jacket’s age, including its production details and the history of denim in general. There are also some things you can do to enhance your chances of finding a jacket of interest.

The first thing to look for is a label. A label that has a large letter on the front and a small letter on the back indicates that the jacket was made in the mid-70s or early-80s. The labels used from 1967-68 are worth more, but a label from a later time period is still a good bet. The “70505-0217” label is an especially rare issue, and is worth up to $500.

Other details that can tell you the age of your jacket are its pocket flaps and buttons. Pocket flaps and cinch back sliders were introduced in the late 1940s. They are not a common feature on jackets from the 1970s or later. However, they can be a sign that your jacket is older than 1984. If your jacket has side pockets, there are chances it was made before this era. You can also check out the buttons to see if they are standard or donut style. The donut button was a signature design that was used during World War II to conserve metal. It was stamped with the signature Levi’s logo, and some buttons were left bare.

The best way to tell a Type III jacket’s age is to inspect the jacket closely. If your jacket has a bronze cinch back slider, it is likely to date from the late 1940s or 1947. The “silver cinch back slider” – a more modern option – is a different story. If your jacket has a donut button, it may be a reissue from the 1930s, but it’s not a guarantee. The buttons on a vintage Levi’s jacket may have silver, bronze, or even gold.

A jacket’s main thread color may be lemon yellow, but the actual main thread isn’t. The thread is actually a pigment dyed corduroy, and the color becomes softer over time. The best bet is to take a garment to an expert who specializes in vintage garments for appraisal. A lower wale count means thicker wales. This can vary from 1.5 to 21 wales per inch. It’s also a good idea to look for a double row stitching adjacent to the buttonhole.

Aside from the red tab and the aforementioned buttons, there are other features that may indicate a vintage Levi’s jacket. These are often more difficult to identify. Some are less obvious, like the slit on the side of the collar. The design on your jacket may also be the real deal. Aside from that, you’ll need to consider a jacket’s size to ensure it fits you. If it fits your measurements, you’re a winner!