Freestylin\\\’

The transition into spring will bring some of our favorite looks out of the closet. Nothing is as cool as a great pair of denim jeans, ready for any season. Vintage Levi’s are interesting to me. I’m not a vintage jeans fanatic, but I do see the treasure hunt for rare authentic pieces to be interesting. How is one able to tell that the pair of Levi’s found at a secondhand shop could be old enough to have adorned James Dean?

How to spot vintage Levi’s:
1.) Levi stopped printing their brand name in capital letters in 1971. Those shopping for vintage Levi jeans should check the label for what collectors call “The Big E”.

2.) The 1955 Levi’s use Scovill zippers. Even Levi’s own vintage reproduction jeans do not use these zippers.

3.) Offset belt loop as seen on 501xx models 1950-66

4.) Hidden copper rivet used on 501xx models 1937-66

5.) Suspender buttons on pre war s501xx, used 1922-36

6.) Redline selvage and heavy chainstitch cuff used until 1983

You can’t get more classic than boasting a pair of vintage Levis. While Levi’s currently has a stylish 2008 Spring/Summer collection, you can still find the real deal out there.

Once you’ve snagged a pair of delicious vintage denim, it’s time to dress it up! Play with the classic tank and jeans look by choosing a ribbed tank in a bright color in time for spring (maybe American Apparel’s 3308 in Grass), or a pair of sneakers in a playful vibe. Or just Ebay it. You can make a killing on a good pair.