Vintage Levi’s Stand for More than Fashion
Levi’s Jeans are without question one of the most recognizable brands in clothing and fashion history. Originally found in 1853, there is plenty of history to be found in some of the antique jeans recovered from long ago. 
Now a new niche has developed for colleting these stylish time capsules. There are thousands of denim collectors worldwide who scan everything from eBay to old homes looking for preserved pairs of antique jeans. While it can be time consuming to sort through all of the old clothes, the right discovery can pay big dividends.
But before you try to cash in on this new hobby, there are some things to know about the collectible jean market. Here are some basic tips to get your started.
- Levi’s Jeans are defined by their buckles, buttons, inseams and tags. These are the areas a collector will inspect to determine authenticity and age.
- Old jeans (Pre-1940) are known to have features such as:
- A buckle across the back of the jeans.
- Have Levi’s spelled with a capital E (LEvi’s) on the famous red tag.
- Double-stitching patterns are also found exclusively on old jeans.
- Some pieces made during World War II don’t have stitching around pockets.
These are just some of the unique features that separate vintage Levi’s from the more modern examples. Depending on how old a particular piece is, it can fetch thousands of dollars on the collectible market. Fueling these prices is the demand for fashionable vintage. Even a rather ordinary pair of jeans from the seventies can be sold for hundreds of dollars to a young person looking of authenticity.
All in all, the vast history and popularity of Levi’s jeans make some of their older fashions very collectible. Many people are entertained by the evolution of blue jeans and this makes rare pairs very desirable.
So before you throw everything away from grandma’s old closet, take the time to look at the jeans. You never know what an old pair of Levi’s will be worth.
What Makes Vintage Jeans Hot
Vintage denim is on fire right now, and most of the major clothing outfitters have begun to produce their own line of replica vintage. So what is all of the fuss about? For the connoisseurs there is not substitute for a well-worn pair of jeans. As denim ages is become softer and more form fitting. These clothes seem to become one with body, making for an incredibly comfortable fit.
But it is not all about comfort that drives this fashion statement. We all like to add some creativity and prowess to our fashion motifs and this is where vintage clothes can deliver a powerful message. The simple fact is that old jeans are rare jeans, and this translates into a uniqueness and individuality that you simply can find at your local mega-mall. Fashion has always been about creativity, and by dipping into the past you can paint a complete picture of yourself that no one can copy.
There is another element to vintage jeans shopping that cannot be recreated at modern retail outlets. That is the thrill of the search. Vintage shoppers are accustomed to having to squeeze, pull, and pry there way into clothes that almost fit. This is the price a true hunter will pay for the allure of classic style. Sure you can choose from a zillion different sizes on retail racks, but anyone can have those. A rare find of the perfect vintage jeans is a call of destiny…not just a credit card.
So why have vintage jeans become so desirable? The formula is quite simple. They are comfortable, unique, and hard to find. They create their own market demand by being hard to obtain. Of course the big retailers will always have a substitute, but only those who experience vintage denim will ever know the difference.
