Jeans wouldn’t be here without Levi’s, and if its founders were around today, they would surely be proud to see their creation become a timeless classic.
But why did Levi’s start making jeans in the first place? And what is it about Levi’s that makes them so special, anyway?
Keep reading to learn all about Levi’s and the fascinating facts surrounding this iconic denim jeans brand!
Levi’s was founded in San Francisco in 1853 by German immigrant Levi Strauss. The brand initially sold dry goods before Levi and tailor Jacob Davis invented and sold durable denim jeans for manual labor workers, like miners, in 1873.
Denim jeans were initially referred to as “waist overalls” by the founders of Levi’s.
Every year on Levi’s celebrates “501 Day” to commemorate the brand’s patent for its first denim jeans, the 501 jeans, which was granted in 1873.
One of the unique traits of Levi’s jeans was the copper rivets, which prevented the jeans from ripping. Rivets are still seen on Levi’s jeans today, but they’re primarily for looks, thanks to modern sewing techniques.
In 1936, Levi’s added a tab to the back pocket of its jeans, distinguishing its products from competitors who had begun producing similar blue jeans.
Levi’s became popular worldwide thanks to WWII, as members of the US military wore them while stationed overseas. Civilians around the world saw the iconic blue jeans and wanted a pair of their own!
The NFL 49ers’ home stadium is the Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco, California. It has a seating capacity of 68,500 and has hosted major events, such as WWE’s Wrestlemania 31 and Super Bowl 50.
Before 1922, jeans were held up by suspenders. That all changed, though, when Levi’s became the first brand to include belt loops in its 501 jeans.
The double-arched stitched patterns on the back pockets of Levi’s jeans are called arcuates. They’re not just decorative, too, as they help keep the pocket’s lining in place.
Levi’s was called the “Two Horse Brand” up until 1928. Their logo matched their name, depicting two trying (and failing) to pull apart a pair of their jeans.
In 1934, Levi’s launched Lady Levi’s jeans, expanding its customer base. It wasn’t until 1981 that Levi’s finally created a women’s version of the classic 501 jeans.
Levi’s has been a leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS since 1982, pioneering workplace education, policy change, and global advocacy efforts.
The original 501 jeans featured four pockets: two in front, one in the back, and a small pocket on the right front. A second back pocket was then added in 1901.
If you’ve ever wondered what the small “fifth” pocket of your Levi’s was for, wonder no more – it was designed to hold a pocket watch!
