By Hemant Sharma Levi’s is one of the most iconic denim brands in the world. Known for its quality, durability, and timeless style, Levi’s jeans are a wardrobe essential for millions. However, due to its popularity, counterfeit Levi’s products have flooded the market, making it difficult for buyers to distinguish between original and fake jeans. Buying an imitation not only wastes money but also robs you of the comfort and longevity that authentic Levi’s guarantees.
If you’re planning to purchase a new pair, here’s a detailed guide on how to identify original Levi’s jeans.
Check the Levi’s Red Tab
The red tab stitched onto the right back pocket is one of the most recognizable features of Levi’s jeans. Original Levi’s jeans usually have “LEVI’S” written in white letters on the red tab, with the ‘E’ being capitalized. In some collections, you may also find tabs with just the ® symbol (known as blank red tabs), which are also genuine. Fake jeans often misspell the brand name, use lowercase letters, or have poor stitching quality on the tab.
Inspect the Leather Patch
At the back of every Levi’s jean, near the waistline, you’ll find the two-horse leather patch. This patch is more than just a design element; it represents the brand’s heritage and strength. On original Levi’s jeans, the patch is clear, embossed properly, and contains accurate details such as:
- The Levi’s logo.
- The phrase “Original Riveted.”
- The size and waist information.
Fake products often use low-quality material for the patch, and the printing or embossing may look faded, blurry, or incorrect.
Look at the Rivets and Buttons
Levi’s jeans use high-quality metal rivets and buttons that usually carry the Levi’s branding. For example, the front button typically has “Levi Strauss & Co” engraved on it. Similarly, the rivets are durable, perfectly round, and well-finished. Counterfeit jeans often have plain or poorly engraved buttons and flimsy rivets that do not match the brand’s standards.
Examine the Inside Tag
Authentic Levi’s jeans include care labels stitched inside the waistband or pocket area. These tags contain important information such as the style number, size, wash care instructions, and country of manufacture. The print is clear, durable, and does not fade easily after washing. In fake jeans, the inside tags are often missing, poorly printed, or contain spelling mistakes.
Stitching Quality
Levi’s jeans are known for their precise and durable stitching. The most famous feature is the “Arcuate” design on the back pockets – a double arch pattern stitched in golden or yellow thread. Genuine Levi’s jeans have clean, symmetrical, and sturdy stitching, while fake ones often have uneven, messy, or loose threads.
Serial Number Verification
Every original Levi’s jean has a unique style number (often starting with 5 or 7) printed on the inner label. You can cross-check this number with Levi’s official website or store catalogs. If the number doesn’t match or looks random, the jeans are likely counterfeit.
Feel the Fabric
Original Levi’s jeans are crafted from premium quality denim that feels sturdy yet comfortable. The fabric is neither too thin nor overly soft in new jeans. Counterfeit jeans often use cheap, lightweight fabric that loses shape quickly and feels different to the touch.
Buy from Authorized Stores
One of the most reliable ways to ensure authenticity is to purchase from Levi’s official stores, authorized retailers, or the official Levi’s website. Online marketplaces may have sellers offering fake products at low prices, so always verify the seller’s credibility before purchasing.
Conclusion
Identifying original Levi’s jeans requires attention to details such as the red tab, leather patch, stitching, buttons, rivets, and care tags. Genuine Levi’s products maintain a consistent standard of quality, durability, and design that counterfeit products fail to replicate. By keeping these tips in mind and buying only from trusted sources, you can confidently invest in authentic Levi’s jeans that will last for years.