ST. LOUIS (KTVI) — Levi’s jeans have become a staple in everyday fashion for many consumers. And if you have an old pair sitting in your closet, you may want to check the tag.
Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis paired together to create waist overalls in 1873, or the first pair of blue jeans, according to Levi’s website.
In today’s age, the little red Levi’s tag on the back pocket is in all capital letters, except for the “e.” However, it wasn’t always designed this way.
Up until 1971, the tag on the jeans was made with a capital “E,” and that small detail has played a crucial role in determining whether the jeans are vintage or not. So much of a role that these kinds of pants are being sold on resale websites up to $33,000.
On eBay, most sellers are pricing these jeans anywhere from the hundreds to thousands of dollars—and people are buying. One listing shows a pair of 1955 jeans with the capital “E” sold for $6,000, and several more buying for over $4,000.
But that’s nothing compared to the oldest known pair of Levi’s selling for $100,000 at a New Mexico auction last year.
“Not only are jeans a timeless fashion statement, but they’re also made to last, meaning that even an old pair of jeans can still be of a fantastic quality,” Levi’s said on their website. “Vintage jeans are even better than new jeans, and finding yourself a great vintage pair just proves how long-wearing high-quality denim is.”
To learn more on what the tags mean on your Levi’s jeans, click here.
