Levi's products are in great demand in the market and, depending on the model and year of production, are found at very high prices in stores. Unfortunately, many of the products are replicas passed on and sold as originals to unsuspecting consumers. Even if you buy your pieces from an official store or a thrift store, it's a good idea to check your jeans before buying to ensure authenticity!
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Checking the Red Tag on the Back
Step 1. Find a small red tag in the back right pants pocket
This label is found on most Levi's pants and has become a manufacturer's brand around the world. It's a good starting point for identifying a Levi's product as genuine or fake.
All original parts have this label, but some products may have one in different colors such as yellow, white or green
Step 2. Check the seam of the label
A badly sewn seam that looks tampered with is a sign that it may be fake. Some illegal factories cut or remake this label and sew it back onto another product, making it look like the original.
Step 3. Note 'The big E' on the label
The capital letter 'E' in the logo can only be found in original pieces before 1971. Doubt pieces sold as post-1971 and that have this characteristic, as they are likely to be fakes.
1 in every 100 pants will only have the 'trademark' instead of the Levi's logo, because when the machine needs to have the tape changed, the first pieces only receive the label, without the printed logo
Method 2 of 4: Identifying the Levi's Waist Tag
Step 1. Check the high-end leather stitching on the waist of the garment
This piece of leather is another means of identifying the original pairs and tends to be constant in most products. Despite having rare variations, they will all be similar.
The leather color will be standard on all garments, it is neither too light nor too dark and the brand logo will not fade when placed in the washing machine
Step 2. Look for any irregularities or errors in the print
The model/style, waist size and leg length will always be printed on the black leather. This is because the factory produces the plain paper label first and then these details are printed individually on each piece. Crooked designs or spelling errors indicate counterfeit parts.
The design of the leather design has changed over the years. If comparing two different pieces, check if they are from the same period
Step 3. Feel the texture of the leather
An authentic material will have a specific texture, smooth and a little worn. It shouldn't be too smooth or too hard, as many counterfeiters use cheap leather or a substitute. If the material appears to be coated or has a laminated texture, this could be an indication that it is a copy.
Method 3 of 4: Inspecting the Details
Step 1. Look at the details on the buttons
The top button has a well-crafted copper or silver finish and does not fade with age. Although the design has changed over the years, they will always have “LEVI STRAUSS & CO” embossed on the front and a 3- or 4-digit number (code) on the back. This number should match what is printed on the white fabric label inside the pants. The absence of this code indicates forgery.
On newer models this number is 3 or 4 digits long, but on older models this may vary
Step 2. Check the overall quality of the fabric
Levi’s has a high standard of quality. Any defect in the stitching or metal parts may indicate a forgery or a factory defect, and will need to be returned to the store for inspection.
Step 3. Look for company initials on the rivets
They will have ‘LS & CO prints. S. F.’ inside and out, and stands for Levi Strauss and Co. San Francisco. Look out for parts with smooth rivets or with variants.
Method 4 of 4: Avoid Buying Fake Levi's
Step 1. Search for official stores near you
The Levi’s website offers a list of accredited stores and outlets near your location, and shopping at these stores is the best way to ensure that your product is 100% original. Buying from non-accredited stores increases the risk of purchasing a fake product.
Step 2. Search online retailers and see if the products are legitimate
As many copies are sold over the internet, do a research about the store and read the reviews and ratings. This is a good way to know if the dealer is trustworthy.
Keep an eye out for stores that have only good reviews or that appear to be automated
Step 3. Doubt prices too good to be true
Although many stores carry out offers and promotions, very low prices should be a reason for distrust. Research the model and style you are looking for and estimate how much it actually costs. Even if the price varies from store to store, it must always be in the same range.
Step 4. Ask for the original receipt
When buying used goods, at thrift stores or bazaars, ask for the original receipt from when the part was purchased by the former owner. Most people don't keep the store bill, but it's a good way to tell if the product was originally purchased from an authorized and trusted store.