How do I tell if my jeans are vintage?
Check the details, then the date. AMO Denim sells new jeans styled after vintage, so this guide is for the secondhand pair in your closet. On Levi's, a red tab with a capital E means before 1971, and a care tag points to the 1970s or later. Look for a selvedge edge on the outseam, a single stitch inseam, a chain stitch hem and copper rivets. Fading at the seat, knees and pockets suggests real wear. Fabric helps too: vintage pairs are usually 100% cotton.
Reproductions copy many of these signs, so no single detail proves age. If you'd rather skip the guesswork, try Marcenia Boot in Splendor from the Vintage Inspired Jeans collection, or read about vintage wash jeans.
