Authentic Levi's jackets increase in value as they age. So being able to determine the age of a Levi's jacket can be helpful if you are interested in buying one from a garage sale or thrift store and then reselling it online. The stitching, patches and red Levi's tag are all indicators of how old a Levi's Jacket is.
Examine the stitching around the waistline of the Levi's jacket. If you see only a single layer of stitching near the bottom button hole, the jacket was made between the mid-1960s and 1971. Double-stitching in this area was available only after 1971.
Find the red Levi's tab. Levi's made earlier than 1971 feature a big "E" in the word "Levi's." Newer versions feature only a capital "L"; all other letters are lowercase.
Check for pleats. Levi's jackets from the 1940s and earlier have a front pleat on either side of the center buttons. You may not find a red tab at all on these early jackets, but the pleating will help date the garment.
Count the number of pockets. Jackets from the 1940s only have one pocket, and it's on the breast. Newer Levi's jackets have four pockets: Two breast pockets and two side pockets are on Levi's jackets from the mid 1980s to the 21st century.
Look for two front pockets and double pleats in the front on either side of the center buttons as well as a red Levi's tab featuring a capital "E." This second-edition jacket is highly sought after. It was made between the 1940s and the late 1950s.