Finding the perfect pair of jeans is no easy feat. Finding the perfect vintage jeans is even more challenging. So why do people spend so much time searching for vintage denim (specifically, Levi's)?

For starters, original Levi's wear like jeans are supposed to wear. The quality of the denim is noticeably better than most newer jeans in weight, thickness, and shape. And the fit is flattering in a forever cool kind of way. Basically they are classic and timeless.

Searching for vintage denim is not for the faint of heart, but if you are up to the challenge, check out the below for a bit of guidance.

What To Know Before You Shop

• Vintage denim, unlike most modern denim, rarely has any stretch. Expect to size one-to-two sizes up.

• Vintage Levis will stretch as you wear them, so you’ll want the jeans to fit slightly tight at first.

• Each and every pair will fit differently based on the year it was produced.

• Pricing varies on where the denim was made (the USA is more expensive), how old it is, and how hard it is to source.

• Buying vintage just happens to be eco-friendly. It costs the planet thousands of gallons of water to produce a pair of new jeans, so buying vintage is a no-brainer.

Measure, Measure, Measure

• Always refer to measured sizes instead of marked sizes. Many sellers provide exact measurements of each pair they sell, so it’s essential to know your measurements (waist, inseam, rise, hip) before you start shopping. 

  See below for how to measure. And for best results, use a flexible measuring tape.

1. WAIST

   Measure the distance around the smallest part of the waist, just above the belly button. Relax your stomach before you measure.

2. INSEAM

   Measure the distance on the inside seam from the crotch to the ankle.

3. RISE

   Measure the distance from the crotch to the waist.

4. HIPS

   Measure the distance around the largest part of your hips.

How To Find Vintage Levi’s Online

Here are some key search terms to help you source vintage Levi’s when shopping online.

• Redline Levi’s

• Made in USA Levi’s

• Big E Levi’s

• ‘70s Levi’s

• ‘80s Levi’s

• Vintage Levi’s 501

• Vintage Levi’s 517

  Some of my go-to online shops:

• Jeaniushop

• With Love, Lenny

• eBay Vintage Shop

• Etsy
  
  

MY PICKS

You’d be here forever if I listed off every pair of vintage Levi’s you could potentially buy. So simply put: stick to 501s, 505’s, or 517s. They are universally flattering and have a timeless appeal.

Levi’s 501

• FIT: Button fly, straight leg, mid-rise

• Pricing varies tremendously on age and condition.

• Gives a good bum. Here’s how. The back panel of fabric on 501s is cut wider than the front panel, which allows the fabric to fully wrap around your rear giving it a nice lift.

Levi’s 517

• FIT: Zip fly, boot-cut (subtle flair), mid to high-rise

• This style is harder to find and so often commands a higher price.

• The boot cut can give the illusion of a very flattering elongated shape. The zip front is less bulky than the classic button fly.

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