Levi Strauss & Co. has been producing high-quality jeans for over a century, making it one of the most iconic and influential brands in the world. However, as is the case with any popular fashion label, counterfeit versions are abundant and can be found everywhere from street vendors to online marketplaces. If you want to ensure that your investment is genuine, here are four ways to spot fake Levi’s jeans.

1. Inspect the Red Tab

One of the most recognizable features of a pair of authentic Levi’s jeans is the red tab sewn into the seam of the right back pocket. When examining this detail, look for subtle differences in quality and design. Genuine red tabs should feature white lettering – either uppercase “LEVI’S” or a lowercase “Levi’s” with a registered trademark symbol (®) alongside it. Counterfeit jeans might have inconsistent lettering, missing trademark symbols, or imperfect stitching around the red tab.

2. Check the Back Patch

The back patch, usually made from leather or a leatherlike material, is another key feature to examine when identifying fake Levi’s. Authentic patches will have their size and style number embossed on them along with the phrase “ORIGINAL RIVETED” and “QUALITY CLOTHING.” On genuine jeans, the patch will also bear an accurate representation of the Levi’s logo – two horses pulling apart a pair of pants. Fake patches might display different phrases or misspelled words, incorrect fonts, or poor-quality images.

3. Assess Pocket Stitching

The iconic arcuate stitching pattern found on the back pockets of a pair of Levi’s jeans should be double-stitched in an accurate and symmetrical manner using golden-orange thread. The thread color may vary slightly based on denim wash but will never be yellow or light orange. Counterfeit jeans may have irregular stitching patterns – experiencing loose threads or unraveling, for example – or completely different designs.

4. Verify the Inner Labels

Genuine Levi’s jeans will have a white inner label displaying the size, style number, and care instructions beneath the back patch. The label should also showcase the Levi’s logo and mention that the jeans are made from Cone Mills fabric. Alongside this label, there should be a small additional tag with warranty information. Counterfeit jeans may have missing labels, labels with different details or placed in other locations such as the inside seam of the jeans, or labels in different colors.

By following these four tips, you can feel more confident in your ability to spot fake Levi’s jeans and make smarter purchasing decisions. Be careful when buying from unauthorized sellers or sources offering significant discounts to avoid falling victim to counterfeits. Instead, stick to reputable retailers or official Levi’s stores for a guarantee on quality and authenticity.