Levi's Big E Late 1960s Selvedge Jeans, Uneven V, Red Line Cuffs, Faded Indigo, Approx. W27

A late Big E era Levi's jean with selvedge red-line cuffs, uneven V stitching at the waistband and the softly faded, repaired character of a pair that has been worn for decades.

The Piece

The Big E tab, with LEVI'S woven in capitals, was used until the early 1970s, and the last years of that run are prized as the final era of the classic selvedge 501 before the small e and later changes. Uneven V stitching at the waistband is another construction detail that collectors look for in pairs of this age.

This pair shows the capital E red tab on the right back pocket, a button fly with stamped buttons, selvedge with a clean red line at the turned-up cuffs and chain-stitched hems. The lot number is not visible, so we describe it as a late Big E five-pocket rather than assign a model. The denim has worn to a mid indigo with high fades at the thighs and front pockets.

There are many signs of use and repair: darned areas at the thighs and seat, fraying around the coin pocket, and wear inside at the rise, all shown in the photographs. It remains a characterful example at an approachable level.

Measures about a 27 inch waist with a 68 cm inseam.

Details

• Designer: Levi Strauss & Co.
• Season: Late 1960s to early 1970s, Big E era
• Model / ref: Big E five-pocket, model not confirmed
• Material: Cotton selvedge denim
• Colour: Faded indigo
• Made in: USA
• Tagged size: No size label, approx. W27
• Measurements: Waist 68 cm (34 cm flat) · Hip 46 cm flat · Rise 31 cm · Inseam 68 cm
• Included: Jeans only

Condition

• Vintage with heavy wear and many repairs, priced accordingly.
• Darned repairs at the thighs, seat and inside the rise.
• Fraying around the coin pocket and front pocket edges.
• Fading, marks and wear throughout.
• Model number not confirmed.

Condition grade C on the Japanese scale; see Japanese condition ranks, explained.

Authenticity & Care

The labels, materials, stitching, hardware and construction are examined together and documented in Japan before dispatch; anything that cannot be confirmed is stated plainly in the description. Every piece carries the Japonista authenticity guarantee. Hand wash in cold water and line dry to protect the darned areas.

Delivery from Japan

Packed by hand in Japan and shipped insured and tracked by EMS or an equivalent express service. Import duties and taxes, where applicable, are payable on arrival. Every sale is final; please ask anything before you buy, and see our published policy.

Every figure above is taken by hand with the pair laid flat, in centimetres. Measure jeans or trousers that already fit you the same way and allow a centimetre or two of margin, the quiet safeguard on a final sale. Our jeans and trousers size guide reads waist and inseam in inches and centimetres, and for anything it leaves open the curator team replies within one Tokyo business day.

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