April 28, 2008
Levi's Jeans - Vintage or Reproduction?
Levi Strauss & Co. has found a lucrative niche in their 100-year-old clothing line -reproduction jeans.
Levi's® newest addition to their line is the 1966 646™ bell bottoms as seen on vintage maven Nicole Richie. Levi takes selvage, dead stock fabric and manufactures a whole line based on the original 1966 pattern. The new/old line of jeans retails for $78-$154 and comes in two colors.
However, a quick search on eBay reveals that original vintage Levi's® 646™ bell bottoms have sold for as little as $17.99 up to $170, with a few pairs being new-old stock.
As much as I love vintage clothing, sometimes I am in favor of reproductions because clothing from very early decades is impossible to find in good condition or in wearable sizes. But I am torn about the 1966 646™ bell bottom Levis, which truthfully are more of a flare than a bell bottom. Do you think it's better to buy them new or vintage?
(Photo © levisstore.com)
Posted by Sandra at April 28, 2008 5:00 AM
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Comments (9)
Old. I know it's more difficult to find them in nice condition, but being able to have a jean that was made on the bias and when people took the time to produce something of quality will always end up being better in the long run, please if you can put them in a saved search on ebay, you could them for a steal.
Posted on May 4, 2008 12:27
go for the vintage they are so much better made..
Posted on June 30, 2008 19:16
I have two pair of big bell pants . they have a zipper and are in almost new condistion . I put them away in 1974 , or so . are these worth anything
Posted on September 16, 2008 17:24
Hi Chris.
They might be. My best suggestion would be to do Google search for 70s bell bottoms and search eBay as well. The condition would be important to denim collectors or fashionistas wanting a very authentic look.
Good luck!
Posted on September 16, 2008 19:11
Good afternoon,
I have used your site often gleaning information concerning vintage Levis. As of yesterday I presumed I could tell the difference between original and reproduction Levis.
I've chanced upon a pair of Lot 551 ZXX and I was wondering if you could help me with there identification? I will describe them to the best of my ability.
Lot 551 ZXX
Bid E
Redline
Single stitch on both rear pockets and coin pocket
Button is stamped K
There are no labels of any kind
Gripper zipper
V stitch
Back belt loop is slightly off center
Bar tacks
Hidden rivets of back pockets
These are very well made jeans in outstanding condition. They have not been re-hemmed. I will send images if you give my your email address. . I appreciate any help you can give me or if you know of anyone who could be of assistance.
Regards, Ron
Posted on February 7, 2009 11:54
Hi Ron.
Your jeans sound very cool. Due to the overwhelming demand for identification help, I had to make this a service I provide. Check out the link in the upper right corner titled Services.
If this doesn't suit you, you can try the message boards on Ebay. They can be helpful.
Best of luck with your jeans!
Posted on February 7, 2009 12:14
Hi-- Does Levi still make a replica 646 vintage jean in mens? and if so where can i find them?
Posted on February 26, 2009 09:29
Hi John.
I don't believe Levi is making them anymore. You might try Ebay though.
Posted on February 27, 2009 17:14
I say go vintage it's so much more environmentally friendly.
Posted on December 12, 2009 17:04