We have...

Been innovating

since the birth of the blue jean in 1873.

Throughout our long history, we’ve inspired change in the marketplace, the workplace and the world. Take a look at some of our proudest heritage moments.

We've inspired change

1829 - The birth of Levi Strauss

Levi Strauss is born in Buttenheim, Bavaria.

After working with his brothers in their dry goods wholesale business in New York City, Levi emigrates to Gold Rush San Francisco. He opens his own dry goods business to serve the small general stores of the American West.

1853 - Levi Strauss & Co. Is Founded in San Francisco, CA

1854 - Levi Strauss donates to the community

Levi Strauss donates $5 to a SF orphanage and begins the company’s tradition of sharing its prosperity with the community.

1873 - Blue Jeans
are born

Levi Strauss & Co. and Jacob Davis receive a U.S. patent for an "Improvement in Fastening Pocket-Openings." By adding metal rivets to work pants, which would be known as blue jeans, they created stronger pants for working men.

The Two Horse Trademark depicts two horses attempting to pull apart a pair of Levi's® waist overalls. The logo symbolized the strength of the clothing in the face of competition.

1886 - Introducing the Two Horse Trademark

1890 - Lot Numbers are Assigned

Lot numbers are assigned to products and for the first time, "501® " denoted our thenhighest quality jeans.

1934 - Introducing
Lady Levi's®

Levi Strauss & Co. introduced the first blue jeans for women.

In order to differentiate our products from competitors, the Red Tab is added to the right back pocket of the 501® jean, where it is still placed today.

1936 - The First Use

of Red Tab

1965 - International
Division is Formed

By the 1960s, the popularity of jeans, jackets and other Levi’s® products lead the company to set up offices and factories throughout Europe and Asia.

Employee donations at the Kaposi Sarcoma clinic at San Francisco General Hospital are matched by the Levi Strauss Foundation. The following year, support groups for HIV+ employees are formed at our headquarters.

1982 - LS&Co. Responds to the Growing AIDS Crisis

We are the first multinational apparel company to launch a comprehensive code of conduct for all contract factories and licensees.

The Terms of Engagement set out ethical standards, legal and environmental requirements, community involvement and standards to address child and forced labor, disciplinary practices, working hours, wages and benefits, freedom of association, discrimination, and health and safety.

1991 - T.O.E Established

2003 - Levi Strauss Signature Launches

Known today as Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™, the brand serves shoppers at mass-channel retail stores, giving value-oriented consumers access to products from a company with a heritage of high-quality jeanswear.

The innovation lab is a research and development facility dedicated to design ideation and prototyping.

2013 - Our Eureka Innovation Lab Opens

2015 - We Launch Our Screened Chemistry Program

The industry-leading program examines the health and environmental impacts of chemicals to identify safer alternatives and areas for innovation.

The 700 series is inspired by the original 1934 women’s blue jeans Lot 701. The pants include additional stretch along with authentic elements like the Two-Horse Design patch.

2015 - Levi’s® New Women’s Denim Collection Launches Globally

2016 - We Open Source Pioneering Programs

We opened up our Screened Chemistry, Water<Less® and Worker Well-being programs to the greater industry in hopes of making a greater impact on the planet and those who work in the apparel supply chain.

Designed for the urban commuter, Jacquard technology woven into this Levi’s® jacket lets you access your music, navigation and communications such as texts and calls with the swipe of your sleeve.

2017 - The Levi’s® Commuter™ Trucker Jacket With Jacquard™ Debuts

2018 - Levi Strauss & Co. introduces Project F.L.X.

Project F.L.X. digitizes denim finish design and development, and enables a responsive and sustainable supply chain at an unparalleled scale.

2023 - 150th Anniversary

Levi’s® celebrates the 150th anniversary of the 501® Original.