Red is the color used for the famous Levi’s Tab introduced in 1936.
Levi Strauss & Co. introduced the red Tab in 1936 as a way to distinguish its jeans from competitors. The small fabric label was sewn into the edge of a back pocket, where it could be seen even when the larger waistband patch was hidden or removed.
The Tab became one of the most recognizable trademarks in denim. Its appearance has varied, including differences in wording, capitalization, and whether the company name is fully spelled out. Vintage labels therefore require attention to the exact era and garment.
The red Tab is not the same as Levi’s orange stitching. Red identifies the small pocket label, while orange thread is commonly used in the garment’s seams and decorative stitching. Both details contribute to the brand’s visual identity.