Which denim brand introduced its copper-riveted waist overalls in 1873?

Levi Strauss & Co. introduced its copper-riveted waist overalls in 1873.

Levi Strauss and tailor Jacob Davis received a United States patent on May 20, 1873, for reinforcing pockets and other stress points with copper rivets. The invention addressed a practical problem: work trousers often tore at their pockets and seams under heavy use.

The original patented garment was called waist overalls, a term commonly used before “jeans” became standard in the United States. Levi Strauss supplied the fabric and business backing, while Davis contributed the rivet-based construction idea.

Modern shoppers often call the famous product Levi’s 501s, but the patent covered riveted clothing rather than the later 501 name specifically. The company’s two-horse logo and red tab were introduced later as branding features, not as part of the original patent.