The Not-So-Secret Code on Your Levi's Jeans Button
Levi's jeans are a unique product, often considered the gold standard that many new denim brands aspire to be. One detail that frequently sparks curiosity among denim enthusiasts is the number stamped on the back of the top button. What do these numbers mean? Let's clear up a common misconception: while some people believe these codes are an anti-counterfeiting measure, that's only partially true. The primary purpose of these codes is much simpler.
What the Numbers Mean
The number stamped on the back of the top button of your Levi's jeans is a factory code. It specifically identifies the manufacturing plant where your jeans were made. You'll find these numbers on almost every pair of Levi's jeans (sometimes a button may lack a stamp, which can happen if the production step was skipped).
How to Verify the Code
To verify the factory code on the button, you need to check the "care instruction tag" sewn into the inside seam of your jeans. The number on the back of the button should match the number on this care tag. For example, the care tag on an older pair of Levi's might indicate it was made in November 1974 with a button code number 6, pointing to a specific factory in the United States.
Decoding Your Levi's
Cross-referencing the button code with the care tag helps you identify the origin of your Levi's jeans. While there isn't a complete public list of all factory codes, collectors and enthusiasts often compile and share this information online.
Do you have a specific Levi's button code you're curious about or want to know more about dating vintage Levi's?
| No. | Made in | List of Levi's factory button stamping factory codes |
| 1 | USA |
A, D, E, J, K, L, O, R, S, W, 1, 2, 4, 5, B05, 6, 8, 8G, 9, 10, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19M, 20, 23, 52, 94, 231, 233M, 242, 298, 311, 337, 379, 501, 511, 512, 513, 515, 517, 520, 521, 522, 523, 524, 524M, 525, 526, 527, 529, 532, 541, 544, 546, 546M, 549, 552, 553, 554, 555, 558, 563, 571, 575, 581, 581M, 643, 653, 777, 4170, 4420 |
| 2 | Australia | 341 |
| 3 | Bangladesh | 3250, 3440, 3937, 4582 |
| 4 | Belgium | 266 |
| 5 | Brazil | 662 |
| 6 | Cambodia | 652, 689, 689M, 748 |
| 7 | Canada | 121, 212, 216, 217 |
| 8 | China | 3269, 3496 |
| 9 | Colombia | 652, 689, 689M, 748 |
| 10 | Dominican | 110, 333, 333M, 4323 |
| 11 | Egypt | 435, 889, 3757, 4649, 4985, 4757 |
| 12 | El Salvador | 134 |
| 13 | England | 211,299, 311 |
| 14 | France | 275 |
| 15 | Guatemala | 342, 977 |
| 16 | Haiti | 267, 267M, 4355, 4384 |
| 17 | Hungary | 252 |
| 18 | Hong Kong | H90 |
| 19 | Indonesia | 3245 |
| 20 | Italy | 101, 116, 1197, |
| 21 | Japan | J02, J22, J38, J39, 3012, 3015, 3029 |
| 22 | Korea | K37, K91 |
| 23 | Lesotho | 450, 499, 3405 |
| 24 | Malta | M41, M43 |
| 25 | Mexico | 104, 104M, 125, 159M, 178M, 230, 493, 647, 989, 4001, 4032, 4090, 4093, 4996 |
| 26 | Morocco | M74/528 |
| 27 | Nicaragua | 4460 |
| 28 | Pakistan | 092, P44, 0114, 4309, 4311, 8520 |
| 29 | Puerto Rico | 918 |
| 30 | Philippines | P85, 359, 666, 999, 1300, 3071, 3073, 3074 |
| 31 | Portugal | P30 |
| 32 | Poland | 273 |
| 33 | Spain | 292, 295 |
| 34 | Sri Lanka | 117, 906, 3449, 4403 |
| 35 | Thailand | T15, 5166 |
| 36 | Tunisia | T27, T31, T34, 063 |
| 37 | Turkey | T01, T99, 034, 247, 3813, 4006, 4016, 4649, 4896, 4983, 5504 |
| 38 | UK | 211, 299, 311, U10 |
| 39 | Vietnam | V23,V |
How to Find Out Where Your Levi's Jeans Were Made
Curious about where your Levi's were manufactured? It's easier than you think! The key is to check the care instruction tag sewn into the inside seam of your jeans.
For newer Original Levi's:
For Levi's Original jeans made recently, the care tag will clearly state the country of manufacture, usually starting with "Made in..." followed by the country. Additionally, you will find the factory's code number listed on this tag. You can then reference this number with the code stamped on the back of the main button to ensure they match.
For vintage Levi's:
If you have an older or vintage pair of Levi's, the process is similar. The care instruction tag, also found in the inside seam, will display the manufacturing factory's code number. This number should correspond with the code stamped on the back of your jeans' top button.
By comparing these two numbers, you can confidently determine the factory and country where your beloved Levi's were made!
