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.
1853 – Levi Strauss & Co. is Founded in San Francisco
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.
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, later known as blue jeans, they created stronger pants for working men.
1886 – Levi Strauss & Co. Introduces the Two Horse Trademark
The Two Horse Trademark depicts two horses attempting to pull apart a pair of Levi's® waist overalls. The logo symbolizes the strength of the clothing in the face of competition.
1934 – Lady Levi's® Are Born
Levi Strauss & Co. introduces the first blue jeans for women.
1936 – The First Use of Red Tab
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.
1965 – Levi Strauss & Co. Forms International Division
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.
1982 – Levi Strauss & Co. Responds to the Growing AIDS Crisis
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.
1991 – Levi Strauss & Co. Establishes the T.O.E
We are the first multinational apparel company to launch a comprehensive code of conduct for all contract factories and licensees. The Terms of Engagement, later known as the Supplier Code of Conduct, 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.
2003 – Levi Strauss Signature Launches
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.
2013 – The Eureka Innovation Lab Opens
The innovation lab is a research and development facility dedicated to design ideation and prototyping.
2014 – Levi’s® Stadium Opens
The stadium kicks off a decades-long partnership with the San Francisco 49ers football team, another iconic Bay Area brand.
2015 – Levi Strauss & Co. Launches Screened Chemistry Program
The industry-leading program examines the health and environmental impacts of chemicals to identify safer alternatives and areas for innovation.
2015 – Levi’s® New Women’s Denim Collection Launches Globally
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.
2016 – Levi Strauss & Co. Open Sources Pioneering Programs
We open 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.
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.
2019 – IPO
Levi Strauss & Co. goes public with the ticker symbol “LEVI.” It is the second time the company went public in its history.
2021 – Beyond Yoga® Acquisition
Levi Strauss & Co. acquires the athletic and lifestyle brand to build on our growing women’s business and expand our portfolio.
2023 – The 501® Turns 150
The iconic design has withstood the test of time and continues to be a staple in closets around the world.
2024 – LS&Co. Extends Levi’s® Stadium Naming Rights and 49ers Partnership
We extend our contract and secure the stadium's naming rights through the 2043 NFL season.
