FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The majority of vintage Levi’s were made for men and are now smaller than the tagged size. The tagged size also doesn’t translate to modern women’s denim sizing, even though the numbers are similar. If you’ve tried on a pair before that were way too small, that’s exactly why. 

Vintage Levi's are sized by the Waist x Length measurements in inches. Meaning, a 29-inch measured waist (W29”) is NOT a modern women’s size 29. A modern women’s size 29 typically has a 31-32 inch measured waist (and a W29” pair would best fit a modern women’s size 26/27).

So how to get it right? Know your own measurements and desired fit (snug/snatched, relaxed/boyfriend or slouchy/oversized) to compare them closely to the description of each listing.

Best practice is to compare the measurements provided in each listing description to a pair of jeans you have at home and feel great in (100% cotton with no stretch, a similar rise and freshly washed for best accuracy). 

Please be sure to reference the last photo of each listing for a visual demo of exactly where to take each measurement on your own pair of jeans. Getting the hip and rise right are equally as important as the waist and inseam measurements.

Here you’ll find USA made (or other similar quality) vintage Levi’s 501, 501xx and 505 styles. These are the classic look that comes to mind when you think vintage denim – mid to high rise, straight fit through the hips and thighs and a classic straight leg. I also keep an eye out for the iconic 517 style with a boot cut leg.

On a 501, the back panel is cut wider than the front giving a nice hug and lift to the tush. On a 505, the front and back panels are cut the same width so they run a bit more narrow. 

I hand-select and source each pair looking for high quality heavyweight denim that’s perfectly worn-in with all the best character and patina.

Three go-to fits are my favorite ways to wear vintage Levi’s. 

1) Snatched/snug: I follow my exact measurements and like a slightly longer rise so the top of the jeans hit near belly button. 

2) Relaxed/boyfriend: I add 1-1.5 inches to my waist and hip measurements to achieve an effortless look with a bit of give. 

3) Slouchy/oversized: I add at least 2 inches to my waist and hip measurements for a baggier fit that will ride lower on the waist and let the rise drop in the crotch for the perfect slouch.

For the most versatile length, I always suggest the hem hits at the center of your ankle bone. This way you can maximize wear with heels, flats and sneakers alike. You can always tailor as needed or cut a raw hem yourself (just cut straight across both sides with scissors and then throw in the dryer for a few minutes to get that perfectly frayed edge instantly). A few additional additions are also great to wear a puddle hem with heels or cuffed with flats.

All orders ship from Los Angeles to the address provided at checkout via USPS Priority Mail, which is trackable and includes insurance up to $100 in the U.S. Orders are typically processed within 3-5 business days, excluding weekends and holidays.

Within the U.S., shipping is a reduced fixed rate of  $5.99 per pair.

TEC Denim is not responsible for packages once in transit with the carrier and cannot be held responsible for delays in shipping or delivery.

INTERNATIONAL ORDERS & SHIPPING

We partner with Shopify's Managed Markets (powered by Global-e) to offer seamless international shipping.

Merchant of Record: Global-e is our trusted global partner and the-merchant-of-record for all international orders shipped through Managed Markets. By placing an international order, you are buying from Global-e.

Duties & Taxes: Import duties, taxes, and customs fees are calculated, collected, and guaranteed during checkout. The final total shown at checkout should be the final price you pay with no additional fees or surprise charges due upon delivery. If any orders are refused upon delivery, for any reason, all costs and fees will apply including original purchased item(s) and shipping will be non-refundable.

Shipping Labels & Tracking: All international shipments must use designated Managed Markets shipping labels to ensure correct customs compliance and guaranteed duty calculation. Tracking information will be provided once your order ships. 

Returns and exchanges are accepted with a few conditions. Please contact me at tecdenim@gmail.com and ship the item back within 14 days of receipt. Buyer is responsible for return shipping costs, and a tracking number must be provided.

I want to make sure you love your pair so please check provided measurements (not tag size), photos and description closely before purchasing.

TEC Denim is only obligated to collect sales tax in the state of California, where the company is located. Currently, TEC Denim does not have a sales tax nexus in any other state, meaning that out-of-state customers will not be charged sales tax.

Levi Strauss & Co. closed its last U.S. manufacturing plants in San Antonio by the end of 2003 marking the end of 150 years of American denim production by the company. Given this, USA-made pairs from 2003 and earlier are considered to be true vintage. Vintage Levi’s made in Mexico and Canada are also typically great quality as they shared often shared the same denim suppliers as the U.S.

As with any one-of-a-kind vintage item, signs of wear are to be expected. This may include fading, fraying, rips, holes, distressing, staining and/or marks. All part of the charm of character and patina, and I do my best to flag any major flaws. Each pair has been laundered and will arrive ready to wear.

You can reach me via email at TECdenim@gmail.com or on Instagram @TECdenim.