Why do Levi’s have a blank red tab?

If you’ve recently bought a pair of Levi’s jeans and noticed the iconic red tab doesn’t actually say “Levi’s”, don’t worry – it’s completely normal.

Many people assume a blank red tab means their jeans are fake, but that’s not the case. In fact, blank tabs are intentionally produced by Levi’s as part of the brand’s long-standing trademark protection strategy.

The Story Behind the Red Tab

The famous red tab was introduced by Levi’s in 1936 to help distinguish its jeans from competitors. Sewn into the back pocket, it quickly became one of the most recognisable features of the brand and remains a registered trademark today.

While most Levi’s jeans feature the familiar white “LEVI’S®” logo on the red tab, a small percentage are manufactured with a completely blank tab.

Why Are Some Levi’s Tabs Blank?

The answer comes down to trademark law.

Levi’s deliberately produces a small number of jeans with blank red tabs to help demonstrate that the red tab itself functions as a trademark, not just the printed Levi’s name.

By using both branded and unbranded tabs in the marketplace, Levi’s reinforces that consumers recognise the distinctive red tab as a symbol of the brand in its own right. This has helped Levi’s protect one of its most valuable design trademarks around the world.

Does a Blank Tab Mean They’re Fake?

No.

A genuine pair of Levi’s jeans can have either:

• a red tab with the Levi’s logo
• a blank red tab

Both are authentic products manufactured by Levi’s.

If you’re checking authenticity, it’s far better to look at the overall quality of the jeans, including the stitching, hardware, care labels, product codes and purchase source, rather than relying on the tab alone.

How Common Are Blank Red Tabs?

Blank tabs are relatively uncommon, but they are intentionally produced every year across selected Levi’s products.

Finding one isn’t unusual and certainly isn’t a sign that you’ve received a faulty product.

Shop Genuine Levi’s at Standout

Whether your jeans feature the classic Levi’s logo or a blank red tab, both are authentic Levi’s products. Of course if you are in any doubt then it is best to head over to Standout where we only purchase directly from Levi’s ourselves.

Explore our latest Levi’s collection to discover bestselling fits including the 501®, 511™, 512™, 514™ and more, available with fast UK delivery from Standout.