On May 20th, 1873, Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis secured a patent (No. 139,121) for “an Improvement in Fastening Pocket Openings.” The West Coast at that time was a loose patchwork of farms, ranches, railroads and gold mines. Jacob Davis—a tailor from Reno, Nevada—had the idea of placing rivets on work pants at points of strain, and joined forces with his denim supplier Levi Strauss in San Francisco. The riveted blue jean was born. Soon, Levi’s® became the clothing of choice for the rugged, hodgepodge band of workers, outcasts, entrepreneurs and outlaws building America’s future. For Spring/Summer 2023, in celebration of the 150th year anniversary of this patent, we pay tribute to their innovation and collaboration.

We took everything you love about your favorite T-shirt and made it even better. This 1950s Sportswear Tee reflects the shift to a more relaxed American lifestyle. Specific to this period, the fit is casual with a slightly boxy shape, and features capped short sleeves. With its ultra-soft construction and spade chest pocket, this Levi’s® Vintage Clothing 1950s sportswear T-shirt is an elevated version of one of the world's most-loved staples.

• A reproduction of our 1950s sportswear T-shirt
• Cut from premium ultra-soft jersey
• Period-correct smaller spade pocket
• Embellished with the original Levi’s® Sportswear