Two key changes: the red tag appears on the back pocket, a new invention that is heavily trademarked, to help distinguish Levi's from new competitors like Lee. (Levi's will heavily defend this trademark, which eventually applies around most of the world, except Japan). The back pocket rivets are now covered. This can readily be distinguished because of the stitching on the back pockets, which is wider around the top to run around the hidden rivets. The suspender buttons have now gone - they were supplied as optional clip-on versions, in the original jeans.

On LVC, the 1937 fabric is, according to some collectors, including airfrog on supurfutre.com, darker than the 33, and wears better. The 1933 seems to fade to a more royal blue - although it's hard to be conclusive, as samples can vary so much.

The LVC 1937 is a slightly trimmer fit than the 33, although there's considerable sample variation - again, many apparent differences in fit are simply the fact that the 1933 seem to be made slightly bigger. One day I'll speak to the LVC pattern cutter and find out more.

Features:

Pockets: 5 (two back pockets), rivets are now covered, and a single-sided red tab appears on the right hand pocket.

Rivets: Read " LS&Co SF" . Machine-fitted with round top.

Belt Patch: 2 horse patch in leather, which now has the size printed on.

Arcuates: vary widely on originals, single needle, hand done.

Cut of LVC version: Less full leg than the 1933 jeans.

How to size: I would size up by one inch - in 2009 the production seems to be half inch larger than tagged.  As usual, the foolproof way is to go from actual, measured waist size; size up two inches for a classic fit, buy actual size and stretch out the waist if you like them slimmer.

501 model guide • 1880 Nevada •  1880 XX • ‘First Blue Jean’ • 1890  • 1901 • 1915 • 1922 201 • 1933  • 1937 • 1944 • 1947 • 1955 • 1966 • 1978 •