Levi’s® "Blue Tab™" Launches! Unveiling the Entire Collection which Embodies Japanese Craftsmanship

Levi’s® has introduced a new color to their signature "tab"—now in blue.

It’s called Levi’s® Blue Tab™. This sophisticated line blends the brand’s heritage with modern silhouettes and craftsmanship, offering "dress-up denim" for adults.

Immediately upon release, this standout collection captured the attention of denim lovers everywhere. Let’s dive in and take a closer look at the entire lineup.

The Back Pocket Tab: A Signature Detail that Serves as Levi’s® Business Card

As the name suggests, Levi’s® Blue Tab™ jeans feature a distinctive blue tab.

The iconic "tab" made its debut in 1936.

An employee at Levi Strauss & Co. came up with the idea of attaching a red ribbon with the company name in white letters to the back pocket, so that rodeo jockeys' jeans could be easily recognized as Levi’s®.

This marked the birth of the Red Tab, which became Levi’s® calling card.

In the 1960s, the Orange Tab was introduced as a contemporary line targeting the younger generation.

It became closely associated with youth culture at the time, such as hippies and rock music, and items like bell bottoms and slim jeans became especially popular.

In 1985, the collection welcomed the Silver Tab.

This lineup, characterized by relaxed silhouettes like baggy and loose-fit styles, exploded in popularity alongside the hip-hop and skateboarding boom, rising to prominence in street culture.

In addition, there’s the White Tab—mainly used on alternative fabrics like piqué and corduroy—and the Black Tab, which appeared briefly in the 1970s.

While the tabs serve as Levi’s® definitive markers, they also stand as icons representing the style of their respective eras.

So, what exactly is Levi’s® Blue Tab™, the collection set to etch its name into the iconic tab legacy?

The concept is "a fusion of Levi’s® craftsmanship and contemporary sensibilities".

The collection includes jeans, jackets, shirts, and T-shirts—a stylish lineup that goes beyond typical casual denim, suitable for dressing up in various situations.

Let’s take a closer look at the standout items and what makes this collection exceptional.

Let’s start with the brand’s iconic "501®".

The "Blue Tab™ 1980's 501® Jeans, Light Indigo, Made in Japan" are inspired by the era-defining 501® jeans beloved by rock stars and celebrities throughout the 1980s.

The pale light-blue shade is perfect for summer, while the distressing details throughout add a rugged, relaxed edge.

The leg is slightly roomier compared to current models, and the tapered silhouette narrows toward the ankle, making your leg line look sharp and sophisticated.

“Made in Japan” is a crucial keyword for this collection.

The fabric is produced by "Kaihara Denim," Japan’s only vertically integrated denim manufacturer, which oversees every stage from spinning, dyeing, weaving, to finishing.

The denim produced by Kaihara, which has maintained strict quality standards and been renowned for world-class quality since 1973, has a rich history with Levi’s®.

This model also incorporates selvage denim, co-developed with Kaihara Denim.

All sewing and processing is handled by "SAAB," a company based in Kanagawa Prefecture.

Founded in 1987 as a jeans washing processor, the company later established a sewing division and has since handled processing and sewing for numerous Levi’s® products.

Known for their skilled vintage treatments, SAAB’s experienced artisans hand-process each pair—adding stone-washes, distressing, and patchwork for an authentically worn-in look.

It covers notable models beyond just the 501®.

This piece is the "Blue Tab™ 90's 505™ Regular Fit, Medium Indigo," based on the "505™" that debuted in the 1960s.

The hallmark of the 505™ is its tapered silhouette, with a relaxed rise and thighs narrowing gradually towards the hem, and a front zip closure.

The pronounced whiskering at the rise and the reinforcement patch behind the knees add a rugged accent to the design.

This model is based on the "502™".

Developed with the stylish crowd of America’s East Coast in mind, the "502™" is notable for its slim tapered silhouette and moderate rise, making it versatile for styling with anything from T-shirts to jackets.

The comfort provided by the stretch denim blended with polyurethane, along with the attention to the authentic whiskering and vertical fading achieved through vintage processing, are also highlights.

If "dress-up denim" is the keyword for this collection, then the chore jacket is certainly a central piece in the lineup.

Originally designed for railroad workers in the late 19th century, the chore jacket is considered the prototype for today’s coveralls and has been in the spotlight in the vintage market.

However, the "Blue Tab™ Chore Blazer Jacket" has none of the earthy, rugged feeling typical of workwear.

With sharp lapels and two patch pockets that convey refinement, combined with the glossy, deep-toned denim, the result is a sophisticated look reminiscent of a blazer.

Among women’s pants, the "Blue Tab™ Stem Flare Trouser Pants, Dark Indigo" are a standout.

Designed with a mid-rise and wide chino fit, this piece features a gently flaring silhouette from the thigh and modern touches like a waistband with darts for added style.

The "Blue Tab™ Tuxedo Shirt" is also one of the dress-up denim pieces.

This shirt takes the formal design of a tuxedo shirt and gives it a chambray fabric twist—the classic material for work shirts—with double ruffles and longer cuffs adding a dressy flair.

From the style and materials to the processing and fine details, "Levi's® Blue Tab™" showcases Levi’s® craftsmanship fused with modern sensibilities.

Add just one item to refresh your usual look, or coordinate an entire outfit—either way, this lineup of "dress-up denim" will take your wardrobe to the next level.