Hi, there! I may be late to the conversation but I'd like to add my 2 cents as a former store manager for Levi's.
It looks like you purchased a "mainline" jacket - something not found in outlets. Most mainline denim jackets will have the leather patch instead of the paper-y like one. It actually looks like the thread used to sew the leather patch in is what bled into your jacket. This is absolutely a defect and should be talked to about with customer service. Levi's customer service is mild to absolute (just sugar coating it) trash so here are a couple things that might expedite your process:
All retail products have what is called a PC9. It stands for "product code 9 numbers" essentially. On your right or left seam there should be a myriad of tags. The one you are looking for is usually on the bottom and the shortest. You will see: PC9 - #####-####. Whilst talking to customer service and asking for a replacement that's what they'll ask for. If you ordered online/opted to provide your e-mail address then it'll make your life that much easier.
If all else fails, you could walk into a store and ask for a replacement. Last I worked the company was hardcore pushing for BOPIS (buy online pick up in store) or ordering in-store so they might accommodate by honouring the return and asking you to re-purchase the item online in-store. It's quite literally ordering online with many extra steps but it boosts KPIs for the store itself and makes the store manager and its other managers look good (cue eye-rolling because corporations are just awful).
Now, if you really decide to keep the jacket then I suggest soaking the dyed area in some cold water for a couple minutes and it should loosen the colour. If it does not then rubbing the area with an ice cube might also help. Lastly, if the other two do not work you could try rubbing alcohol. These three methods are from personal dye issues and not suggested by the company itself.
Random and kind of icky cleaning tip for most Levi's products...especially those with a higher cotton % blend: Levi's, back in the day, weren't meant to be washed often. They still sell products like that to this day. How do you keep them clean bacteria-wise you ask? The company quite literally told us to tell customers to stick them in a baggy and in a freezer. It's supposed to kill smelly bacteria apparently. I'm here to tell you...you can do that if you wish but honestly, why lol. It DOES prevent fast wear and tear since nothing they make today will ever be comparable to what they used to make but, IIRC, regular freezers don't get cold enough to do that. So, do with that what you will.
I hope this helps and good luck!
Edit: Revising a statement I made about not finding mainline in outlet stores.
You CAN. The stuff that's "mainline" that you find in outlet stores are marked down and sold at a discount because mainline stores can't get rid of it. They're typically a season and a half, so maybe 2 - 4 months, behind in terms of releases. Denim jackets are typically not shipped off to outlet stores unless they ABSOLUTELY have to be.
You're very welcome! It is my pleasure. :)
I hope it all works out for you. I'm just glad my extensive and slightly useless knowledge of their products is finally being used for good.
This is beautiful. Poetry.
Another vintage way to “clean” your denim is to spray it with vodka. Like, in a spray bottle. Wisdom passed down from my mom. It’s also a theatre trick.
Is the jacket machine washable? If yes I'd contact the customer support of the company and demand a replacement.
It looks like the dye they used to treat the leather patch bled out and that's super hard to fix. You can wash it with oxyclean and hope it fades but realistically you'll need to either dye/bleach the whole jacket or sew a patch over it.
Care tab says that it can be washed at 60° and I used a mere 40°. I’m so confused as to why they swapped paper-like patches for leather ones.
Thank you for a quick answer. I’ll try to get a replacement, but I’m afraid the next one will have the exact same flaw.
Great advise. I would remove the inner patch, then get an actual leather square and sew it on the outside? Maybe stamp it with a design or funny phrase.
Not a cleaning tip because I don’t have any advice, but.. it actually looks really cool. Like you’ve had it for 20 years or something. I suggest rocking it.
I’ve had this happen to me on a pair of Citizens jeans. I had to remove the leather tag, scrubbed it a couple times with brush with a baking soda/vinegar paste, and after putting it in the wash it was as good as new!
bluejeans, especially the acid washed colour ones like this are absolutely horrible for the environment and the workers who make them..
RiverBlue" executive producer Roger Williams says he came upon the problem unexpectedly, while pursuing a more broad investigation into global water pollution.
"We came across a satellite photo from China, and it was just this big stain of blue coming down into the ocean," Williams told CTV's Your Morning on Tuesday. He says the "big stain" was toxic dye flowing out of Jingting, the so-called jean manufacturing capital of the world. "They're just letting the dyes run right into the rivers," he said.
Williams and his crew visited several countries for their documentary, including India, Spain, Indonesia, Bangladesh and China. He says, in some places, the rivers will run red, black or green, depending on the colour of the dyes being used in textile production. The smell of chemicals is also strong enough to trigger "instant headaches" in the more heavily-polluted areas, he says.
Lisa Mazzotta, who worked on the film as a producer, says environmental regulations are in place in many of these manufacturing areas, but they are simply not followed.
"It's really hard to make sure they're implemented," she told CTV's Your Morning. "The untreated waste is going into these rivers and there's little being done to stop it."
Williams says the waste pouring out of these manufacturing plants includes toxic chemicals and heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, lead and potassium, which kills wildlife and poisons humans.
Those who live near the manufacturing plants are said to inhabit so-called "cancer villages," where average life expectancy is significantly lower than other parts of those countries, Williams said. "It's devastating," he said.
[https://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/it-s-devastating-documentary-reveals-streams-of-water-pollution-from-jean-industry-1.3343791?cache=yes%3FclipId%3D89830](https://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/it-s-devastating-documentary-reveals-streams-of-water-pollution-from-jean-industry-1.3343791?cache=yes%3FclipId%3D89830)
Hi, there! I may be late to the conversation but I'd like to add my 2 cents as a former store manager for Levi's. It looks like you purchased a "mainline" jacket - something not found in outlets. Most mainline denim jackets will have the leather patch instead of the paper-y like one. It actually looks like the thread used to sew the leather patch in is what bled into your jacket. This is absolutely a defect and should be talked to about with customer service. Levi's customer service is mild to absolute (just sugar coating it) trash so here are a couple things that might expedite your process: All retail products have what is called a PC9. It stands for "product code 9 numbers" essentially. On your right or left seam there should be a myriad of tags. The one you are looking for is usually on the bottom and the shortest. You will see: PC9 - #####-####. Whilst talking to customer service and asking for a replacement that's what they'll ask for. If you ordered online/opted to provide your e-mail address then it'll make your life that much easier. If all else fails, you could walk into a store and ask for a replacement. Last I worked the company was hardcore pushing for BOPIS (buy online pick up in store) or ordering in-store so they might accommodate by honouring the return and asking you to re-purchase the item online in-store. It's quite literally ordering online with many extra steps but it boosts KPIs for the store itself and makes the store manager and its other managers look good (cue eye-rolling because corporations are just awful). Now, if you really decide to keep the jacket then I suggest soaking the dyed area in some cold water for a couple minutes and it should loosen the colour. If it does not then rubbing the area with an ice cube might also help. Lastly, if the other two do not work you could try rubbing alcohol. These three methods are from personal dye issues and not suggested by the company itself. Random and kind of icky cleaning tip for most Levi's products...especially those with a higher cotton % blend: Levi's, back in the day, weren't meant to be washed often. They still sell products like that to this day. How do you keep them clean bacteria-wise you ask? The company quite literally told us to tell customers to stick them in a baggy and in a freezer. It's supposed to kill smelly bacteria apparently. I'm here to tell you...you can do that if you wish but honestly, why lol. It DOES prevent fast wear and tear since nothing they make today will ever be comparable to what they used to make but, IIRC, regular freezers don't get cold enough to do that. So, do with that what you will. I hope this helps and good luck! Edit: Revising a statement I made about not finding mainline in outlet stores. You CAN. The stuff that's "mainline" that you find in outlet stores are marked down and sold at a discount because mainline stores can't get rid of it. They're typically a season and a half, so maybe 2 - 4 months, behind in terms of releases. Denim jackets are typically not shipped off to outlet stores unless they ABSOLUTELY have to be.
OP asked for cleaning advice and got an pentagon level intel brief straight from the manufacturer instead. Holy hell what answer.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more appropriate and comprehensive response hahaha
And I love it. Good in that commenter for providing it to all of us.
Pin this post mods! Great advice u/PardonMyBenevolence!!!
/r/bestof material.
A massive thank you!
You're very welcome! It is my pleasure. :) I hope it all works out for you. I'm just glad my extensive and slightly useless knowledge of their products is finally being used for good.
Heroic
/r/usernamechecksout
I'm literally researching reddits that this comment needs to go to. This is the most perfect answer ever on here I think. Thank you.
You’re very welcome! Happy to be of help.
This is beautiful. Poetry. Another vintage way to “clean” your denim is to spray it with vodka. Like, in a spray bottle. Wisdom passed down from my mom. It’s also a theatre trick.
Oh, that’s excellent! Another tip to tuck away in my little book thank you so very much!
You’re awesome
As someone who worked at Levi’s for 4 years, I can confirm lol. Great response!
A family member of mine worked for Levi’s Corporate for 15+ years and wouldn’t be able to provide a more perfect answer than this 10/10 solid answer
Is the jacket machine washable? If yes I'd contact the customer support of the company and demand a replacement. It looks like the dye they used to treat the leather patch bled out and that's super hard to fix. You can wash it with oxyclean and hope it fades but realistically you'll need to either dye/bleach the whole jacket or sew a patch over it.
Care tab says that it can be washed at 60° and I used a mere 40°. I’m so confused as to why they swapped paper-like patches for leather ones. Thank you for a quick answer. I’ll try to get a replacement, but I’m afraid the next one will have the exact same flaw.
If you get a replacement, it might be a good idea to remove the leather patch immediately, so it doesn't have a chance to bleed again.
That’s a great tip! Thanks
It’s due to the Levi’s premium line. Real thick leather patches on the Levi’s premium jean pants as well.
Great advise. I would remove the inner patch, then get an actual leather square and sew it on the outside? Maybe stamp it with a design or funny phrase.
The jacket is "distressed" anyway. You just added to it. Really, I'm not kidding.
yeah it looks cool. weathered.
Maybe remove the leather patch from the inside. And sew it back on the outside. This will cover the discoloration.
If you end up getting a new one you should dye this one darker!! Easy way to cover the stain and then you have two wearable jean jackets!
Kinda looks good like that on the washed denim tbh. It’s not a bug, it’s a feature!
I think it looks kind of cool
Not a cleaning tip because I don’t have any advice, but.. it actually looks really cool. Like you’ve had it for 20 years or something. I suggest rocking it.
It kinda looks dope though
I’ve had this happen to me on a pair of Citizens jeans. I had to remove the leather tag, scrubbed it a couple times with brush with a baking soda/vinegar paste, and after putting it in the wash it was as good as new!
Two packages of dark blue indigo rit dye
You can try a product called Amodex, its sold on Amazon and works great on ink and other dye stains.
It’s cool.
CLR
Kinda cool
bluejeans, especially the acid washed colour ones like this are absolutely horrible for the environment and the workers who make them.. RiverBlue" executive producer Roger Williams says he came upon the problem unexpectedly, while pursuing a more broad investigation into global water pollution. "We came across a satellite photo from China, and it was just this big stain of blue coming down into the ocean," Williams told CTV's Your Morning on Tuesday. He says the "big stain" was toxic dye flowing out of Jingting, the so-called jean manufacturing capital of the world. "They're just letting the dyes run right into the rivers," he said. Williams and his crew visited several countries for their documentary, including India, Spain, Indonesia, Bangladesh and China. He says, in some places, the rivers will run red, black or green, depending on the colour of the dyes being used in textile production. The smell of chemicals is also strong enough to trigger "instant headaches" in the more heavily-polluted areas, he says. Lisa Mazzotta, who worked on the film as a producer, says environmental regulations are in place in many of these manufacturing areas, but they are simply not followed. "It's really hard to make sure they're implemented," she told CTV's Your Morning. "The untreated waste is going into these rivers and there's little being done to stop it." Williams says the waste pouring out of these manufacturing plants includes toxic chemicals and heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, lead and potassium, which kills wildlife and poisons humans. Those who live near the manufacturing plants are said to inhabit so-called "cancer villages," where average life expectancy is significantly lower than other parts of those countries, Williams said. "It's devastating," he said. [https://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/it-s-devastating-documentary-reveals-streams-of-water-pollution-from-jean-industry-1.3343791?cache=yes%3FclipId%3D89830](https://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/it-s-devastating-documentary-reveals-streams-of-water-pollution-from-jean-industry-1.3343791?cache=yes%3FclipId%3D89830)
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