Why jeans have a leather patch: the story behind the denim detail

The small leather patch above the back pocket of jeans dates to denim's workwear roots. After Levi Strauss & Co. and tailor Jacob Davis patented riveted work trousers in 1873, the company introduced its Two Horse trademark in 1886, showing two horses trying to pull a pair of jeans apart. The patch signalled durability even to customers who couldn't read.