Interesting denim jackets?

[Mark_O]

Thinking of buying myself a nice quality denim jacket in the future.
Would like one with a interesting design, different pocket design.
One that caught my attention is the tellason coverall jacket. Really like the look of the different pockets.
Another is the levis type I, think the rear cinch and single pocket is interesting.
Any ideas?

 

[Bennarion]

This is an interesting jacket. But it's better to buy a denim jacket with a historical design

 

[navetsea]

Type 2 is more balanced than type 1 imo, that 4 different pockets coat is more chorecoat than denim jacket, probably better in blue fabric perhaps canvas etc, unnecessary in denim. Imo

 

[Jasonissm]

I have coverall jackets and denim jackets. For coverall I prefer lighter weight fabric like chambray or lighter weight denim so that it drapes and is less rigid, especially because it's a longer length. Coverall jackets are infinitely more useful to me in terms of carrying everything I need, gets my keys, wallet, earphones, etc. all in separate pockets and not worry about scratching.

I think in terms of looks, traditional denim jackets like the Type I and II look way better, more recognisable and more flattering, but in terms of function, coverall jackets are supreme.

 

[Mark_O]

This is an interesting jacket. But it's better to buy a denim jacket with a historical design

Not necessarily.

 

[handymike]

I like the Lee 101j “cowboy” design:

But I also love an interesting collar, so some of the 70s models top my list….
Wrangler:


Or Vintage Dickies:


I have an Apolis “chore” jacket in selvedge denim that I love and wear for work too.

 

[El Marro]

Ciano Farmer has some interesting jackets that he can make in any fabric, including denim.

This is his Field Hand jacket, I have one in light blue denim with a wool lining.

 

[Mark_O]

I like the Lee 101j “cowboy” design:
View attachment 642452
But I also love an interesting collar, so some of the 70s models top my list….
Wrangler:
View attachment 642467

Or Vintage Dickies:
View attachment 642459

I have an Apolis “chore” jacket in selvedge denim that I love and wear for work too.
View attachment 642463

Excellent suggestions! Like the look of that Lee 101j. Looking on lee's website, pretty expensive for a new jacket.

 

[Mark_O]

Ciano Farmer has some interesting jackets that he can make in any fabric, including denim.

View attachment 642473
This is his Field Hand jacket, I have one in light blue denim with a wool lining.

Cool jacket! The light blue with the black stitching gives it a interesting look.

 

[barnabus]

Cool jacket! The light blue with the black stitching gives it a interesting look.

Not really a denim jacket though.

 

[jchance]

I like type I over type II and much more than type III when it comes to denim jacket. If I were in the market for another denim jacket, it would be either Mister Freedom or Iron Heart 21oz (type III with handwarmer pockets added)

https://misterfreedom.com/products/ranch-blouse-sc66-denim

21oz Iron Heart Japanese Selvedge Denim Modified Type III Jacket in Indigo

Made in Japan. Our modified Type III jacket with side pockets built from 21oz selvedge denim. Made like jackets used to be made.

www.ironheart.co.uk

I own a Klaxon Howl Bozemen jacket that has a pretty interesting back design

"Bozeman" Pleat Front Jean Jacket

pleat front, 2 pocket jean jacket with side cinches. Made in a Kuroki 13 oz. Japanese deep-tone indigo dyed, red line selvage, 100% cotton, right hand twill denim. Vintage NOS (new old stock) steel wreath/star donut button closures. Keyhole buttonholes. Copper rivets, Made in Canada best mens...

klaxonhowl.com

 

[Monitor]

Whatever you do, don't pay a cent over 100 dollars for it.

 

[TREEMAN]

Lee used to make great "Dungaree Jackets" and a nice "Chore Coat".
Now they make ridiculously long stupid looking coats.
Nothing dumber looking than a thigh length dungaree jacket imo

 

[Mark_O]

Easy to say if your a smaller size. Much harder since I'm a larger 46 size. Did find a couple vintage sherpa lined jean jackets on ebay for reasonable.

 

[navetsea]

I love rear cinch on denim jacket, I have a custom type2 with rear cinch

 

[Pandemic]

I’m currently in the market for a denim jacket. Current considerations:

Vintage Lee: I like the cropped length while not being too boxy. I recall these as being surfer wear, but have read about it their western heritage

Bronson or TCB Type 2: might be a little more dressy if I wanted to wear it to the office

Red Tornado Wrangler 24MJ repro: wildcard entry for something more unusual

 

[jchance]

I’m currently in the market for a denim jacket. Current considerations:

Vintage Lee: I like the cropped length while not being too boxy. I recall these as being surfer wear, but have read about it their western heritage

View attachment 723325

Bronson or TBC Type 2: might be a little more dressy if I wanted to wear it to the office

View attachment 723326

Red Tornado Wrangler 24MJ repro: wildcard entry for something more unusual

View attachment 723327

I like type I over type II because the cinch back can make the jacket look tapered and flattering instead of boxy.

Out of the options, only TCB is available in raw, Selvedge, JP-made if you care about that (I do).

If it’s not on your radar, UES makes really interesting denim jackets at a relatively affordable price.

 

[Jasonissm]

I’m currently in the market for a denim jacket. Current considerations:

Vintage Lee: I like the cropped length while not being too boxy. I recall these as being surfer wear, but have read about it their western heritage

View attachment 723325

Bronson or TCB Type 2: might be a little more dressy if I wanted to wear it to the office

View attachment 723326

Red Tornado Wrangler 24MJ repro: wildcard entry for something more unusual

View attachment 723327

I feel like vintage Lee is one of the most affordable ways to get into vintage denim. They also have very classic designs, but you just have to shop around, ideally I think early-mid 70s at latest for the 101-J was when they were great quality and the classic pattern/fit. I think 60s or 70s are most affordable, and a 60s one in good condition would be my pick if I were to do over and get another.

 

[Edward]

Lee used to make great "Dungaree Jackets" and a nice "Chore Coat".
Now they make ridiculously long stupid looking coats.
Nothing dumber looking than a thigh length dungaree jacket imo

Yes, the length thing can be a real problem. It's obvious that over time many companies have lengthened their denim jackets in relation to the "waist"band of so many of their jeans now being four inches south of the natural waist. A paradigm example of this is the Wrangler 124MJ. THis was first introduced in, as memory serves, the late 40s. Great jacket. It had a little bit of Type1 style pleating in the front, and distinguished itself from the Levis options by having a zip up closure, no buttons or studs. Brad Pitt wears one in Once Upon A Time in Hollywood, as I recollect; so too does one of the ensemble in Asteroid City. Wrangler brought it back as part of the Icon range a couple of years ago, but they have modernised the pattern with slimmer arms and a longer body. The whole balance looks off - moreso when I see them in person than on the website promo shots. And it's stud fastened like every other denim jacket on the high street. Boo.

I didn't own a denim jacket for years. It's in more recent years that I realised the reason I didn't like any of those I saw was that the modernised patterns looked wrong to my eye. That and I just don't like Type 3s...

There are alternatives out there, though. Couple of years ago I bought my first denim jacket since 1989 (the one I bought in 89, at 14, eventually wore out about 1997). From SJC / now Cathcart London:

Not available in their current collection, but they turn up on ebay here and there. Cut to an original British Army battledress pattern (I think the 1940 pattern, don't know for certain). Which does mean they cinch in well at the waist, which for some folks means sizing up one. Very pleased with this. Their 2023 collection also included a waist length, zip-up denim jacket. I'd have bought one of those had they come in black, just already having this one had no call for a second blue denim. I like mine very much; wears like a Type 3, but I much prefer the simpler pattern. Chest pockets are very practical.

 

[l0fielectronic]

Have a really nice Lee rider I like a lot, think it was like from their 125 Anniversary a few years ago, really nice mid weight and a trim fit but it has no hand warmer pockets, it fits and looks better without I guess but the chest pockets are tiny and near useless.

Seeing the original post too I have a couple of the Tellason coverall jackets and while I do like them a lot the lack of usable pockets on those too is slightly maddening, with a jacket with half a dozen pockets why is there not one pocket that will fit or hold a modern phone (other than the massive deep one where it gets lost and you can't get it back out).