Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.
Levi’s introduced their Type III denim jacket, also known as the Trucker Jacket, in the early 1960s, and in the interim, it’s grown to be the most recognizable denim jacket ever produced. Every denim brand has their own interpretation of this classic pattern, here are a few of our favorites along with one more a little more off the beaten path.
1) Unbranded: UB901
Unbranded is one of the most recommended brands for entry level raw jeans, which is why it is so great to seem them break into the jacket space with their UB901. The modified Type III pattern uses the same 14.5oz. Japanese denim as their mainline jeans and it’s been modified to include front hand pockets. The jacket features the same riveted brass buttons as Unbranded’s jeans and is made to the same quality standards, making it a great entry level pick-up.
Available for $128 from Unbranded.
2) Levi’s Vintage Clothing: 1967 TYPE III Jacket
Levi’s has produced countless iterations of their Type III jacket, and Levi’s Vintage Clothing’s 1967 Type III is among the best of the lot. The pattern is, of course, as classic as they come, with no real modifications. And, for legal reasons, it’s one of the few Type III jackets available with the classic Levi’s red tab.
Available for $385 from Canoe Club.
3) Oni: 2527ZR 20oz Secret Denim Jacket
If Oni is known for one thing, it’s the secret denim: a super irregular, heavyweight fabric that’s generally used to produced their jeans. But, luckily for those of us with full jean rotations, their 2527ZR Type III Jacket is also made from the fabric. It’s another classic interpretation of the design, with next-to-no modifications made — and that really puts the focus on the beautiful fabric and craftsmanship of the piece.
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Available for $295 from Blue in Green.
4) 3Sixteen: Type III in Shadow Selvedge
3sixteen has a lot of great products, but their shadow selvedge is definitely among the most popular. It features an indigo warp with a black weft, which results in ultra high-contrast fades and a slight sheen. Beyond the use of this interesting fabric, their version of the Type III Jacket features two front hand pockets, black corduroy pocket backs and cuffs, and a unique back yoke pattern.
Available for $265 from Self Edge.
5) Iron Heart for Self Edge: SEXIH07IIIBK
Iron Heart is known for their heavyweight denim and, at 18oz., the unsanforized denim used for the SEXIH07IIIBK doesn’t disappoint. In addition to being heavy-as-hell the denim is also overdyed black, so it fades from black to indigo to white for a super unique look. The pattern has also been modified to include front hand pockets and elongated torso, which is a fairly major departure from traditional Type III jackets, but a welcome one!
Available for $535 from Self Edge.
Plus One – Needles: Rebuild – Double Rider
Needles’ Double Rider jacket is part of their Rebuild collection, which specializes in taking vintage pieces and patchworking them together into something new. This jacket is mainly a traditional Type III that’s been modified into an asymmetric double rider. In addition to the addition zipper closure, it also has zippers on the cuffs and a patchwork back piece.
Available for $590 from Unionmade.
