Levi’s introduced the Type III denim jacket in 1961 and made some minor modifications when rebranding it as the Trucker Jacket in 1968. Before long, it became the definitive “jean jacket,” inspiring countless imitations for the better half of a century.
It’s hard to imagine any item of clothing more recognizable or commonplace than Levi’s Trucker Jacket, except maybe 501 jeans, making it one of the most successful designs in history. And yet, the San Francisco denim slinger has seen fit to make some substantial changes to the Trucker.
Rather than being called the Type IV, this new successor to the Type III goes by the Market Miners Trucker Jacket. It’s a name that sounds good for a vintage-style denim jacket, but, as far as I can tell, doesn’t actually mean anything.
Fans of the good old Type III will find that this new design functions the same as its predecessor. It is made of raw 100-percent cotton denim — likely around 14 ounces, but the weight is not disclosed.
The jacket is cut with a looser fit akin to 1950s and 1960s vintage designs, and the front buttons and cuff buttons are metal rivets, just like the Type III.
It has the familiar two chest pockets, two hand pockets, an adjustable waist and a shoulder yoke, but all of these elements look and feel a bit different.
