A jean jacket, or what’s more commonly known as a denim jacket, is a classic form of outerwear that’s characterized by an all-denim construction. As shown in the image above, it features the same traditional denim fabric that’s used to make jeans, which is why it’s called a “jean jacket.” Denim jackets have been around for more than a century. And while they’ve experienced their fair share of ups and downs, they’ve made a strong comeback in recent years. You can now find men and women of all ages sporting a denim jacket. Today, we’re going to look back at the history of denim jackets, revealing how this classic jacket became synonymous with fashion.
Origins of the Denim Jacket
The denim jacket first appeared around the end of the 19th century. In 1880s California, a fashion designer and entrepreneur named Levi Strauss sought to invent a new jacket that was both comfortable and durable. Being a businessman, Strauss acknowledged the need for functional apparel among working-class citizens. At the time, there weren’t many jackets and coats that hardworking men and women could feasibly wear. Rather, the coats and jackets available were delicate, lacking the strength and durability needed to withstand constant use. This led Strauss to use the same denim materials that he used in jeans to produce jackets, thus paving the way for what would eventually become known as the denim jacket.
After inventing the denim jacket, Strauss marketed his product to working-class citizens, including gold prospectors, railroad workers, farmers, cowboys and coal miners. The denim jacket excelled in this regard because of its superior strength and durability. Denim, which features a warp-faced design, is able to withstand significant stress and pressure. It’s not necessarily immune to damage, but it’s able to hold up better than practically all other textiles, both then and even today. As a result, many hardworking men and women purchased a denim jacket.
The Rise of the Denim Jacket
Popularity for the denim jacket began to rise following its inception. Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, there were only a few different types of coats and jackets from which to choose. Unfortunately, most of these coats and jackets were designed for formal wear, not casual wear. And with so many people working laborious jobs, the denim jacket was an attractive alternative. With its strong, durable construction, it could be worn for long hours by hardworking people without succumbing to damage.
The Type III Denim Jacket
In the 1960s, Strauss released a variation of his original denim jacket design. Known as the Type III or “trucker jacket,” it featured a tapered design with hand pockets and bar tacks. The Type III denim jacket was marketed as being the ultimate form of casual outerwear. Strauss even said that he created the Type III jacket to rule all other jackets. It’s safe to say the Type III denim jacket was a hit, as both hardworking citizens as well as the general public began wearing them.
Denim Jackets Gain Popularity Among Celebrities
Throughout the 20th century, several well-known actors, musicians and entertainers began wearing denim jackets. Actor James Dean and singer John Lennon, for example, were often seen wearing denim jackets in public. This helped to shine the spotlight on Strauss’ invention, bringing a newfound attention to denim jackets. More recently, other celebrities have been caught wearing a denim jacket. In an interview, singer and songwriter Kanye West confirmed that he wears a denim jacket at least once every few days.
New Denim Jacket Styles
In the years since the denim jacket was first invented, countless new styles have emerged. You can now find denim jackets made of raw denim as well as washed denim, for instance. In case you’re unfamiliar with these two styles, let me explain: Raw denim, also known as dry denim, refers to denim that’s not washed before it’s sold. In comparison, washed denim is washed before it’s sold. It’s a subtle difference that can affect the properties of a denim jacket. Jackets made of raw denim tend to have a darker tone since the dye hasn’t been leached out during the washing process. On the other hand, jackets made of washed denim are less likely to shrink and fade. Aside from these nuances, though, raw denim jackets and washed denim jackets are pretty much the same.
You’ll also find denim jackets available for sale today featuring different patterns of fading. Honeycomb is one of the most popular fading patterns in which denim jackets are made. This pattern looks like meshes of honeycombs that’s contrasted by different tones of blue. Train tracks is a second fading pattern found in denim jackets. It looks like two vertical, parallel lines that run the length of the jacket.
Thinking About Buying a Denim Jacket? Here’s What You Should Know
After reading the history of the denim jacket, you’re probably eager to your hands (or body) on this classic form of outerwear. However, it’s important that you take the time to choose the right style. As previously mentioned, there are now countless styles of denim jackets. In the past, denim jackets were all made featuring the same basic design, but not you can find them in dozens if not hundreds of different styles. So, how do you know which denim jacket is right for you?
When shopping for a denim jacket, pay attention to the color. Light blue is by far the most popular choice. It reflects the original color of denim, and it’s easy to match with other garments, shoes and fashion accessories. Some men and women prefer a darker color, such as indigo. With that said, you can find denim jackets in just about any color. Regardless of your personal style, there’s probably a denim jacket to match. Just remember to choose the right color and make sure that the jacket fits. Doing so will connect you with the perfect denim jacket that you can wear for many years to come.
