Model Guide
Levis denim jackets share a 100+ year history with their jeans. The 557XX Trucker Jacket was born in 1962, preceded by the 506XX (Type1, 1936+) and 507XX (Type2, 1953+). Each type differs in silhouette, pocket configuration, and era, receiving distinct valuations in the collector market. Type1 and Type2 are ultra-rare due to short production runs with extremely few survivors — their appearance on the market is itself rare. Dating uses the same points as jeans: tab, care label, zipper brand, and rivets.
The 506XX is Levis very first denim jacket — the Type 1. It features a single chest pocket (left only) and is often found with a wool blanket lining inside. The waist has a distinctive curved silhouette that flares slightly toward the hem. Production ran roughly from 1936 to 1953 — relatively short — with extremely few survivors. Post-1936 examples carry Big E specification, with Scovill/Conmar or TALON 42 zippers enabling era dating. Collector valuation is at the absolute top. LVC reproductions exist, so combining multiple verification points is critical for authentication.
The 507XX is the Type 1's successor — the Type 2, produced from roughly 1953 to 1962. Key differences from Type 1: two chest pockets (instead of one) and double pleats at the waist. The blanket lining was eliminated. Production ran shorter than Type 1 with similarly few survivors, making rarity equally extreme. All examples predate 1962, so every 507XX carries Big E or earlier specifications. TALON 42 zipper, leather or Jacron patch, and Big E tab are the primary identification points.
The 557XX, known as the Trucker Jacket, has been in continuous production from 1962 to the present. Its defining configuration is two flap chest pockets plus two button-closure waist pockets. Big E era (pre-1971) examples carry the '70557XX' model number, with TALON zipper + Big E tab + no care label + selvedge commanding the highest premiums. Current production continues as the 'Type 3,' but distinguishing vintage from modern requires verifying tab, care label, selvedge, and zipper brand. Outseam overlock stitch color (orange = 1981–84, white = 1985–93) is also a useful indicator.
Efficient jacket dating follows this priority order. Most important (either alone enables instant dating): ①red tab (Big E = pre-1971, Small e = post-1971), ②care label presence (absent = confirmed pre-1971). Important (narrows to within a decade): ③zipper brand (Scovill = pre-1950s, TALON 42 = 1950s–60s, TALON = late 60s–early 70s, YKK = post-1970s), ④selvedge presence (present = pre-1985). Supporting (further precision): ⑤pocket configuration for Type identification, ⑥outseam overlock color, ⑦rivet condition, ⑧patch material.
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