Leather Trucker Levi's / Lee / Type-whatever jackets!

[Monitor]

I just love these! They're classic, cool, versatile, comfortable, beautiful and very forgiving size-wise. Couldn't find a similar thread so figured it's time a dedicated one got started.

So post yours! No matter if they're cheapos, no-names, etc. (like mine) - as long as you got one (or two or ten) that you love, share!

Here are some of mine. In addition to this Vanson Type-III (or Maverick, as they've named it) that you've already seen...

...I also have this made in Italy, Lee styled dreadnought that weights seven tons. It's a cool jacket. I wear it a lot.

Of all the jackets that I got, I don't think any other has seen more wear than this Wintex. German maker. They used to be really high quality. It's a great jacket in any case and more jackets I see, more I appreciate the leather it's made of.

Finally, a standard Levi's Type-III. Least cool of the bunch as it's quite long and baggy but the cowhide is gorgeous and the jacket is very well made. I gave it to a friend just a few days ago because I've got another one in the mail.

 

[sweetfights]

Thanks for making me jealous!!!

 

[nick123]

Wonderful collection Ivan!

 

[technovox]

Nice collection! Those leather truckers are the coolest! Very versatile and as you say, "very forgiving" in fit ...and they can be worn with almost anything. I especially admire your Vanson.(I'm wondering if Vanson is still offering that particular style? Imagine one in their Octagon leather!)
And your Lee style Italian jacket is a beauty. Great thread!

 

[dubpynchon]

Great collection, I've always wanted one of those in natural, for that 70s look.

 

[technovox]

After looking at these jackets in all their variations for a while now, personally I find I'm more drawn to the versions with buttons instead of snaps, and the pockets underneath the V, instead of on top.

 

[Butch_Coolidge]

Thanks for making me jealous!!!

Wow [emoji50] that’s cool. Almost has the exact fading of denim.


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[Guppy]

Here's mine :

First is a brown Levi's jacket. It's not bad. Nice, lighter weight, but still rugged.

The second one is a monster. No name or label, but the leather is thick as hell. No idea who made it, but I looked and looked at similar looking jackets on ebay and concluded that it might be a German maker. It's still not broken in, needs some rough treatment to get it in line. Leather is so stiff it's hard to button. Picked it up for around $100, and it was a steal.

Next are two thrift pickups, a Levi's sherpa lined. I had one like it when I was four, and had to get this one when I saw it for sale on a bulliten board at work for I think $20 about 8 years ago.

Last is an Old Navy, basically a clone of the Levi's Type III. It's a good jacket for $5-10. I really like it. I hear their quality isn't what it used to be, but this one has held up pretty well over the years.

 

[jonesy86]

We used to just call the jean jackets. When did they get named Truckers? Lovely collection. Don't own any, but what the heck maybe I'll buy another leather jacket. This looks ok.

https://www.schottnyc.com/products/leather-jean-jacket.htm

 

[Monitor]

Hey, thanks everyone!

lol @sweetfights, don't be; Except for the Vanson which is the only "fancy" one, all the other ones were dirt cheap. If it was, say, Lost Worlds Lee Rider in HH, then maybe. . . XD

@technovox, Vanson still makes this style but only for the Japanese market. Of course. It's available over at vanson.jp. No Boulevard (Lee version), though. Sadly. I'd love to have that one too... Their standard version doesn't come with a zipper and hand-warmers, though. Mine has a zipper and it is also two inches shorter than the regular 42, according to Vanson. The armholes are much higher as well. Must've been a custom. And it's not the regular shiny comp. weight but that earlier leather they use that's more akin to naked cowhide. Very heavy and thick!
The Italian one is really nice! It's extremely heavy (near impossible to button up, how tough the leather is) and so well made. Quite beautiful. It got most compliments.
I prefer buttons as well but the snaps come in handy when you're on a bike.

@Guppy, those are AWESOME! Love the furry one. I have one from Gap, it was a gift from a friend and I wore it a lot last winter. Tried the Levi's one few days ago, it's nice but too pricey.
I know exactly what you mean about that German one... German or Italian jackets were regularly an overkill in weight and toughness and were so high quality I think even Stu would be amazed. They rarely appear on the 'bay tho and when they do, they don't even go for as low as one would think, considering the obscurity of the companies that made them, because even regular folk see the quality.

@Butch_Coolidge, you're right! I didn't even notice that!

 

[Guppy]

I should take some more pictures of the no name when I get a chance. I think it's German, based on the buttons. I saw the same buttons on another one on ebay that was known German, but that one wasn't nearly as nice as the one I have. I remember it had a 2-piece back panel, and it was split top-bottom. Completely ruined the style of the jacket for me.

I *REALLY* like that Vanson of yours, the zipper and snaps are a winning combo for heavy leather. Buttons, not so much.

 

[jonesy86]

I wonder if this is real.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LEVIS-Leath...d=202081378020&_trksid=p2047675.c100009.m1982

 

[Monitor]

I should take some more pictures of the no name when I get a chance. I think it's German, based on the buttons. I saw the same buttons on another one on ebay that was known German, but that one wasn't nearly as nice as the one I have. I remember it had a 2-piece back panel, and it was split top-bottom. Completely ruined the style of the jacket for me.

I *REALLY* like that Vanson of yours, the zipper and snaps are a winning combo for heavy leather. Buttons, not so much.

Please do post more photos of it when you get the chance! Looks really sweet and the proportions seem perfect, too! These gotta be short.

That Vanson is really cool! It's short, 22.5" or so but it somehow works. The zipper is that heaviest version of Talon (looks the same as any heavy ass 70's Talon but occasionally, this even clunkier version pops up) and it really adds a lot to the jacket. I'm glad I took a chance with this one. I mean, zipper is just a tiny detail and one that's relatively superfluous because of the snaps but short of having them make me a custom jacket, I doubt I'd ever see another one of these with it.

 

[Monitor]

I wonder if this is real.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LEVIS-Leather-Trucker-Jacket-Size-L/192330521779?_trkparms=aid=888007&algo=DISC.MBE&ao=1&asc=41376&meid=9a97b6a903134b96b6d7210c8405d177&pid=100009&rk=2&rkt=2&sd=202081378020&_trksid=p2047675.c100009.m1982

Yeah, why not. They made a LOT of these. I'd be careful of that one. Not a big fan of that sleeve seam in the middle. This one is nicer:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-80s...ER-JACKET-BLACK-UK-XL-No-Reserve/192331133240

But I'd really be after this one. It's so cool!
http://www.ebay.de/itm/Levis-Biker-...der-Style-Jeansjacke-retro-1994-/132362434024

 

[GraceNote13]

Monitor, I'm so glad you started this thread, I'm talking to Alan at Johnson Leathers about making me one of his trucker jackets with some modifications. I love Aero's Type 3 and miss having a Trucker style jacket.

He's sending me a sample of 4oz+ Horween CXL steer from a batch of a different brown color. It was described as a batch of Brown CXL that turned out a little different, I'm hoping thats a good thing. I'm torn and haven't decided on what lining to go with a blanket lining (like the old levi's) or a heavy satin lining?

 

[jonesy86]

Yeah, why not. They made a LOT of these. I'd be careful of that one. Not a big fan of that sleeve seam in the middle. This one is nicer:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-80s...ER-JACKET-BLACK-UK-XL-No-Reserve/192331133240

But I'd really be after this one. It's so cool!
http://www.ebay.de/itm/Levis-Biker-...der-Style-Jeansjacke-retro-1994-/132362434024

Thanks, It would have to be the first one, I think the second one is a medium. The first one said that may not ship to the USA. Price is right though.

 

[jonesy86]

I'm worried. I now own 2 jackets, and have 2 in the mail, and am shopping for more. Hmmm. Need a life.

 

[technovox]

Here's a Levi's Shorthorn I picked up about a year ago in brown. It's one of my favorites for light casual "anytime" wear. The second photo of the sleeve really captures the brown color...

 

[technovox]

Monitor, I'm so glad you started this thread, I'm talking to Alan at Johnson Leathers about making me one of his trucker jackets with some modifications. I love Aero's Type 3 and miss having a Trucker style jacket.

He's sending me a sample of 4oz+ Horween CXL steer from a batch of a different brown color. It was described as a batch of Brown CXL that turned out a little different, I'm hoping thats a good thing. I'm torn and haven't decided on what lining to go with a blanket lining (like the old levi's) or a heavy satin lining?

I was over at Johnson Leathers a while ago talking to Alan about the possibility of doing a Type 3 with two pockets, buttons, and chest pockets placed under the V. He has a beautiful brown suede that is very heavy and thick, and was really tempting...

 

[Guppy]

Please do post more photos of it when you get the chance! Looks really sweet and the proportions seem perfect, too! These gotta be short.

Thanks. Here's some more photos. Turns out it IS German, confirmed! I found a tag that I'd either overlooked or forgotten about when I first got it.

Here's some close up shots of the grain and color. It's really hard to describe, and to photograph. The leather itself is very thick, as I said, but the hand is weirdly waxy, and almost rubbery, yet velvety. And at the same time, rather stiff. The color is brown and again hard to capture, in low light it's deceptively dark, and washes out a lot in direct lighting. Very chocolate.

I will include photos of the tag I found in the next comment.