Estimated 1960s, Levi's 557 denim jacket.
A special acquisition.
Levi's traces its origin to 1853, when Levi Strauss established a general store and fabric merchant in San Francisco. The company brought denim to the world. During the gold rush, Levi's listened to the needs of mining workers and commercialised work trousers made from canvas fabric originally used for tents and sails. This is how denim began.
The 557 presented here is a model with relatively few surviving examples, produced over a mere five-year span between 1962 and 1967.
It is commonly referred to as the "3rd" model.
Compared to the "4th" model, the 70505, the fading, fabric character, and presence distinctive to vintage Levi's are entirely different.
The jacket length remains shorter, giving an impression of incompleteness.
Within the 3rd model variations—557XX with guaranty, 557XX without guaranty, and 557—this example lacks the patch that would serve as the determining factor.
However, given that the reverse of the flap pockets employs fabric of the same weight, we believe this to be a 557.
The button reverse bears an "O" stamp.
The red tab displays the "balanced V Big E" said to have been used from 1953 through the late 1960s.
The older the piece, the more beautiful the indigo fading of warp and weft becomes.
Many denim variations are sold today, yet the character of vintage remains unmistakable at a glance.
Nothing surpasses the presence of true vintage.
Simplicity is best. A jacket of this character becomes indispensable once you own one.
Simply thrown on, it carries an exceptional presence. We encourage you to wear it with restraint.
The paper patch remains, though the size marking has faded and is no longer legible.
Though unclear, the size is likely around 42 or 44.
Accounting for shrinkage, this size range represents the golden standard in Japan, sought by many.
A size that suits a broad range of builds.
The indigo is not a deep navy, yet as the photographs show,
this example exhibits a fading of considerable presence.
Certainly, deeper indigo commands higher market value, yet pieces like this one—with refined fading—possess a distinct appeal and beauty all their own.
There are loose threads and signs of wear, though the condition remains clean when the age is considered.
No significant damage impairs function; it remains thoroughly wearable.
Pieces of this size and condition rarely enter the market.
Well-preserved vintage Levi's in such proportions appear seldom. Should you be searching, this opportunity may not recur.
【Size Details】
Length (front) 59.5cm, (back) 54cm
Shoulder width 48.5cm
Body width 56.5cm
Sleeve length 63.5cm
Minor variations in measurement are inevitable.
【Condition】
USED
Loose threads and signs of wear present.
【Fit Reference】
Model: 165cm, 50kg
【Returns and Exchanges】
Due to the nature of vintage pieces, returns and exchanges are not accepted.
Please review all details carefully before purchase and contact us with any concerns.
Damage and wear resulting from age are neither defects nor grounds for return.
Colour may vary from the photograph; this is not subject to return.
Returns due to fit concerns or changed expectations are not accepted.
We ask only for those who understand these terms to make a purchase.
【Inquiry Code】
J0318
