A Levi's 557 (3rd Type) denim jacket, estimated from the early 1960s.
A special acquisition.
Levi's traces its origins to 1853, when Levi Strauss established a dry goods and fabric merchant in San Francisco that would eventually bear his name—the brand that brought denim to the world.
During the height of the gold rush, Levi's listened to the needs of mine workers and commercialized work trousers made from canvas fabric—the same material used for tents and ship sails. This was the genesis of denim itself.
Manufacturing what we now know as denim jeans began in the 1870s. They created the first jeans using copper rivets at stress points—the "Waist Overall"—and secured a patent in 1873.
By the twentieth century, Levi's jeans had gained popularity across America and beyond, becoming a symbol of youth culture, particularly through the influence of 1950s Hollywood cinema.
Denim was no longer merely workwear; it had established itself as fashion. Levi's remains the pioneer of denim jeans to this day.
The 557 we present today is notable for its scarcity—produced for merely five years between 1962 and 1967.
It is also known by the designation "3rd."
Compared to the 4th model, the 70505, the 557 possesses a distinctly different fading character, fabric hand, and presence—qualities intrinsic to vintage Levi's.
Within the 3rd model family, there exist variations: 557XX with guarantee tag, 557XX without, and 557. This particular jacket shows a missing patch—a identifying marker.
However, given the patch impression remains visible and the pocket flap is constructed in matching-weight denim, we are confident this is authentically a 557.
The button bears the mark "O"
The red tab features the "Big E" with evenly distributed serif—a detail used from 1953 through the late 1960s.
The indigo fading of warp and weft grows more beautiful with age.
While many denim options exist in the contemporary market, the distinction is immediate.
Nothing rivals the character of vintage.
Simplicity is essential. A jacket of this caliber belongs in every wardrobe.Even casually layered, it carries an unmistakable presence—wear it plainly and let the piece speak.
No size tag remains legible, though it approximates a Japanese size L.
Judging by measurements, had the patch survived, this would likely be a 44 or 46—a golden size, highly sought after.
The true measurements suggest a generous fit, accommodating a larger frame comfortably.
The denim retains a deep indigo.
While there is minor fading at the collar and cuffs from wear, the color saturation remains exceptional.
In recent years, vintage Levi's examples with this depth of color are increasingly rare.
There is evidence of use—soiling, fading, rubbing, missing tags—yet no major damage compromises wearability. This jacket still has considerable life ahead.
Levi's occupies an indispensable position in any discourse on vintage.
The 557 (3rd) model, with its original scarcity compounded by the steep appreciation of the 70505, is inevitably destined for continued price increases.
Whether as a functional wardrobe staple or a collection piece, this is beyond compromise.
Such an example arrives in our stock rarely. If you have been searching, this is the moment.
