A 1998 Levi's 506XX (1st Type) denim jacket.
Levi's traces its origins to 1853, when Levi Strauss established a general store and textile merchant in San Francisco. The company would go on to introduce jeans to the world.
During the height of the Gold Rush, Levi's listened to the needs of miners working in the gold fields. They took canvas fabric—material used for tents and ship sails—and transformed it into work trousers. This pragmatic innovation became the origin of jeans itself.
Manufacturing what would become known as denim jeans began in the 1870s. Levi's created the first jeans reinforced with copper rivets at stress points, called the "Waist Overall," and secured a patent for the design in 1873.
The twentieth century brought Levi's jeans widespread acclaim across America and beyond. The influence of 1950s Hollywood cinema elevated them to the status of cultural icon among youth. Jeans transcended their origins as workwear and claimed their place as a fashion essential—a position Levi's maintains to this day as the pioneer of denim.
The piece offered here is a 506XX Denim Jacket (70501-0003), manufactured for only a few years in the late 1990s. It faithfully inherits the design of the original 506XX (1st), which was produced in America from the early twentieth century until approximately 1952.
As original examples have become increasingly scarce and expensive, the 1990s American-made reissues have grown proportionally rare and sought after—particularly those bearing the Cone Mills denim fabric and Valencia factory provenance.
This jacket preserves the defining characteristics of the 506XX (1st Type): the short body length secured at the waist, the pleats and box stitching of the front placket, the distinctive flap pocket positioned only on the left chest, and the buckle-back cinch—all details that echo the original's uncompromising character.
The button bears the "555" stamp denoting Valencia factory manufacture. The red tab features the "Big E" with evenly spaced V—a detail faithful to the original specification.
The original care label remains intact inside, allowing verification of production year and country. The notation "1098" indicates manufacture in October 1998.
The indigo carries the depth that rivals the original—a color so rich and unworn that the saturation remains remarkable for its age.
Simplicity is its strength. A jacket of this character is essential to any wardrobe. Thrown on with ease, it commands presence. Wear it plainly, and let the piece speak for itself.
Tagged as size 44—a rare sizing that approximates a contemporary XL.
The actual measurements confirm a generous fit, accommodating larger frames with ease. Were one to source an original 506XX in this size today, the prospect would be daunting and the cost prohibitive.
Though age has left subtle traces, the jacket presents in near-mint condition. No prominent soiling or damage mars its surface, and it remains entirely wearable without reservation.
As originals command ever-higher prices, the Valencia-made reissues of this era have likewise climbed in value. A size 44, retaining its saturated indigo in the current marketplace, is exceptionally uncommon.
Whether as an active garment or a collecting piece, this jacket warrants serious consideration. Stock of this caliber is infrequent in our shop. If you have been searching, this is the moment.
