The Signature Jacket: A Fashion Icon with a History
There are some pieces of clothing that transcend time and trends, becoming classics that never go out of style. One of these is the signature jacket, a versatile and timeless garment that can elevate any outfit and express your personality. But where did the signature jacket come from, and how did it become such a fashion staple? In this article, we will explore the origins, evolution, and variations of the signature jacket, as well as introduce you to the Mountain Rocky Ridge Lifestyles & Outfitters signature jacket collection, which offers a range of options for every style and occasion.
The Origins of the Signature Jacket
The signature jacket is not a single type of jacket, but rather a concept that refers to any jacket that has a distinctive design, material, or feature that makes it stand out from the rest. The signature jacket can be traced back to the early 20th century, when some of the most influential fashion designers created iconic jackets that defined their brands and influenced generations of fashion lovers.
One of the first examples of a signature jacket is the Chanel jacket, created by Coco Chanel in the 1920s. Inspired by the tweed suits worn by her lover, the Duke of Westminster, Chanel designed a jacket that was elegant, comfortable, and practical for women. The Chanel jacket was straight and boxy, with no darting or buttons, and featured a slim sleeve, a high collar, and four patch pockets. It also had a brass chain sewn on the inside hem to ensure a perfect fit. The Chanel jacket was revolutionary at the time, as it liberated women from the restrictive corsets and long skirts that were fashionable in the Belle Époque. The Chanel jacket became a symbol of modernity and femininity, and was worn by celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy, and Grace Kelly.
Another example of a signature jacket is the Balenciaga suit jacket, created by Cristóbal Balenciaga in the 1950s. Balenciaga was known for his mastery of tailoring and his innovative use of shapes and volumes. His suit jacket was fitted at the waist and flared at the hips, creating an hourglass silhouette that contrasted with the straight-cut suits popularized by Chanel. The Balenciaga suit jacket also had a high neckline, a curved shoulder line, and a sculptural back that gave it a dramatic and elegant look. The Balenciaga suit jacket was admired for its craftsmanship and sophistication, and was worn by icons such as Marlene Dietrich, Ava Gardner, and Greta Garbo.
The Evolution of the Signature Jacket
The signature jacket continued to evolve throughout the decades, as different designers added their own twists and touches to the classic garment. Some of the most notable examples of signature jackets from different eras are:
- The Yves Saint Laurent Le Smoking tuxedo jacket, created in 1966. This was the first tuxedo designed for women, and it challenged the norms of femininity and sexuality at the time. The Le Smoking jacket was sleek and sharp, with satin lapels, a single button closure, and welt pockets. It was paired with matching trousers or a skirt, creating a powerful and glamorous look. The Le Smoking jacket was embraced by celebrities such as Bianca Jagger, Catherine Deneuve, and Lauren Bacall.
- The Burberry trench coat, created in 1912. This was originally a military garment designed to protect soldiers from rain and wind during World War I. It had a double-breasted front, epaulettes, storm flaps, cuff straps, D-rings, and a belt. After the war, it became popular among civilians as well, especially among movie stars such as Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, and Marilyn Monroe. The Burberry trench coat is still one of the most iconic outerwear pieces today.
- The Levi's denim jacket, created in 1880. This was one of the first denim garments ever made, and it was intended for workers who needed durable and comfortable clothing. It had a simple design with two chest pockets, two side pockets
The Levi's denim jacket is one of the most iconic and enduring pieces of American fashion. It has a rich history that spans over a century, and has been worn by various subcultures and celebrities over the decades. Here are some of the highlights of the Levi's denim jacket history:
- The first Levi's denim jacket was created in 1880, as a companion to the jeans that Levi Strauss had invented in 1873. It was intended for workers who needed durable and comfortable clothing. It had a simple design with two chest pockets, two side pockets, and rivets to reinforce the seams⁶.
- In 1905, Levi's introduced the 506/506XX jacket, also known as the Type 1 jacket. It featured a single patch style pocket with rivets at the corners, and a cinch back to adjust the fit. It also had a brass chain sewn on the inside hem to ensure a perfect fit. Levi's referred to this jacket as a "blouse" until 1938².
- In 1936, Levi's added the red tab to the left chest pocket of the jacket, as a way to distinguish their products from other denim brands. The tab had the word "LEVI'S" in capital letters, with the "E" being more noticeable than the others. This is known as the big "E" tab, and it is highly sought after by collectors².
- In 1953, Levi's updated the jacket to the 507XX model, also known as the Type 2 jacket. It had two chest pockets with buttoned flaps, and no rivets on the pockets. It also replaced the cinch back with side adjusters on the waist. This jacket was popular among cowboys, rock stars, and movie stars².
- In 1962, Levi's introduced the 557XX jacket, also known as the Type 3 jacket or the Trucker jacket. It had pointed flaps at the pockets and two side pockets. It also had yellow thread stitching instead of orange, which was later used in the late 60s. This jacket became an icon of American cool, and was worn by hippies, punks, rappers, and celebrities⁵.
- In 1967, Levi's changed the lot number of the jacket to 70505, to match the new 505 zipper fly jeans. The jacket also had some minor changes, such as a smaller red tab with only the "L" capitalized (Levi's), and a different placement of the side pockets⁵.
- In 1971, Levi's added a small "e" tab to the left chest pocket of the jacket, as a way to modernize their logo. This is known as the small "e" tab, and it is still used today².
- In 1986, Levi's launched their Vintage Clothing line, which reproduces some of their classic garments from different eras. They offer various versions of their denim jackets, such as the Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and other special editions.
The Levi's denim jacket is more than just a piece of clothing; it is a piece of history that reflects the spirit and culture of America. It is also a versatile and timeless garment that can be worn with any outfit and express your personality. Whether you prefer a classic or a modern style, you can find your perfect signature jacket from Levi's.
If you are looking for a signature jacket that suits your style and needs, shop our signature jacket collection from Mountain Rocky Ridge Lifestyles & Outfitters. This collection features a variety of jackets that are inspired by the rugged and adventurous spirit of the Rocky Mountains and a fashion legacy of legendary styles. Whether you need a jacket for hiking, skiing, camping, or just casual wear, you can find your ideal signature jacket from Mountain Rocky Ridge Lifestyles & Outfitters.