Levi’s 507XX Type II Denim Jacket, 1950s Big E, Pieced Panels, Honeycomb Fades, Approx. Size 42

A 1950s Levi's 507XX Type II, the second-generation denim jacket, with the Big E red tab, pieced body panels and deep honeycomb fades, in a desirable large size of around 42.

The Second Levi's Jacket

Levi Strauss & Co. introduced the 507XX in 1953, replacing the single-pocket 506XX that had served since the early twentieth century. The new jacket added a second chest pocket, kept the front pleats and moved the waist adjustment to button tabs. It was succeeded by the 557XX, the Type III, around 1962.

Collectors grade 507XX jackets by their details: the Big E tab, the stamped buttons, the leather or paper patch, the denim's fade, and above all the size. Large examples with pieced panels are especially prized, because they show how Levi's stretched a narrow loom width to fit bigger men.

The Piece

The 507XX, known to collectors as the 2nd, is the bridge between Levi's pre-war jacket and the trucker that followed. It is defined by its two chest pockets with flaps, the pleats running down either side of the placket and the button-tab waist adjusters at the back hem that replaced the old cinch strap. Made in XX denim from 1953 until the early 1960s, it is now one of the pillars of vintage denim collecting.

This example has the red tab with LEVI'S in capitals, the Big E, on the left chest pocket, and the stamped Levi Strauss & Co. metal buttons. The body includes the extra pieced panels, hagi in Japanese, that Levi's used to make the larger sizes, a feature collectors seek out because it marks a big jacket of the period.

The denim has faded beautifully: honeycomb creases at the elbows, high contrast at the pocket flaps and seams, and the original dark indigo surviving in the folds. The cuffs have been repaired extensively and there is wear and darning on the front panels, all left visible as part of its working life.

Measured flat: shoulder 51 cm, chest 55 cm, sleeve 60.5 cm, length 57 cm, roughly a size 42.

Details

• Designer: Levi Strauss & Co.
• Season: 1950s to early 1960s
• Model / ref: 507XX, Type II (2nd)
• Material: XX cotton denim
• Colour: Faded indigo
• Made in: USA
• Tagged size: No size label visible (approx. 42)
• Measurements: Shoulder 51 cm · Chest (pit to pit) 55 cm · Sleeve 60.5 cm · Length 57 cm
• Included: Jacket only

Condition

• Extensive repairs to both cuffs, with some stitching coming away at the cuffs.
• Darning and wear on the front panels and pocket flap.
• Heavy soiling overall.
• Big E tab and all buttons present.

Condition grade BC on the Japanese scale; see Japanese condition ranks, explained.

Authenticity & Care

The labels, materials, stitching, hardware and construction are examined together and documented in Japan before dispatch; anything that cannot be confirmed is stated plainly in the description. Every piece carries the Japonista authenticity guarantee. Wash as little as possible, cold and inside out, and dry flat in the shade.

Delivery from Japan

Packed by hand in Japan and shipped insured and tracked by EMS or an equivalent express service. Import duties and taxes, where applicable, are payable on arrival. Every sale is final; please ask anything before you buy, and see our published policy.

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