Freewheelers Lot 506 XX 1941 Denim Jacket
Freewheelers "THE VANISHING WEST" Lot 506XX (1st Type Jacket)
From Freewheelers' THE VANISHING WEST collection comes the Lot 506XX, a reproduction of the iconic "1st Type" denim jacket.
The original 1st Type jacket was produced for nearly half a century, with subtle design changes appearing throughout its long production history. This particular version recreates a model from late 1941, a fascinating transitional period in American workwear history.
During World War II, government-imposed material restrictions led manufacturers to simplify clothing and workwear designs in order to conserve resources for the war effort. However, this jacket represents a rare and short-lived production period in late 1941, when wartime denim was already being used, yet many of the pre-war details found on jackets from 1937–1941 had not yet been eliminated or simplified.
The jacket is constructed from Freewheelers' original 14 oz indigo denim, specially developed for this reproduction. Compared to previous versions, the warp yarns are slightly thicker and dyed with a darker indigo that is more resistant to fading. The fabric also utilizes custom-developed nep-rich warp yarns, creating an authentic vintage texture and character.
Key features include:
- Classic five-button front closure
- Chest pocket with original flap design intact
- Vertically oriented denim grain on both the collar and cinch-back strap
- Traditional needle-prong cinch-back buckle
- Period-correct stitching details on the chest pocket flap
- Accurate box-stitch reinforcement securing the front pleats
Particular attention has been paid to the subtle construction details that varied from one production era to another. Even the size and shape of the box stitching used to secure the pleats differ slightly depending on the jacket's intended production year. Owners familiar with other 1st Type reproductions may enjoy comparing these small but historically significant variations.
The result is a meticulously researched reproduction that captures a unique moment in denim history—combining wartime fabric with the uncompromised details of the pre-war era.
Color: Indigo
Materials: 100% Cotton
Made in Japan
