I was a young man when I picked out one of these jackets that were first introduced by Levi Strauss & Company. The jackets themselves weren't all that popular since they sold for about three dollars more than a pair of $5 501s. In fact, most of the ones I saw had the sleeves removed, and there was a reason for that. Without the sleeves these jackets become more wearable as a vest, and I can't figure why Levi's doesn't just supply them as such. But anyway, it was discovered long ago that these jackets would not fit everyone, and removing the sleeves would work a little magic with them, making them wearable by the Average Joe. No, these jackets are built for people with a thin frame and who probably have longer arms than normal, and not for those of us with an average stocky build, or who might even be a little bit pudgy. Sizing up doesn't help because you are likely to feel like you have just donned some sort of cardboard harness after struggling to get it all buttoned up. Thus, my original Levi's jacket is still dark indigo and it is still rigid after all these decades because unlike the jeans that I am always wearing, this jacket saw very little use over the years and was seldom ever removed from the closet.

There are some differences in these newer versions of the jacket even though this particular model is still designed for the thinner guys. Most significantly, more colors are available than just the Indigo Blue of the original. Two lower outside pockets have been added, and two more are available inside. Also, there are now several versions of the Trucker Jacket, and I even saw one with a pocket on one of the sleeves. Levi's supplies them with flannel or Sherpa liners, some have hoods, and others have knit collars, and there are now even some leather versions in this style. So with such a variety available, I'm sure a little searching can reveal one that is suitable. Obviously these jackets maintain a popular following because they are well put together and amazingly durable jackets that have a style that will probably never die, but I'm not one of those fortunates who can wear one, so I'm a little reluctant to purchase another because I just don't want to be bothered with another that won't fit correctly.

The other difference is that denim jackets are now available from several other popular jeans suppliers. Wrangler probably has the biggest variety, and their jackets provide lots more room for us average folks that have a normal build and who prefer wearing them with sleeves in place.