Sliding Scale: Jean Jackets

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Welcome to the tenth installment of Sliding Scale, a series in which we bring you a single product for every budget. This month we’re rounding up responsibly-made jean jackets. Check out our ten favorites after the jump.

Brave Star Selvedge

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Kicking things off is the Steadfast Jacket from Brave Star Selvedge. It’s made in the USA out of 13 oz. selvedge denim and costs $98. Unfortunately, the jacket is sold out at the moment, but a restock should be coming shortly.

Maison Standards

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Next up is The Standard Denim Jacket from France’s Maison Standards, which is made in Portugal out of 100% cotton denim and only costs €95 (around $105). Both blue and black are available.

Bluer Denim

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The American-made MJ70 Jacket from Bluer Denim is crafted out of 12 oz. rinsed Cone Mills denim, has dual patch chest pockets, contrast stitching, metal buttons, and costs $128.

Naked & Famous

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Naked & Famous’ Denim Jackets are made in Canada and come in an array of denims. Prices start at $140.

orSlow

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The Japanese-made Type III Denim Jacket from orSlow is named after, and inspired by, the iconic Type III Jacket from Levi’s (also known as the Trucker). Like the Trucker, orSlow’s Type III has two chest pockets, copper buttons, and side waist adjusters. However, orSlow gave their jacket a slimmer silhouette with higher arm holes, and made theirs out of 13.5 oz Japanese selvedge denim. Typically these jackets retail for around $350, but if you order direct from Japan you can get one for around $190 (plus shipping).

Tellason

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The Jean Jackets from Tellason are cut and sewn in San Francisco, and come in raw 12.5 oz Cone Mills selvedge denim, raw 16.5 oz Cone Mills selvedge denim, and raw 16.5 oz Cone Mills selvedge denim with Japanese blanket lining. The fit is slim, there are two pockets on the chest, two on the hips, and two on the interior, and prices start at $250.

Rogue Territory

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If you’re looking for something not Levis inspired, check out the chore-coat inspired Supply Jackets from Rogue Territory. They’re made in Los Angeles out of a variety of Japanese selvedge denims and priced at $255 and up.

3sixteen

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As the name would suggest, the Type 3s Denim Jackets from 3sixteen are also inspired by the Levis’ Trucker, however there are a few key differences, including a longer body, and corduroy lined side pockets. And, like the rest of 3sixteen’s denim line-up, the jackets are made using Japanese selvedge fabrics that were loomed exclusively for them. The Type 3s are priced at $265.

Big John

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Another Type III with a twist is the Denim Jacket from Japan’s Big John. Non-original additions on this model include side entry pockets, and a pre-war-inspired cincher in the back. The jacket is made in Okayama, Japan out of Big John’s signature “KOIAI2” 12oz raw selvedge denim, and it’s now $272 at No Man Walks Alone (down from $330).

Rag & Bone

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And finally, rounding out our list are the Jean and Denim Jackets from Rag & Bone. Both styles are made in the USA – the tonal Jean Jacket from rinsed 100% cotton denim, and the contrast-stitched Denim Jacket from raw Japanese selvedge, and both have a slim body, high arm holes, side entry pockets, and narrow collar. Prices start at $275.

And then there are all those Japanese brands…

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Pretty much every one of the big Japanese denim brands, including Momotaro, Iron Heart, Studio D’Artisan, Full Count, Samurai, The Real McCoys, Pure Blue, etc., makes great jean jackets. But including all of those in this post would have nearly tripled its length. And, every one of those brands’ jackets costs over $300 if you buy them from domestic stockists like Self Edge and Blue in Green. That said, there are some great Japanese retailers that sell those brands for considerably less, and welcome international orders. Some of those include Denimio, Okayama Denim, and Vari. Just remember that sending returns to Japan can sometimes cost as much as the items themselves, so make sure to double-check all posted measurements.