10 Rare Denim Jackets with Old Factory Tags and Details

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Levi Strauss Vintage Big E Type III Jacket ($900 to $1 500)

This jacket was made by the original makers before they changed their tag style. The red tag with a capital E is the sign that it was stitched in the old mill era. The denim feels thicker and heavier than modern pieces. The seams have that look that only comes from years of wear and slow sewing machines.

Wear marks on the cuffs and collar make this jacket look full of character. Collectors value the jacket because it links to the original denim era in the United States. You can see natural fading that reflects real use rather than cheap washes. The price reflects how few of these survived with intact pockets and original hardware.

Lee 101-J Vintage Black Label Jacket ($600 to $1 000)

This piece carries the old black label from the Lee works from mid twentieth century. The tag has the classic Lee script on fabric that feels soft to the touch. The denim has a deep indigo shade that will lighten with use. It has buttons that are stamped with early model branding and they knock with a sound of metal that most newer jackets lack.

You can feel how solid the construction is when you hold it. Shoulder seams sit nicely and do not pull oddly at all. People who find them often keep them rather than flip them. Prices change based on how clean the denim is and how visible the original tags still appear.

Big Smith 1940s Work Jacket ($1 200 to $2 000)

This is a rare work jacket that was worn by laborers in the thirties. The tag inside shows the Big Smith name in faded print with numbers that match old factory records. The denim is raw and heavy and has marks that look like they tell a story. You can see repairs done in decades past that add texture and character.

The buttons feel heavy and the metal looks dark with age. Shoulder panels are wide and the jacket sits comfortably even when you move your arms up. Some collectors say this jacket feels like a piece of history in your hands. The price sits high because there are very few left in wearable condition.

Oshkosh B Gosh Early Denim Jacket ($800 to $1 300)

This jacket has that classic worker vibe that comes from early industrial textile history. The old woven tag on the inside pocket shows clear lettering and a factory code from the era before mass branding.

The denim has broken in naturally and gives a feel that is soft but sturdy. Pocket flaps are slightly worn but are still useful. Buttons still click and hold firmly when closed. The jacket sits in a way that feels comfortable and not tight at all. You can see line fades that form patterns only time can make. The value rises when the original tag is unaltered.

Montgomery Ward Denim Jacket 1940s ($750 to $1 200)

This example comes from a large mail order company that produced solid garments long ago. The tag has faded printing and a code that links it to early factory runs. The denim feels substantial and will wrinkle in a way that is pleasing to watch. Stains appear here and there but they show that the jacket had a life instead of being hidden away.

The seams are thick and hold up well even with heavy handling. Buttons have a soft patina that tells you this piece has been around. Some owners like to wear it with simple tees because the jacket speaks for itself. The price changes depending on how the original label survived.

Hudson Overall Original Jacket ($650 to $1 100)

This jacket sported a small rectangular tag with a factory name long before modern designs. The denim has a deep hue that lightens in areas that saw movement. Stitching along the shoulder and back stays firm without fraying.

Pockets have that touch of wear that makes them feel personal. Buttons have tiny scratches from years of buttoning and unbuttoning. This style was common among workers who needed something tough yet wearable. Wear patterns on the elbows show soft creases. Collectors watch out for this jacket because it often disappears quickly when found.

Pioneer Wear Vintage Denim Jacket ($550 to $900)

This older jacket shows a tag from a maker that no longer exists. The fabric label has faded ink and a code that links back to the original plant. Denim feels thick and not flimsy at all. The collar sits in a natural shape after years of being worn.

Pocket edges have slight fray, but this adds to the look rather than harming it. The metal buttons have darkened with time giving it a quiet mood. The back yoke seams show tension from use but nothing that breaks the garment. People like how this jacket does not feel like a new garment with printed washes.

Montgomery Ward Denim Jacket ($700 to $1 200)

Denim has a rugged feel that will soften after a few more wears. Back pockets are placed slightly high giving a unique fit. Button fronts shut firmly and the shoulders do not gape. The tag still clings to the pocket seam with readable text and a small code number.

Fading around the chest and sleeves appears natural and not forced by chemicals. Some minor rust spots show on the lower buttons giving a lived feel. The jacket speaks of years past and carries a presence that modern items cannot match.

Lee Rider 101-J Vintage Denim Jacket ($900 to $1 300)

The Lee Rider 101-J is a classic example of a durable work jacket from the mid-20th century. The fabric label with the Lee brand is still visible despite its age, adding value to the jacket. The denim feels heavy and resilient, showing signs of having been worn for years. The jacket has been crafted with attention to detail, with strong stitching and reinforced areas to resist wear.

The buttons are stamped with the old Lee logo, and the cuffs show slight fraying, which adds to its authentic character. The fading on the jacket has a deep blue tone, achieved naturally over time. This jacket’s market price reflects the rarity of finding one in original condition with the factory tag intact.

Wrangler Cowboy Cut Denim Jacket ($700 to $1 100)

This Wrangler jacket was designed with the cowboy in mind, built to withstand the rigors of working life. The vintage version features the brand’s cowboy cut, which is tailored for maximum comfort during long hours in the field. The tag is a faded version of the original Wrangler label, showing age but still clearly identifiable.

The denim is sturdy yet soft in all the right places, and it has aged beautifully. The jacket’s buttons are engraved with the classic Wrangler logo, further adding to its value. Pockets are worn in, with the creases from constant use adding personality to the piece. This jacket has a timeless appeal to both denim lovers and those interested in Western wear history.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.