08/17/2026
We recently sold this rare vintage 1940’s/50’s era JCPenneys Foremost buckle-back type 1 denim jacket, with the most incredible sun fade! It was too good not to live here on the grid…
Here’s a little history on the garment in question for those of you interested;
The JCPenney Foremost Type 1 denim jacket was introduced in the 1940’s as an affordable, rugged alternative to the iconic Levi’s 506XX jacket. Produced under the JCPenney’s Foremost line, it was designed specifically for working-class Americans, including miners, ranchers, and factory workers.
While it borrowed heavily from Levi’s pioneering “Type 1”, the Foremost version developed its own cult following and is highly prized by vintage collectors.
The “Type 1” design refers to a universal style and innovation originally set by the Levi’s 506XX. JCPenney adapted this for their house brand to offer a budget-friendly option that did not compromise on utility. Key design features included:
* Single Front Pocket: Positioned on the left breast, though JCPenney placed theirs slightly lower than the Levi’s counterpart.
* Front Pleats: Double vertical pleats flanking the button placket, which could be let out by clipping the holding stitches to allow for extra chest room or heavy layering
* Boxy, Cropped Cut: Designed short to sit right at the waistline, preventing the fabric from bunching up while sitting on a tractor or saddle.
The earliest iterations of the Foremost Type 1 jacket like this one are characterized by its cinch back (buckle back). This allowed laborers to pull the cinch tight to block out the wind. These versions were constructed with heavy, durable selvedge denim and featured a true button-fly closure. Because of their scarcity and utilitarian history, these 1940s buckle-back versions are incredibly rare and highly sought after in the vintage market today!
New denim arrivals weekly at both shops, you never know what might turn up next!
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