The Denim Tears jacket — a collaboration that made history
The Denim Tears jacket is not just outerwear — it is the piece that earned the brand a place in The Met. Built through the landmark Levi's x Denim Tears collaboration, the cotton wreath trucker jacket reworks the most classic silhouette in American denim and covers it in an all-over cotton wreath print. The collection was exhibited at the Met Gala 2021 under the "In America" theme, which is rare recognition for any streetwear piece. When you buy a Denim Tears jacket, you are buying a garment that sits at the intersection of heritage denim, fine art, and cultural storytelling — and that is exactly why the Denim Tears jacket holds its value the way few streetwear pieces do.
The cotton wreath on denim — what it means
Founder Tremaine Emory designed the cotton wreath after seeing the motif on artist Kara Walker's page, then reimagined it for the Denim Tears jacket. The wreath draws directly on the story of cotton in America and its intertwined legacy with slavery. Printing that wreath across a Levi's trucker — the uniform of American workwear — is a deliberate statement that forces a conversation about what American heritage actually means. This is why a Denim Tears jacket reads differently from any other denim jacket: the cotton wreath turns classic Americana into a piece of wearable history.
Denim Tears jacket styles
The Type II trucker
The Denim Tears Type II trucker jacket is built on Levi's classic Type II silhouette, known for its pleated front detail and two-flap pocket design. Made in premium denim with the all-over cotton wreath print, the Type II Denim Tears jacket comes in several washes — light wash, dirty wash, and raw — each changing how the white wreath print reads against the denim.
The Type III trucker
The Denim Tears Type III jacket uses the most recognizable trucker silhouette in denim history, cut in a relaxed fit that layers easily over a hoodie or tee. Beyond standard denim, the Type III also comes in a premium black leather version with the cotton wreath print in high definition against the leather base — the most striking Denim Tears jacket in the range and a genuine collector's piece.
Denim Tears jacket sizing and fit
The Denim Tears jacket follows the Levi's trucker fit it is built on, which means it runs true to size with a relaxed cut designed for layering. Because the trucker silhouette is meant to sit over a hoodie or sweatshirt, your normal size gives you room to layer underneath. If you want a closer, cropped trucker look worn over just a tee, consider sizing down one. The leather Type III runs slightly more structured than the denim versions, so stay true to size for the intended relaxed drape.
How to wear a Denim Tears jacket
The cotton wreath print covers the whole Denim Tears jacket, so it works as the clear statement piece of any outfit. Keep everything underneath simple — a plain white tee, black trousers, and clean sneakers let the wreath print do all the talking. For a full Denim Tears look, layer the trucker over a matching cotton wreath hoodie. Because the Denim Tears jacket carries real cultural and collector weight, it wears best styled with restraint rather than competing with other loud pieces.
Caring for your Denim Tears jacket
To protect the cotton wreath print and extend the life of your Denim Tears jacket, wash it sparingly and spot-treat when possible. When a full wash is needed, turn the jacket inside out and wash with like colors using liquid detergent. Washing denim less often preserves both the wash colour and the wreath print, keeping your Denim Tears jacket looking right for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Denim Tears jacket made from?
The Denim Tears jacket is built on Levi's trucker construction in premium denim, with a relaxed fit and an all-over cotton wreath print. A premium black leather Type III version is also available, featuring the cotton wreath print against a leather base.
What is the difference between the Type II and Type III Denim Tears jacket?
The Type II Denim Tears jacket has a pleated front and two-flap pocket design, while the Type III is the classic modern trucker silhouette with a slightly more relaxed, layerable cut. Both feature the all-over cotton wreath print across various washes.
Does the Denim Tears jacket run true to size?
Yes, the Denim Tears jacket fits true to size, following the Levi's trucker fit it is based on. The relaxed cut leaves room to layer over a hoodie. Size down one if you prefer a cropped trucker look worn over just a tee.
Why is the Denim Tears jacket so collectible?
The Denim Tears jacket comes from the landmark Levi's collaboration that was exhibited at the Met Gala 2021 under the "In America" theme. That cultural significance, combined with limited releases and the cotton wreath's meaning, makes the jacket hold and often grow in value on the resale market.