This season we’re introducing not just one, but two denim jacket silhouettes. Drawing inspiration from the rich history of denim fits and styles, we’ve focused on two timeless archetypes: the Type II and Type III, the latter also known as the iconic trucker jacket. While both designs pay homage to their original forms, we’ve infused each with BENZAK’s signature touch, creating updated versions for the modern man.

BDJ-T2 TYPE II JACKET

The BDJ-T2 TYPE II JACKET is our take on the classic Type II jacket. It has a boxy fit with a shorter length, just like its vintage inspiration. The flaps of the two chest pockets follow our signature horn shape. The BDJ-T2 also features the classic pleated front placket, which is finished with archetypal box stitching, paying further homage to its influential origins. We’ve modernised the style by adding two large inner pockets, providing some extra space to hold personal belongings.

Although both denim jackets are inspired by classic archetypes and use the same fabric in an unwashed (raw) state, they share noticeable similarities at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, more subtle differences emerge.

Starting with the fit, the BDJ-T2 features a boxy, slightly shorter cut, while the BDJ-05 is more tailored with a tilted design, where the front is significantly longer than the back. The BDJ-05 achieves its tapered silhouette through darts below the chest pockets, carefully placed to follow the body's contours and stitched with tonal (indigo) threads, making them subtly blend in.

In contrast, the BDJ-T2 has vertical front pleats, secured with box stitching, which adds extra room for movement. Historically, mine workers would cut these box stitches open as they gained weight, turning this jacket into a versatile piece of utilitarian clothing.

One of the most striking differences between the two jackets lies in the chest pockets. The BDJ-T2 features two patch pockets positioned almost midway down the body, following the straight line of the front yoke and are secured with a flap. The bottom of the flap has a curved shape, loosely inspired by the bull’s horns. To enhance durability, the bottom of the pocket is lined with our classic pocketing fabric and finished with tonal (indigo) stitching. Both the flap and pocket have bottom corners with a unique detail, which may appear as a production flaw at first glance but is actually a deliberate ‘diamond stitch’—a nod to a common inconsistency found on vintage pieces.

In contrast, the chest pockets on the BDJ-05 are constructed from the inside and positioned carefully beneath the slanted front yoke. Like the Type II, they also feature flaps that extend from under the yoke. Since the pockets are built internally, the "V"-shaped darts that contribute to the jacket’s tailored fit extend all the way to the pocket openings.

Both jackets feature hidden pockets to offer extra storage for personal belongings. The original Type II, which was discontinued and replaced by its Type III successor, came before handwarmer pockets became common in denim jackets. As a result, the BDJ-T2 also lacks extra exterior pockets. Instead, we’ve added a large internal pouch, spacious enough to carry an iPad (if needed).

In contrast, the BDJ-05 includes discreet handwarmer pockets. The openings are cleverly concealed beneath one of the front seams, preserving the jacket’s clean appearance while providing extra storage. Additionally, the pocket bags for these handwarmer pockets double as interior pockets, bringing the BDJ-05’s total to six pockets for added functionality.

Though subtle, the collars of both jackets have distinct shapes. The BDJ-T2 features a slightly more pointed collar that faces downward, while the BDJ-05 has a wider collar. These variations are loosely inspired by vintage jackets from their respective eras. Additionally, the front yokes, as seen in the images above, differ significantly and play a key role in shaping the overall fit of each jacket.