The Resurgence And Demise Of The Jean Jacket

Shappy_Millmore7 years ago

The jean jacket has represented a lot of things in the past. Cool, rebellious, and badass are just a few ways you may have described this fashion staple and those who dared to wear it.

But with the resurgence of denim and every great Top Gun-esque volleyball game and Bruce Springsteen song that comes with it, I can’t help but notice this hound dog of a jacket seems to now represent more bark than bite compared to the glory days of old. James Dean, cigarettes, and muscle cars used to go hand in hand with this toughest of fabrics, but now every beautiful jean jacket I see is surrounded by Ugg boots, statement necklaces, and vodka sodas.

The fact that innocent, soft-drinking coeds are attempting to play with the pit viper of jackets is not what bothers me, though. What bothers me is that they don’t respect the American pastime they’ve so evidently set out to destroy. I’ve officially retired my jean jacket for now because instead of sparking conversations about Joan Jett and Joey Ramone, I’m getting girls telling me how they love Lil Xan and asking what all the little dancing bears are that I’ve patched on my sleeves. I look like a fool now walking into a bar rocking full Canadian tuxedo and matching over half the girls in the joint.

Don’t get me wrong, ladies — you’re more than welcome to drape the jacket. Shit, I respect it to a degree. I’d respect it fully, though, if you respected its history. God forbid you light up a Marlboro Red and sip on a domestic macrobrew in front of me while wearing one; I’ll be forced to propose on the spot.

I respect where the jacket is going and if I must watch it die a slow death this spring, so be it. All I ask in return is for you girls to throw a couple Mötley Crüe songs on your gym playlist and wear a feather earring or two. At least until rompers and sundresses return and I go back to being the cool and unique jean jacket dude..

Image via Shutterstock