A Classic Reimagined: Tellason’s Lined Jean Jacket Reviewed

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Tellason Blends Heritage with Utility, Making Their Lined Jean Jacket a True Original

Denim lovers know the Type III inside out; it’s one of the all-time greats in the denim world. So making a jean jacket that respects the iconic Type III without feeling like a straight-up replica is no easy feat. 

Tellason’s founders, Tony Patella and Pete Searson, clearly knew what they were doing when they set out to give the classic Type III a fresh spin.

Pete Searson’s own well-worn Tellason 16.5 oz. blanked lined Jean Jacket

They’ve managed to make a jacket that’s familiar but also undeniably Tellason, with details that make it feel a little more rugged and a lot more useful in day-to-day life.

In this review, I’ll go over why Tellason’s take on the Type III with the lining could in fact be the only jacket you need.

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A Fit That’s Right for Just About Anything

First, let’s talk about the fit. Tellason’s Jean Jacket sticks to the Type III’s shape but gives it a refined fit that feels right for today. 

Tony wore a Levi’s Type III since his teenage years that got passed down from his uncle—he knows what makes the fit on these jackets work. Tellason’s version has that same slightly boxy cut, but it’s slimmed down a bit and made long enough to feel modern.

Tellason sent us a size large to review—Thomas’ brother-in-law wears it (he’s 191 cm / 6’3″ and 90 kg / 198 lbs)

The result? You’ve got a jacket that works for different seasons and situations. Toss it over a T-shirt, and it’s just right for warmer days. Layer it up with a hoodie or a heavy flannel, and you’re good to go in cooler weather. 

That’s what makes this jacket a keeper: it feels like a classic, but the fit’s versatile enough to keep up with how we dress today.

Not Just Another Type III Look-Alike

When they set out to create a denim jacket and launched it in 2011, Pete and Tony weren’t interested in creating a replica of the Type III. They wanted this jacket to feel like their own. 

Take the front stitching, for instance: instead of going with the usual centred, tapered design, they opted for asymmetrical and straight. It’s a small change, but it makes a big difference.

Tony explains that this choice was all about making the jacket feel true to their own style. They’re not adding details for tradition’s sake. For them, it was about giving the jacket a unique personality without straying too far from what makes the Type III great. 

The result is a Type III-style denim jacket that looks familiar but has enough originality to stand out. I’d agree that this feature alone shows how much Pete and Tony respect the heritage of jeanswear without being overly tied to it.

A Lining That Means Business

The lined version of Tellason’s Jean Jacket, which we’re reviewing here, is a whole new take on warmth for a denim jacket.

It’s got a quilted nylon lining in the sleeves that brings just the right amount of insulation, while the body has a woolen blanket liner. This jacket is for the folks who don’t want to hang up their denim just because it’s getting colder out.

Pete himself is proof of how well this lining holds up. He’s taken this jacket through near-freezing Berlin winters, and it didn’t let him down. It’s the kind of warmth that makes it a favourite, even when the temperature drops—something denim jackets typically can’t offer.

Back in the 80s, Pete had a similar lined jean jacket with a wool lining and corduroy collar. It became his go-to for a budget trip around Europe. This Tellason jacket, he says, brings back memories of that old favourite. It’s built for warmth, durability, and making memories.

Pete saying warm in his lined Jean Jacket (when it was new) with a snowy NYC in the background

Pockets, Pockets, Pockets

Pete and Tony clearly have a thing for pockets when they design denim jackets. On the Coverall, Bryan counted no less than seven pockets—and as he argues in his review, he wouldn’t want less.

Like most Type IIIs, Tellason’s Jean Jacket has two chest pockets and two hand-warmer pockets. The hand-warmer pockets are nicely almost hidden along the seams of the front panels, and they’re perfect for keeping your hands warm without breaking the jacket’s clean lines.

If you spring for the unlined version of Tellason’s Jean Jacket, you get two additional interior pockets, bringing the total pocket count up to six. It’s a small tweak, but it makes this jacket seriously functional.

Those interior pockets are reinforced with heavy-duty material, which means they’re built to be used—not like those makeshift pockets that the 80s Levi’s Type III have. Tony says these interior pockets are his personal favourite feature of the jacket; they make it easy to keep essentials close, especially when you’re on the go.

Built to Last, Made in San Francisco

As we learned in our article about how Tellason makes its clothes, the dedication to American craftsmanship is also front and centre to the brand. It’s not different with this jacket. 

It’s produced in San Francisco—a city that obviously has some denim history. In a world where most brands have moved production overseas, Tellason’s commitment to local manufacturing speaks volumes.

When Cone Mills, the last major American producer of selvedge denim, closed in 2017, Tellason didn’t lower its standards. They sourced high-quality fabrics from other reputable mills, keeping the durability and authenticity that have defined them from day one. The 16.5 oz. heavyweight denim on this jacket is just one example of that commitment to quality.

The selvedge detail on the collar is another subtle nod to craftsmanship. While the denim purists might prefer the archetypal collar, it’s small touches like this one that add a lot of character to the design. Each material and design choice reflects a respect for true craftsmanship, making this jacket feel like a real investment in quality that stands out in today’s market.

A Jacket That’s All About Personal Style

In our book, The Rebel’s Wardrobe, we cover how the denim jacket has a history that’s tough to beat. It started out as workwear and evolved into a wardrobe staple. It’s been worn by everyone from miners and ranchers to rock stars and style icons, bringing a bit of that rebellious spirit along the way.

Elvis wore a Levi’s Type II and made it look classic. River Phoenix turned the Type III into a symbol of effortless cool. Punk and rock legends made it their own. Tellason’s Jean Jacket builds on that story, letting you bring your own style to an already iconic piece.

Pete’s personal jacket is a perfect example. He’s added patches, including a hand-painted lightning bolt by his daughter—a tribute to surf legend Gerry Lopez. There’s also a “Jacko” patch referencing The Clash’s “Janie Jones” and an elbow patch made from an old Dutch Army tent.

For Pete, this jacket isn’t just clothing—it’s a part of his story. Each patch, each bit of wear, adds to its character. It’s the kind of jacket that grows with you, picking up meaning along the way.

What Customers Are Saying

Customers agree that Tellason’s Jean Jacket is built to last. The feedback and reviews you’ll find of this jacket are a testament to how well it holds up.

On Tellason’s own site, one reviewer calls it a “long-term relationship,” sharing how the jacket softened over time and became even more comfortable. Another appreciates the “heft and warmth,” saying it’s his go-to jacket for cooler weather.

In his review of the unlined version of Tellason’s Type III, Mitchell Hallmark from Hallmark Gear Reviews highlights the jacket’s fit and practicality. He’d struggled to find jackets that fit his shorter torso and broad shoulders, found Tellason’s cut ideal. It gave him freedom of movement without the bulk that often comes with denim jackets.

He also loves the six-pocket design, especially the roomy interior pockets that fit everything from gloves to daily essentials. For him, Tellason’s Jean Jacket is more than just another layer; it’s a functional piece of gear ready for everyday life.

A Jacket That’s Built to Be Lived In

Tellason’s Jean Jacket isn’t the kind of jacket you keep in the closet. It’s made for real life. And that inherently also makes the jacket a sustainable choice—even though you’ll never hear Pete and Tony talk about how sustainable their clothes are.

Tellason builds garments that stay with you. With heavyweight denim and a well-thought-out design, this jacket is made to hold up to life’s adventures.

That focus on durability reflects Tellason’s values. By focusing on quality over trends, they’ve created a jean jacket that stands the test of time. It’s the kind of jacket you wear, live in, and love. Not just another piece of clothing but a jacket that’s part of your story.

Denim purists, heritage fans, and anyone who appreciates a well-made jacket will find a lot to love here. It’s got the feel of a classic, but with enough unique touches to make it feel like your own. With each wear, it moulds to you, making it even more personal.

A Jacket with Legacy and Character

Tellason’s Jean Jacket is more than just a piece of clothing. It’s a tribute to the jean jacket’s storied past, but it’s not tied down by tradition. This is a jacket for those who value craftsmanship and appreciate a garment that grows with them, picking up memories along the way.

With added warmth, versatile pockets, and rugged, American-made denim, Tellason’s Jean Jacket is ready to join the ranks of denim icons. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling connected to a legacy of quality and style.

Whether you’re a seasoned denim lover or just starting to see the value of a well-made jean jacket, Tellason’s take on this classic is worth the investment. It’s a jacket with character, built to grow with you and stand the test of time.

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