Grateful Dead Levi’s Collaboration Mixes Jean Jackets And Tie-Dye

Anna Tingley
·3 min read

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Thankfully for Deadheads, the Grateful Dead has no plans of going anywhere. The legendary 1960s rock band still lives on in Dead & Company tours, a constant stream of Dancing Bears merch and now in a funky collaboration with Levi’s, just dropped.

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The capsule collection includes a lineup of t-shirts, denim jackets, sweatshirts and scarves, adorned with signature Grateful Dead imagery, album graphics and tour dates — all emblazoned atop the band’s beloved tie-dye. The new drop celebrates the 50th anniversary of “Skull & Roses,” which also inspired a reissue of the seminal double live LP. The album’s distinct art is weaved through the entire Levi’s collection, with skull head and red rose graphics designed on everything from trucker jackets to classic tees.

Courtesy of Levi’s
Courtesy of Levi’s
Courtesy of Levi’s
Courtesy of Levi’s

“We wanted to do something that felt authentically rooted in the Grateful Dead’s incredibly rich and unique history, so we dug deep into some of their more nuanced graphics and storytelling,” Karyn Hillman, LS&Co.’s chief product officer said in a statement. “It’s a deep dive into Grateful Dead’s storied narrative and devoted fan base, only remixed through a contemporary lens.”

As is the case with most Deadhead merch, many pieces are also designed with the band’s signature Dancing Bears from their eponymous 1971 album “Grateful Dead.” The bears make up the colorful design of a funky pair of board shorts, sit atop a color-blocked bucket hat and are patched onto denim jackets and pants. Other pieces have more subtle homages to the band, such as the TYPE III jean jacket with the word “DEAD” printed across the back, with the lettering constructed out of bones.

Shop the entire Levi’s x Grateful Dead collection here, and check out some of our favorite pieces below. Add to your Grateful Dead collection with even more merch in our roundup here.

Trucker Jacket

Courtesy of Levi’s
Courtesy of Levi’s

Levi’s beloved Trucker III jacket gets a Deadhead upgrade with the words “DEAD” screen-printed in large lettering in the back, designed in the band’s iconic bones typeface and a Grateful Dead embroidered patch on the front left pocket. Pair it with the classic 501 jeans, done up with the same “DEAD” screen print, for a matching set.




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$168


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Long Sleeve Graphic T-Shirt

Courtesy of Levi’s
Courtesy of Levi’s

This multi-colored fleece tie-dye sweatshirt is as Deadhead as you can get, featuring an iconic “Skull and Roses” artwork on the back with a more subtle Grateful Dead roses logo on the front.




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$49.50


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Long Sleeve Graphic Cropped T-Shirt

Courtesy of Levi’s
Courtesy of Levi’s

Dancing Bears crawl up the sleeves of this colorful, cropped crewneck, donning a playful message on the back: “Who are the Grateful Dead and why do they keep following me?”




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$49.50


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Crewneck Sweatshirt

Courtesy of Levi’s
Courtesy of Levi’s

Get cozy in this more subdued, dark blue crewneck, embellished with the Grateful Dead logo on the right sleeve cuff and the boned Dead logo across the chest.




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$79.50


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Sling

Courtesy of Levi’s
Courtesy of Levi’s

Perfect for your next festival or hike, this colorful fanny pack offers a roomy main zip pocket for your necessities, in addition to a smaller pocket for a phone and keys. Dancing Bears run up each side while skeletons dance along the straps.




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$45


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