What is a Varsity Jacket?

The varsity jacket, also known as the “letterman”, has been an iconic American fashion piece that gained popularity internationally. It was born from American college sports culture for athletes and has become more of a fashion piece in modern days

What is a Varsity Jacket?

A varsity jacket is a staple in American jock culture. When it was first created, it was meant for athletes with impressive track records, and the jacket was a testament to this. A varsity, also known as the Letterman jacket, showed off school colors and emblems. 

The school’s initials are generally on one breast while the other has the name of the student, school, and sport or activity embroidered. The back of the jacket can display the school logo and name, while each sleeve has the player’s number and graduation year.

The body of the jacket is wool, while the sleeves are soft leather. The cuffs and neckline are made of chenille. It is a classy fashion statement that made its way from America to Britain. 

Despite their American origin, the British have incorporated varsity jackets heavily into their everyday street fashion. 

Some may consider the varsity jacket a symbol to be earned through school prowess. In modern-day high school and college, the varsity jacket is far less common than it used to be. It has become a fashion piece and statement for a variety of people.

The History of the Varsity Jacket

The first coining of the varsity jacket concept goes back to 1865 at Harvard University. Instead of the jacket we see now, the first varsity jacket or “baseball jacket” was a pullover sweater embellished with the school’s letter on the front.

At first, the baseball players couldn’t keep these sweaters unless they performed exceptionally well, as a sort of competition among the team. The bulky pullover sweaters did phase out of popularity, and they opted for cardigan designs. 

These baseball sweaters spread in popularity over the next decades. Once the Harvard Football team adopted these letterman jackets nationwide, it became a staple of college teams, and eventually high schools adopted them.

It evolved into a jacket that was easier to wear with the woolen jacket, classic leather sleeves, and chenille accents we see today. 

Each jacket was customized for the athletes’ school to represent their pride in their university. A varsity jacket, in a way, is like a wearable trophy featuring the student’s information and activity.

Letterman Jacket vs. Varsity Jacket

There is not a difference between the two jackets design-wise. A letterman jacket is simply another term and technically was the second name given to this style of outerwear. Initially, the sweater was called the “baseball jacket” because that was its sport of origin.

It changed to “letterman jacket” because of the large letters sewn onto the fabric. The expansion into other sports meant that calling it a “baseball” jacket wasn’t the inclusivity that was needed for the ever growing popularity. 

Over time, the names became interchangeable since the jacket’s appearance is iconic and it is easy to identify. The technical name would be a varsity jacket, but letterman jacket is an equally valid name for it. You might hear it called a baseball jacket still in some circles.

All Kinds of Varsity Jackets

It’s needless to say that over time the styles of varsity jackets are far more diverse. They have become less of a sports status symbol and more of a fashion piece. Here are some of the more popular ways to wear, style, and customize a varsity jacket. 

Dark Hues

When you think of the varsity jacket, you probably think of bright, primary colors that can be seen clearly from a field. 

That’s why a varsity jacket in dark hues is so stunning. It has the iconic style but with a classy, modern twist. The simplicity of it makes it a sleek take on a timeless style.

Varsity Jacket with a White Hoodie

Leather sleeves used to be a varsity jacket staple, but in the last decades, switching out the leather with a sweatshirt material and hoodie attached.

The white hoodie and sleeves with chenille cuffs keeps the classic look while offering a different alternative for fabric.

Classic Varsity Jacket

This style is the iconic, colorful and highly embroidered varsity jacket. It has all of the colors, information, and school pride a student could want. 

Street Style

This varsity jacket style is meant to wear as a fashion statement. It is more neutral in colors and any symbols or text are likely not directed to any sport or school. It tends to be baggier than the classic style and offers a new way to wear the varsity look without the school pride.

Conclusion

The varsity jacket started out as an athlete’s trophy, something to show off their achievement within school or sport. Over time, it’s established itself as an iconic outerwear piece that can be worn in many ways and styles.