Picture this: an American baseball player strolling across the field. What’s he likely wearing? That iconic wool Varsity jacket with leather sleeves and a big embroidered letter on the chest. Originally born out of school pride, the Varsity jacket, or Letterman jacket, has made a serious comeback since late 2020, becoming an essential piece of Americana in streetwear.
Famous figures like Elvis Presley, James Dean, and Michael Jackson helped catapult the Varsity jacket into mainstream culture. Today, it’s no longer reserved for high school athletes - anyone can sport one, with the jacket evolving to fit a variety of styles.
While it shares some common features with its close relative, the Bomber jacket—like the ribbed cuffs, collar, and waistband - the Varsity jacket has distinct traits. By the end of this read, you’ll easily tell the difference between the two. 🤓
The first version of the Varsity jacket appeared in 1865, worn by Harvard’s baseball team as a wool or fleece sweater. The standout feature? A bold “H” stitched on the chest, which gave rise to the term "Letterman."
Initially, only top-performing players were allowed to keep their jackets, while those who spent the season warming the bench had to return theirs.
Over the next decade, the jacket became a symbol of athletic excellence, evolving into various designs like cardigans and turtlenecks. But its core meaning remained the same: it was a badge of honor for top athletes.
By the 1930s, the jacket had morphed into something more recognizable, with a wool body and leather sleeves for added warmth.
So how does a Varsity jacket differ from a Bomber jacket? Besides the leather sleeves, Varsity jackets also feature patterned ribbing on the cuffs and collar, and most importantly, they close with snap buttons rather than zippers.
For decades, Varsity jackets represented more than just athletic prowess.
In the 1900s, they became tokens of affection, with boys handing them to their girlfriends as a sign of commitment.
By the 1980s, the Varsity jacket had transcended the schoolyard and found its way into professional sports. Sports fans and athletes alike started donning custom jackets embroidered with team logos and mascots. For fans, satin versions made these jackets more affordable and accessible.
Today, the Varsity jacket is an effortless blend of history and modern fashion. Whether styled with dress pants and leather shoes for a smart-casual vibe or paired with jeans and sneakers for a laid-back look, this nearly century-old jacket continues to stand the test of time. From plain designs to those decked out with patches and embroidery, the Varsity jacket remains as cool as ever.
Comments