The varsity jacket—also known as the letterman jacket—is more than just a piece of outerwear. It’s a symbol. It represents pride, tradition, and coolness, all stitched into one timeless silhouette. But before it became a fashion staple worn by everyone from athletes to pop stars, the varsity jacket had humble beginnings rooted in American school spirit.
It all started in 1865 at Harvard University. The school’s baseball team wanted a way to honor their top players, so they stitched a large chenille “H” onto the front of thick wool sweaters. Only standout players were awarded the privilege of wearing these, and if a player didn’t perform well enough that season, the sweater had to be returned. This early form of “lettering” set the tone for a long-standing tradition in American athletics.
By the 1930s, the varsity look evolved from sweaters to jackets. Schools began producing wool jackets with leather sleeves, ribbed collars, cuffs, and hems—design elements that are still iconic today. The chenille letter was moved to the chest, and often, numbers, names, or patches representing championships or achievements were added to the sleeves or back.
Originally exclusive to high school and college athletes, varsity jackets became a rite of passage in the U.S. Wearing one wasn’t just about fashion—it meant you earned it. You put in the work, the hours, the sweat. The jacket was your badge.
But over time, the varsity jacket started to break free from its jock-only roots. In the 1950s, thanks to movies and pop culture, it began appearing on the shoulders of actors, greasers, and rebels. Think James Dean. By the 1980s and ‘90s, hip hop artists and urban youth gave the jacket new life. Brands like Karl Kani, FUBU, and later Supreme and BAPE, reimagined it for the streets, adding bold graphics, oversized fits, and unique materials.
The varsity jacket’s blend of athletic heritage and casual swagger made it the perfect canvas for self-expression. From Kanye West’s College Dropout era to Tyler, The Creator’s Golf Wang collections, the silhouette has stayed fresh by constantly being reinvented.
Today, the Varsity jacket lives comfortably in both high fashion and streetwear. Labels like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Off-White have all put their spin on it. Meanwhile, indie designers and Custom jacket makers (you know who you are) keep the classic energy alive—crafting limited runs with premium materials, throwback fonts, and personal details that make each piece feel like a trophy.
What started on an Ivy League baseball diamond has become a global fashion statement. The varsity jacket has proven that style and legacy go hand in hand—and whether you earned your letter on the field, in the studio, or through pure hustle, there’s a jacket out there with your name on it.