Various style subcultures have welcomed and adopted the iconic varsity jacket from the high school setting to the runway. Jocks and nerds have differences, but one thing these campus subcultures have in common is an excellent sense of style. This outerwear trend is one of America’s best-loved fashion exports.
Varsity are also called “letterman jackets.” It is because this outerwear essential has a large cloth letter (the initial of the player’s school), usually sewn or embroidered to the chest. These letters generally signify that the wearer plays a certain sport for their varsity team.
Styling Tips
Bored of wearing your letterman jacket the same way every day? Are you thinking of investing in your first one? You might want to consider these tips to style your jacket right:
- The Colors. You can always choose to go monochrome when unsure. And if you are new to this trend, limit your options to black and white designs to not look overdressed, as neutral and contrast colors won’t overwhelm the rest of your outfit. It’s always best to go classic when trying out a new look, so opt for a retro two-tone style with a solid body and contrasting sleeves, or go for a full-block colour to be safer.
- The Fit. Fashion Beans said that fit is paramount when making a jacket look great. It should be slim enough while still leaving a small room underneath for a hoodie or otherwise. And the hem should not be higher than the hips. Today, you no longer have to be a buff athlete to wear a jacket. Modern letterman jackets now have a more detailed and fitted design that pairs easily with various trouser options.
- Sports Casual Style. The rise of the sportswear side in the fashion industry is growing. This relaxed look is ideal for less formal occasions and. However, pulling this off at the office or on your first date is not advisable.
How To Wear Varsity Jackets?
Rolling Stone said that the rock stars have now removed these jackets from the jocks. We can’t deny that the athletic image and the jacket’s wool fabric might still give off some high school football vibe. Traditional designs feature two or more contrasting colors with collarless, wool, button-through body, and leather sleeves. However, it’s been changing for a few years as designers make new and modernized jackets.
↓ 16 – Ombre Wool
Compared to others, Urban Outfitters Ombre Wool Jacket is not that pricey. Its wool body has a long-haired, ombre overhaul that makes a fashion-forward statement. Despite its contrasting wool sleeves and striped “rib-knit” trim, the jacket still looks like a varsity.
↓ 15 – High-End
This Real McCoy’s brand is dedicated to reviving throwback looks just as they were back in the day. The downside is that McCoy is expensive.
↓ 14 – With White Pants
Stick with neutral tones and contrast colors like grey and brown (even black) if you’re gonna wear your jacket with white pants. Some black sneakers, like Converse or Vans, will do the job of completing the look with a bang.
↓ 13 – Black
A black varsity jacket and a white button-down are both versatile. Combine the two and you’ll create a preppy and fashion-forward getup without going overboard. It’s better to leave the shirt untucked. Black, especially a darker shade, will always look fine with a crisp white shirt. And then pair them with khaki or black jeans.
↓ 12 – With Blue Jeans
Some well-fitted jeans and box-fresh trainers will help you achieve a versatile and timeless getup that will suit many occasions. This cool and relaxed look is suitable for activities of any type. And there is a thin line between too smart and too rugged.
↓ 11- With Black Jeans
Pair your letterman jacket with black jeans. They look good together, especially when worn with a wool sweater as your undershirt. Finish off the look with some boots. You can invite some glasses to channel some “boy-next-door” vibe.
↓ 10 – With Chinos
When it comes to bottoms, jeans and chinos will equally work well. Limit your options to dark hues and straight fit or slim cuts. You can cuff the legs to your preferred height. For the footwear, try Chuck Taylors for casual and loafers for a slightly more formal or preppy look. Here are some more ideas on Khaki Pant Outfits For Men.
↓ 9 – With Boots
When the mercury starts to drop, it’s time to put away those everyday trainers and sneakers for a while. It’s the season to rock some boots, like Chelsea suede or the regular winter boots for men with style. Because after all, you don’t want cold feet to ruin your precious moments (no pun intended!)
↓ 8 – College Outfit
You may not be surprised by this entry. Colleges and universities birthed the jackets so they are not a stranger in campuses or otherwise. While it’s a no-brainer for a letterman jacket to be appropriate in school, you might still wanna consider how to make the style neat and sharp. You can throw the jacket over a white button-down, and tuck them in your trousers (wool fabric, in this case). A necktie would also be a nice addition to the team.
↓ 7 – With A Hoodie
This has also recently merged with the world of streetwear, meaning it’s not a bad idea to wear one with any street fashion piece, like a hoodie, for instance.
↓ 6 – For Travels
If you will wear a letterman when traveling, try to stick with comfortable fabrics like cotton and polyester. And do not choose leather when the weather is boiling.
↓ 5 – With Brogues
Spice things up by adding a pair of classic brogue shoes to the party. This will give you a smart outfit suitable for the office but not too formal to take to after-work dates and hangouts.
↓ 4 – Smart Casual
Remember that the letterman jacket is a casual piece, so try to balance it out with some smart trousers if you plan on wearing it to the office. Choose a cool, monochrome color design, then add a button-down shirt underneath and then pair them with grey or navy chinos.
↓ 3 – Streetwear
The varsity is capable of giving off the urban aesthetic of modern streetwear. Go for sporty designs that show ’80s nostalgia, and team them up with black jeans in relaxed or skinny fits. But if you want to level up your ensemble, get a jacket design with noticeable embroidery on the left breast, wrists, or waist.
↓ 2 – Winter Outfit
Try to wear it with a scarf in colder months. Tip: match the color of the jacket to the scarf itself.
↓ 1 – Office Wear
Wear a letterman jacket to your work unless the boss prohibits it. And a blazer would always be there to have your back. Save the varsity for the after-shift gigs e.g. drinks, dates, etc.
