Uniforms may have been created to showcase equality, but, we don’t think they have ever been popular amongst students. A standard dress code limits creativity. School uniforms may have been a bust but, with that being said, there was one jacket that managed to catch everyone’s eye. The letterman jacket. The power this jacket held was incredible.
The varsity jacket (or letterman jacket) rose to fame in the ’80s. Since then, the jacket has become a statement piece. The king of jackets was only worn by jocks and athletes but was the envy of all.
The jackets usually had a significant letter or number sewn onto the chest of the jacket. This represented the school or team the wearer belonged to. During the ‘90s the letterman jacket was seen everywhere and educational institutions were proud to promote it. The jacket had a set style which included two or more contrasting colors and a button-through body. The collar was made of soft wool, as was the trim of the jacket.
Varsity jackets that are worn now, don’t represent a specific college. Instead, they come in multiple colors, styles, materials, and detailing. All of these new additions still manage to preserve the ‘high school look’ of the jacket. Thanks to the fashion industry, if you never got the chance to shine in a varsity jacket, now is your time.
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How to Style a Varsity Jacket
The letterman jacket is available in all sorts of color schemes. All these different styles make it a bit difficult to decide which jacket is the best and how to style it. When investing in a varsity jacket you want to keep a few things in mind.
- Always pick a jacket that fits you well. The perfect size would be one that is snug around the shoulders but has just enough space to wear a hoodie/sweater inside.
- Varsity jackets come in several colors. White, black, and blue are the best neutral and everyday colors. A jacket of these tones can add to your outfit without being too overwhelming. If you are well accustomed to the world of varsity jackets, try something more vibrant and out there to create a striking streetwear outfit.
- If the ’90s jacket style is more your speed then get a jacket that mimics the traditional varsity jacket vibe.
As basic as it may seem, styling a varsity jacket can get a little out of hand. It doesn’t work with just everything and outfits have to be carefully curated. Here are 10 ways that you can style a varsity jacket to perfection.
Black Varsity Jacket Outfits
Black is a color that reflects confidence. A varsity jacket with a black woolen body and contrasting black leather sleeves is a must-have. The jacket style does bear a resemblance to a standard bomber jacket but, the button closure is what sets it apart.
Try pairing a black varsity jacket with a crisp white shirt. The black and white combination is foolproof. Add khaki pants to break up the monochrome look. The overall style is clean, polished, and workwear approved.
For a more everyday, streetwear look, pair a black varsity jacket with a basic white tee, blue jeans, and white shoes.
Create a mysterious, yet eye-catching look, by going for an all-black outfit. Keep things interesting by adding on gray/white colored sneakers.
Varsity Jackets with Hoodies
Varsity jackets are great for the colder months. If you wear them on their own, chances are you will catch a cold. However, if you layer it with a hoodie, we guarantee you’ll be as snug as a bug.
Try pairing a maroon and white, letterman jacket with a nice gray, chunky hoodie. Throw on a pair of jeans and put on your favorite shoes. The overall look is a union of streetwear and winter wear.
For a more cool and toned-down look, try pairing a blue leather varsity jacket with a light blue hoodie and a pair of jeans. The different hues of blue work beautifully together. Make sure to choose a jacket that mimics the structure of a bomber jacket to pull the whole look together.
Varsity Jackets with Cargo Pants
The idea of a varsity jacket is to steer all the focus to it. Make it stand out by pairing it with a more relaxed form of pants. A green and yellow varsity jacket paired with a white tee and navy blue cargo jeans can create an ‘off duty baseball player’ sort of look.
For a more put-together look, try combining a black bomber style varsity jacket (with yellow detailing), and a pair of khaki cargo pants. Complete the look with white sneakers.
Varsity Jackets with Graphic Tees
Streetwear fashion is all about expressing yourself and wearing clothes that make you feel good. Hop on the street style trend by pairing a varsity jacket (with a color combination of your choice) with a white graphic tee. Add on a pair of jeans and finish off the look with sneakers.
Choosing a white tee creates a canvas around which the letterman jacket can shine. Seeing the color white paired with bold colors is refreshing to see in an otherwise noisy world.
Varsity Jackets with Shorts
It sounds weird but when a varsity jacket and shorts are paired together the final look is undeniably impressive. A blue varsity jacket, a striped black tee, khaki shorts, and white sneakers create a look perfect for a walk on the beach, a vacation, or even just a day at the park.
Switch things up and pair a pair of printed shorts with a blue and white varsity jacket. Add on leather shoes of your choice and complete the look with a pair of shades.
Varsity Jackets with Chinos
A red and white letterman jacket may not be appropriate for the office, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid varsity jackets altogether. Create an office look by pairing a brown varsity jacket, with khaki chinos, a crisp white shirt, and black boots.
For a more laid-back look pair a black tee with a gray letterman jacket. Complete the look by adding khaki chinos and brown derby shoes.
Varsity Jackets with Light Blue jeans
There is just something about a varsity jacket with light blue jeans that really captures the whole ‘baseball player essence’. Keep it casual by pairing a blue and white varsity jacket with light blue jeans and a baseball cap. Add on sneakers to complete the look. You can also change the look-up a bit by trading sneakers for brown boots. Don’t forget to fold the hem of the jeans to let the leather boots stand out.
Springtime is all about pastels and 2024 spring fashion is no different. Pair a pastel green and white varsity jacket with a crew-neck, white T-shirt. Finish off the look with light blue jeans and white shoes.
Varsity Jackets with a Beanie
A Beanie may be hard to pull off but they look amazing when paired with the right outfit. Pair a red beanie with a red and gray varsity jacket. Add a pair of dark gray jeans and a light gray shirt to add some contrast to the outfit. Complete the look with a pair of gray converse.
Most beanies that are worn with varsity jackets are color-coordinated with the body of the jacket. Say your jacket has a purple body. Add on a purple beanie to tie the whole look together. Alternatively, you can match the beanie to the color of the letter (or number) embroidered on the body of the jacket. The paralleling creates a look that is hard to miss.
Varsity Jackets with Camo Pants
Camo pants look great when paired with a simple black tee. To take it up a notch, pair camo pants with a gray hoodie and a yellow and blue varsity jacket. Add on a pair of white shoes to complete the look.
The gray and white accessories help tie the two different patterns together, creating a fashionable look.
Varsity Jackets with Boots
Varsity jackets are mostly worn with leather sneakers. Shake things up a bit and pair a black leather varsity jacket with black jeans and tan suede Chelsea boots. The boots add character to the outfit and stand out amongst the otherwise black background.
For a more winter-friendly look, try pairing a varsity jacket with a black turtleneck and black fitted pants. Add on a pair of black leather boots to complete the look.
FAQ’s
A letterman jacket should not be too tight nor should it be too baggy. It should be loose enough to allow a hoodie or any other layering piece.
Yes, letterman jackets are still a thing. They are also known as varsity jackets and are available in a range of colors and styles. They are extremely popular and a huge trend in 2024.
Letterman jackets originally had chevrons, large letters, and sports patches. Varsity jackets now have all kinds of patches and detailing. They can also be completely customized with zodiac signs, favorite teams, quotes, and more.
Conclusion
A Letterman jacket is a piece of celebrated clothing that carries history with it. This jacket can be customized or, it can be a way to carry on a legacy. Varsity jackets have a beautiful structure. Combine that with its distinctive detailing and you get an essential clothing piece.
