Types of Letterman Jackets

Your Complete Guide to Styles, Materials, History, and Everything In Between

History & Tradition

The Origins

The Letterman jacket, also known as a varsity jacket, has its roots in American collegiate sports dating back to 1865 at Harvard University. The original letter was a large chenille “H” sewn onto sweaters worn by the baseball team. This tradition symbolized athletic achievement and school pride.

Key Historical Milestones

1865: Harvard Baseball team introduces the letter sweater tradition
1930s: The cardigan sweater evolves into the modern jacket with leather sleeves
1950s-60s: Letterman jackets become a symbol of American youth culture
1980s-Present: Expanded beyond sports to academics, arts, and other achievements

Cultural Significance

Today, Letterman jackets represent more than just athletic prowess. They symbolize dedication, achievement, school spirit, and belonging. Worn with pride by students across America, these jackets have become timeless pieces of Americana, featured prominently in films, television, and fashion.

Types of Letterman Jackets Styles by Gender

Men’s Letterman Jackets

Typically bulkier with broader shoulders, men’s jackets are designed for athletic builds but work for anyone who loves a bold look.

Women’s Letterman Jackets

Slimmer fits, cropped cuts, and stylish details make women’s versions versatile for both sporty and casual outfits.

Youth Letterman Jackets

Ideal for teams, groups, or brands offering a neutral cut that suits all body types and styles.

Types & Styles

Classic Varsity

The traditional style featuring a wool body with leather sleeves. This is the most iconic and recognizable Letterman jacket design, typically in school colors with ribbed collar, cuffs, and waistband.

All Wool Letterman

Both the body and sleeves are made from wool. This style offers a more uniform appearance and is often chosen for colder climates or a more traditional collegiate look.

full leather body varsity jacket manufacturer

All Leather Varsity

A modern twist featuring leather throughout. This premium option offers durability and a sleek, sophisticated appearance that transitions well beyond school years.

Lightweight Varsity

Made with synthetic materials or lighter-weight fabrics, perfect for warmer climates or as a fashion piece. Often features satin or nylon body with vinyl sleeves.

Hooded Varsity

A contemporary variation that adds a hood for extra warmth and a casual, streetwear-inspired aesthetic while maintaining traditional varsity elements.

Reversible Letterman

Features two wearable sides, often with one side displaying traditional varsity styling and the other offering a solid color or alternate design for versatility.

Denim Letterman Jacket

Blending vintage with rugged style, the denim letterman offers a trendy alternative to traditional materials great for casual fashion lovers.

Cropped Letterman Jacket

A favorite among women and fashion influencers, cropped versions add a youthful, edgy flair pairing perfectly with high-waisted jeans or skirts.

Varsity Bomber Jacket Hybrid

This modern mix combines bomber jacket elements (like ribbed cuffs and zip closure) with varsity aesthetics creating a perfect urban streetwear piece.

Color Combinations

Letterman jackets traditionally feature school colors. Common combinations include:

Navy and Gold

Classic, prestigious look

White and Red

Bold and striking

Green and White

Fresh, traditional appearance

Maroon and White

Elegant, distinctive style

Royal Blue and White

Clean, timeless combination

Black and White

audacious, brash, gutsy, smart.

Materials Guide

Body Materials

Wool Melton

Quality: Premium Dense, tightly woven wool that’s warm, durable, and holds its shape beautifully. The gold standard for Letterman jackets with excellent insulation properties.

Wool Blend

Quality: Mid range Combines wool with synthetic fibers for a balance of warmth, durability, and affordability. Easier to care for than 100% wool.

Nylon/Satin

Quality: Budget friendly Lightweight synthetic option that’s water resistant and easy to clean. Great for warmer climates or as a fashion statement piece.

Sleeve Materials

Genuine Leather

Premium cowhide leather that develops a beautiful patina over time. Durable, classic, and the traditional choice for authentic varsity jackets.

Synthetic Leather

Vegan friendly alternative that mimics the look of real leather. More affordable and easier to maintain, though less durable long term.

Vinyl

Budget option with a glossy finish. Water-resistant and easy to clean, though may crack with extensive wear over time.

Additional Components

Lining

Quilted polyester, satin, or cotton blends for comfort and warmth

Ribbing

Acrylic or wool blend knit for collar, cuffs, and waistband

Hardware

Snap buttons (most common) or zipper closures in metal or plastic

Pockets

Welt pockets with snap closures or open slit pockets

Customization Options

Letter & Chenille

The centerpiece of any Letterman jacket is the varsity letter. Traditional chenille letters are thick, fuzzy, and raised, typically 6-8 inches tall. They represent your school initial or achievement category.

Popular Letter Placements

Left Chest: Primary varsity letter (most common)
Right Chest: Graduation year or additional achievement
Back: Large school name, mascot, or team designation

Embroidery & Patches

Custom Designs

Personal touches like nicknames, numbers, mascots, or unique artwork that make your jacket one-of-a-kind.

School Name

Often embroidered across the back in large lettering. Can be arched or straight, with or without mascot imagery.

Sport/Activity Patches

Small patches indicating your specific sport or activity. Placed on sleeves or front of jacket to showcase your achievements.

Year Patches

Indicate the years you participated in your sport or activity. Typically sewn on the sleeve, with one patch per year.

Championship Patches

Special patches commemorating conference, district, state, or national championships. A badge of honor for exceptional teams.

Team Captain Patches

Designated patches or bars indicating leadership positions. Often feature “C” or “Captain” designation.

Pins & Awards

Metal pins can be added to showcase additional achievements including academic honors, perfect attendance, MVP awards, and personal milestones. These are typically pinned to the front of the jacket or on the letter itself.

Buying Guide

How to Measure for Perfect Fit

Essential Measurements

Chest: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, under the arms
Shoulders: Measure from shoulder seam to shoulder seam across the back
Sleeve Length: From center back neck to wrist with arm slightly bent
Body Length: From top of shoulder to desired hem length.

Pro Tip: Order one size up if you plan to layer thick clothing underneath or want a more relaxed fit.

Quality Indicators

Stitching: Look for tight, even stitching with no loose threads or gaps
Material Thickness: Wool should be substantial, leather should be supple but firm
Ribbing: Should be thick, elastic, and well-attached with no puckering
Letter Quality: Chenille should be dense and securely sewn with clean edges
Hardware: Snaps should be firmly attached and operate smoothly
Lining: Should be well-finished with no raw edges visible

Price Ranges:

$80-$150

Synthetic materials, basic customization, lighter weight construction

Budget

$150-$300

Wool blend body, genuine or quality synthetic leather sleeves, good customization options

Mid-Range

$300-$600+

100% wool Melton body, genuine leather sleeves, extensive customization, superior construction

Premium

Where to Buy Letterman Jacket

School Suppliers

Most schools have partnerships with specific suppliers offering standardized designs at negotiated prices

Custom Manufacturers

Companies specializing in varsity jackets with full customization capabilities

Online Retailers

Wider selection and competitive pricing, but verify return policies and sizing

Secondhand

Authentic vintage jackets with character, though customization is limited

Ordering Timeline

Its depend on quantity and complexity your work but mostly Custom Letterman jackets typically take 1-2 weeks from order to delivery. Plan ahead for important dates like senior year, championships, or graduation. Rush orders may be available for additional fees.

Care & Maintenance

Cleaning Different Materials

Spot clean with mild detergent and cool water
Professional dry cleaning recommended annually
Use a soft brush to remove lint and surface dirt
Avoid machine washing as it can cause shrinkage

Wipe with damp cloth for minor dirt
Apply leather conditioner 2-3 times per year
Never submerge in water or machine wash
Keep away from direct heat sources

Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent
Some may be machine washable (check label)
Air dry or tumble dry on low heat
Iron on low setting if needed

Storage Tips

Use a Padded Hanger

Prevents shoulder distortion and maintains shape

Store in Cool, Dry Place

Avoid damp basements or hot attics

Use Garment Bag

Protects from dust and moths, especially for wool

Never Fold Long term

Creates permanent creases in leather sleeves

Cedar Blocks

Natural moth deterrent for wool jackets

Avoid Plastic Bags

Can trap moisture and cause mildew

Common Issues & Solutions

Loose Patches

Re-stitch promptly to prevent further damage. A tailor can reinforce attachment points.

Broken Snaps

Replaceable at most tailors or fabric stores. Keep the original hardware style if possible.

Faded Colors

Professional cleaning can sometimes restore vibrancy. Avoid prolonged sun exposure.

Leather Cracks

Regular conditioning prevents this. Small cracks can be treated with leather repair products.

Stretched Ribbing

Difficult to repair. Prevent by not hanging jacket by the collar or cuffs.

Moth Holes in Wool

Patch carefully or have professionally rewoven. Store with cedar or lavender to prevent.

Long term Preservation

A well maintained Letterman jacket can last decades and become a treasured keepsake. Many people preserve their jackets as memorabilia from their school years. For long term storage, consider professional cleaning first, then store in a breathable garment bag in climate controlled conditions. Check annually for any issues and air out periodically.

Conclusion

Letterman jackets have evolved from school spirit wear to timeless fashion icons. Whether you want a traditional wool and leather combo or a modern streetwear twist, there’s a type of letterman jacket that perfectly expresses who you are. Customize it, wear it proudly, and let your story show through every patch and color.