How to Style Varsity Jacket?
09 Jan 2024
Imagine an athlete walking across a baseball field. He is wearing a wool jacket with leather sleeves, striped cuffs, and a large letter on the chest. The varsity jacket is one of the few garments reflecting American culture and classic American style.
The Varsity Jacket, also known as the University Jacket, Letterman, or College Jacket, which originally appeared as the uniforms of Ivy League athletes, soon became an essential element of preppy style. Celebrities brought jackets even more popularity, and soon this closet item was infiltrating the style of various subcultures, shrugging off the sporty and elitist associations. Influencers last summer returned to the forefront. They were decoding the aesthetic of school and university uniforms. Today, the Varsity jacket is worn by everyone from high school athletes to street-style icons.
Varsity jackets have several visible characteristic differences from other sport-style jackets. The cuffs on the sleeves and the lower part of such a product on the hips are represented by wide elastic bands, on which almost always pass two white stripes. Sleeves in baseball jackets are made according to the "raglan" style. The back and the area on the chest of such jackets are often decorated with applications and patches.
With an easy pitch from leading designers and fashion heroes, street style lovers began to sharply walk out loafers and Mary Jane shoes in company with high white socks and masterfully mixed pleated miniskirts with shirts and tops.
The success and prevalence of baseball jackets can't be put down to any one reason, but their history has played an important role. We've already written about the preppy style that originated at Ivy League universities, and now we're going to tell you more about one of its key elements - the varsity jacket. First, we'll briefly recall how it came to be, and then we'll break down how and what to wear it with.
The Varsity Jacket, also known as the University Jacket, Letterman, or College Jacket, which originally appeared as the uniforms of Ivy League athletes, soon became an essential element of preppy style. Celebrities brought jackets even more popularity, and soon this closet item was infiltrating the style of various subcultures, shrugging off the sporty and elitist associations. Influencers last summer returned to the forefront. They were decoding the aesthetic of school and university uniforms. Today, the Varsity jacket is worn by everyone from high school athletes to street-style icons.
Varsity jackets have several visible characteristic differences from other sport-style jackets. The cuffs on the sleeves and the lower part of such a product on the hips are represented by wide elastic bands, on which almost always pass two white stripes. Sleeves in baseball jackets are made according to the "raglan" style. The back and the area on the chest of such jackets are often decorated with applications and patches.
With an easy pitch from leading designers and fashion heroes, street style lovers began to sharply walk out loafers and Mary Jane shoes in company with high white socks and masterfully mixed pleated miniskirts with shirts and tops.
The success and prevalence of baseball jackets can't be put down to any one reason, but their history has played an important role. We've already written about the preppy style that originated at Ivy League universities, and now we're going to tell you more about one of its key elements - the varsity jacket. First, we'll briefly recall how it came to be, and then we'll break down how and what to wear it with.
What Exactly Is ‘Varsity Style’?
The progenitor of the university jacket - the sweater - first appeared at Harvard in 1865.
The history of the varsity jacket, also known as the letterman jacket, dates back to the mid-19th century at one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world, Harvard University. In 1865, the Harvard baseball team was looking for a way to highlight the team's star players during competition. Back then, instead of jackets, athletes wore knitted sweaters as uniforms, and, as the story goes, the team decided to embroider a large "H" in the center on them, in honor of the university's name. Soon the uniforms became a prestige item and status indicator.
Ten years later, the Harvard soccer team followed the example of their baseball players and began embroidering the same letter on their uniforms as well. Usually, only those players who played in the most important games - against Yale or Princeton - were allowed to wear the jersey. They were allowed to wear it off the field as well. Those with fewer accomplishments and honors had to return their "H" jerseys at the end of the season.
The modern university jacket originated in the 1930s.
The university jacket as we know it today was not invented until the 1930s. At that time, there was a demand for more durable clothing that could keep athletes warm. This is how the classic wool jacket with leather sleeves of the varsity jackets came into being. Soon the tradition of wearing such jackets spread from elite Ivy League universities to high schools and other colleges in the United States, and virtually every American athlete wore the jacket. Soon, additional embroidery elements began to be used to show the rank or accomplishments of athletes. for example, a star indicated the team captain, and patches along the sleeves could speak to the result of matches or personal achievements.
In the 1980s, the varsity jacket became popular due to the attention it received from American sports franchises and became an integral part of street fashion. Manufacturers of fan merch began producing apparel for fans of professional baseball teams, adding club logos or mascots to them. However, it was too expensive to make fan products out of traditional wool and leather, so companies replaced them with satin, which lowered the cost of jackets and made them more accessible to a wider audience of all ages. That's when it began to appear in other sports, most notably basketball and soccer, which was instrumental in establishing the unique street-wear culture of the late 80s and early 90s.
The popularity of this sports jacket in pop culture led to it entering the fashion scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Originally born in a privileged Ivy League society, the varsity jacket became a favorite attribute of hip-hop groups like Run-D.M.C. and N.W.A. This meant it belonged on the streets from then on. It became clear that anyone could now wear a letterman jacket, regardless of their school affiliation or their athletic prowess.
In 1987, Stüssy, now known as one of the legendary streetwear labels, began producing varsity jackets using old construction methods and traditional materials such as wool and leather. Stüssy regularly produced different versions of the jackets, including the iconic One Love 1989 rasta-colored model.
Today every brand and designer has released its version of the university jacket: from the classic model to the more avant-garde and modern one. It is noteworthy that for almost 100 years this piece of clothing has remained consistently popular.
The history of the varsity jacket, also known as the letterman jacket, dates back to the mid-19th century at one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world, Harvard University. In 1865, the Harvard baseball team was looking for a way to highlight the team's star players during competition. Back then, instead of jackets, athletes wore knitted sweaters as uniforms, and, as the story goes, the team decided to embroider a large "H" in the center on them, in honor of the university's name. Soon the uniforms became a prestige item and status indicator.
Ten years later, the Harvard soccer team followed the example of their baseball players and began embroidering the same letter on their uniforms as well. Usually, only those players who played in the most important games - against Yale or Princeton - were allowed to wear the jersey. They were allowed to wear it off the field as well. Those with fewer accomplishments and honors had to return their "H" jerseys at the end of the season.
The modern university jacket originated in the 1930s.
The university jacket as we know it today was not invented until the 1930s. At that time, there was a demand for more durable clothing that could keep athletes warm. This is how the classic wool jacket with leather sleeves of the varsity jackets came into being. Soon the tradition of wearing such jackets spread from elite Ivy League universities to high schools and other colleges in the United States, and virtually every American athlete wore the jacket. Soon, additional embroidery elements began to be used to show the rank or accomplishments of athletes. for example, a star indicated the team captain, and patches along the sleeves could speak to the result of matches or personal achievements.
In the 1980s, the varsity jacket became popular due to the attention it received from American sports franchises and became an integral part of street fashion. Manufacturers of fan merch began producing apparel for fans of professional baseball teams, adding club logos or mascots to them. However, it was too expensive to make fan products out of traditional wool and leather, so companies replaced them with satin, which lowered the cost of jackets and made them more accessible to a wider audience of all ages. That's when it began to appear in other sports, most notably basketball and soccer, which was instrumental in establishing the unique street-wear culture of the late 80s and early 90s.
The popularity of this sports jacket in pop culture led to it entering the fashion scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Originally born in a privileged Ivy League society, the varsity jacket became a favorite attribute of hip-hop groups like Run-D.M.C. and N.W.A. This meant it belonged on the streets from then on. It became clear that anyone could now wear a letterman jacket, regardless of their school affiliation or their athletic prowess.
In 1987, Stüssy, now known as one of the legendary streetwear labels, began producing varsity jackets using old construction methods and traditional materials such as wool and leather. Stüssy regularly produced different versions of the jackets, including the iconic One Love 1989 rasta-colored model.
Today every brand and designer has released its version of the university jacket: from the classic model to the more avant-garde and modern one. It is noteworthy that for almost 100 years this piece of clothing has remained consistently popular.
How to Wear Varsaity Jackets?
Previously, the jacket, which is called baseball jacket as well, was associated with associations only with youth American comedies and TV series. These days, such a jacket can be seen in the closet of many fashionistas, especially fans of sports style. The varsity jacket is presented in different price categories and styles: classic style, leather version, sports style, college style, vintage style, extravagant models with a man's shoulder, and short versions. It is a very practical clothing, most in demand in the early fall and spring period. It will also come in handy in rainy summer weather.
Because of the property of the varsity jacket to add bulk to the figure, such clothes are very popular with girls who want to hide a non-ideal waist, modest bust size, or wide hips. As for age, the baseball jacket is suitable for absolutely everyone - both young girls and older ladies. At the same time, teenagers and young girls usually choose models with screaming and bright colors, and at the age of over 30 give preference to more restrained options.
The combination of strict sports elements no longer requires putting on a varsity jacket. Mixing styles, on the contrary, is welcome and allows you to create your unique image. The main thing is to know some peculiarities and observe the proportions.
Because of the property of the varsity jacket to add bulk to the figure, such clothes are very popular with girls who want to hide a non-ideal waist, modest bust size, or wide hips. As for age, the baseball jacket is suitable for absolutely everyone - both young girls and older ladies. At the same time, teenagers and young girls usually choose models with screaming and bright colors, and at the age of over 30 give preference to more restrained options.
The combination of strict sports elements no longer requires putting on a varsity jacket. Mixing styles, on the contrary, is welcome and allows you to create your unique image. The main thing is to know some peculiarities and observe the proportions.
Varsity Jacket Outfit Ideas
On days with a huge temperature difference between morning and evening, having a versatile jacket suitable for both offense and defense is essential. With the return of retroelements in fashion, many fashion bloggers and celebrities have also turned their attention to "baseball jackets". Let's take a look at how you can style this piece of clothing in your everyday life.
With work pants
A varsity jacket in black with white inserts and a cropped style can be the perfect combination with this spring's main trend: work pants, creating a stylish look. Choosing a short jacket can visually elongate your legs. Work-style pants in any color pair perfectly with a jacket, creating a stylish college-style look with a trendy look. However, to stand out, it is recommended to avoid choosing pants with typical military prints. Instead, combine them with a basic white T-shirt and comfortable sports shoes or sneakers. As accessories to this look, it is recommended to pay attention to a stylish hobo bag and narrow-rimmed sunglasses.
With jeans
One of the most classic and common looks with a varsity jacket is pairing it with jeans, sneakers, and a baseball cap. This is how baseball jackets were originally most often worn. The jacket looks good with both straight and skinny jeans. If you prefer the wide jeans popular this year, they can be successfully combined with a jacket in the same color range, and to complete the style, choose sport-style sneakers. However, if your goal is to make the image more refined, you can choose high heels or booties for wide jeans, and as accessories use an elegant bag or thin bracelets. This approach will add a fashionable accent and make the look elegant.
With skirts
Don't think that varsity jackets only look good with pants. Don't forget about the all-round versatility of this jacket. Unlike a stylish look with jeans, combining the jacket with a semi-fitted skirt will give the look femininity and charm. In such cases, the length and style of the skirt can be different. You can choose the option with a mini pleated skirt in the style of a cheerleader girl, giving the image of playfulness and youthful rebellious energy, while emphasizing the beautiful long legs! If you choose a varsity jacket in basic colors and pair it with a trendy pleated skirt, you can also add a classic white shirt, creating a very appropriate preppy look. If you think the look is too serious, just add an easy tie and versatile white sneakers.
Pairing it with a stylish floral dress can also go well with the baseball jacket style. Both fitted and flared styles add a fragile and feminine touch to the look. If your height is short, the length of the jacket is key to visually enhancing it. Choose a jacket with a high waist without worrying that it may shorten your proportions.
With shorts
Wearing a varsity jacket with shorts, you can create a strict and sporty look. This style is great for warm spring days. Depending on your mood, you can choose a simple monotone t-shirt or one with a cute print on it to complete the look. Shoe options are also numerous and can be chosen depending on your needs for different scenes, from sneakers to high heels.
We hope that these ideas will help you create a stylish and original look with a baseball jacket. Remember, bold experiments and a combination of different outfits will help to express your unique personality, and of course, it is important that your outfit is comfortable.
With work pants
A varsity jacket in black with white inserts and a cropped style can be the perfect combination with this spring's main trend: work pants, creating a stylish look. Choosing a short jacket can visually elongate your legs. Work-style pants in any color pair perfectly with a jacket, creating a stylish college-style look with a trendy look. However, to stand out, it is recommended to avoid choosing pants with typical military prints. Instead, combine them with a basic white T-shirt and comfortable sports shoes or sneakers. As accessories to this look, it is recommended to pay attention to a stylish hobo bag and narrow-rimmed sunglasses.
With jeans
One of the most classic and common looks with a varsity jacket is pairing it with jeans, sneakers, and a baseball cap. This is how baseball jackets were originally most often worn. The jacket looks good with both straight and skinny jeans. If you prefer the wide jeans popular this year, they can be successfully combined with a jacket in the same color range, and to complete the style, choose sport-style sneakers. However, if your goal is to make the image more refined, you can choose high heels or booties for wide jeans, and as accessories use an elegant bag or thin bracelets. This approach will add a fashionable accent and make the look elegant.
With skirts
Don't think that varsity jackets only look good with pants. Don't forget about the all-round versatility of this jacket. Unlike a stylish look with jeans, combining the jacket with a semi-fitted skirt will give the look femininity and charm. In such cases, the length and style of the skirt can be different. You can choose the option with a mini pleated skirt in the style of a cheerleader girl, giving the image of playfulness and youthful rebellious energy, while emphasizing the beautiful long legs! If you choose a varsity jacket in basic colors and pair it with a trendy pleated skirt, you can also add a classic white shirt, creating a very appropriate preppy look. If you think the look is too serious, just add an easy tie and versatile white sneakers.
Pairing it with a stylish floral dress can also go well with the baseball jacket style. Both fitted and flared styles add a fragile and feminine touch to the look. If your height is short, the length of the jacket is key to visually enhancing it. Choose a jacket with a high waist without worrying that it may shorten your proportions.
With shorts
Wearing a varsity jacket with shorts, you can create a strict and sporty look. This style is great for warm spring days. Depending on your mood, you can choose a simple monotone t-shirt or one with a cute print on it to complete the look. Shoe options are also numerous and can be chosen depending on your needs for different scenes, from sneakers to high heels.
We hope that these ideas will help you create a stylish and original look with a baseball jacket. Remember, bold experiments and a combination of different outfits will help to express your unique personality, and of course, it is important that your outfit is comfortable.
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