Varsity jackets' history can be traced back to American college varsity teams, as suggested by their name. The prestigious baseball team at Harvard University donned the original design in 1865. A fabric letter was embroidered onto the jacket to set their star player apart from the rest of the team (hence the name Letterman).
Now, 150+ years later, Varsity jackets, also known as letterman jackets, are a wardrobe staple. The preppy piece, which resembles the bomber in shape, is a perennial favourite among high-end designers and streetwear companies.
But to wear a varsity jacket, you don't have to be an Ivy League jock. With time, the item lost its academic connotations and transitioned into casual clothing. A variety of brands adopted the trend and produced their own iterations of the varsity jacket. Varsity jackets are ideal for fall, along with coach jackets, and companies like Supreme and Off-WhiteTM frequently include them in their collections.
This timeless item is also embraced by luxury fashion, which has introduced elevated versions of the jacket. These more expensive varsity jackets are the ideal transitional outerwear this fall because they are made with higher quality materials and sleek designs. As a result, we've compiled a list of the top varsity jackets, including both budget-friendly and expensive options.