When it comes to varsity jackets, you can go either classic or high-fashion. Stylist Michaela Leitz-Aslaksen loves celeb-beloved sneaker brand Golden Goose’s traditional pick, which features a melton wool body and contrast leather sleeves.
She also likes Givenchy’s take on the preppy staple, which has a black and white colorway that’s sure to complement tailored suit trousers for a quirky-cool finessed look.
ASOS
As far as style icons go, few are more recognizable than the men varsity jacket. From Ivy League halls to the runways of high fashion, this classic staple has been reinterpreted by everybody from streetwear designers to iconic sports brands. Luckily, you don’t need to be a member of the team (let alone have a passing interest in sports) to pull off this coveted silhouette.
If you’re looking for a premium take on the look, consider this leather-embellished varsity jacket from Saint Laurent designed by Hedi Slimane and inspired by the Teddy Boys, a British youth subculture that merged Savile Row tailoring with rock ’n’ roll style. The lambskin sleeves, recycled wool construction, and warm lining give it all the hallmarks of an old-school sportswear classic.
Other noteworthy varsity jackets can be found at streetwear label Closed and luxury designer Philipp Plein. Both labels feature a range of designs, including a slim-fit version with front and back motifs and a traditional wool body with contrast sleeves. Plein’s take is a bit more logo-centric, but if you’re into the whole branding thing it’ll be right up your alley.
Another brand to consider is Amiri, which takes a more minimalist approach to the style. Its slim-fitting varsity jacket is a great pick for pairing with casual denim jeans and T-shirts. The contrast striped pockets and ribbed cuffs add visual interest, while the metal stud buttons and knit sleeves add a bit of edge.
New Era
Stewart & Strauss’ letterman jackets are a must-have for any man who wants to stand out. The affordable jackets feature a wool blend body, PU sleeves, and applique ‘A’ patches for a modern nod to the classic Letterman style. You can also customize the jackets by using the inside 1/2 zip-out lining to add your own embroidery and patches. These jackets are a perfect addition to any casual outfit, especially when you wear it with jeans and a pair of sneakers.
Another high-end option is Philipp Plein’s line of varsity jackets. The German designer has a reputation for creating statement-making streetwear, and his varsity jackets are no exception. The jackets are a bold color and feature an extended button channel on the front. The jackets also come in a wide variety of colors, making it easy to find one that suits you.
If you want a more classic varsity jacket, consider MKI Miyuki Zoku. The brand prides itself on producing design-led pieces that are sensibly priced. Their varsity jackets feature a melton wool blend body with contrast leather sleeves and metal stud cuffs. This style is perfect for pairing with your favorite preppy casual wear, including striped rugby shirts and denim jeans.
Whether you’re rocking your ’90s cafeteria clique look or trying to channel Emilio Estevez from the iconic 1985 movie The Breakfast Club, a varsity jacket is the perfect accessory to complete your outfit. Keep your accessories to a minimum so that the jacket can shine, and don’t forget to throw on a baseball cap to complete the look.
Puma
If you’ve ever watched The Breakfast Club – written, produced and directed by the legendary John Hughes – then you may have seen the iconic varsity jacket worn by Emilio Estevez. Today, the varsity jacket has made the leap from cult classic to contemporary streetwear staple. Its collegiate Americana roots have been reinterpreted to suit contemporary tastes, with designers embellishing the classic silhouette with logo patches, high-quality fabrics and leather trims.
The classic letterman mens jacket is typically constructed from a thick wool body and contrasting leather sleeves. A letter patch is typically featured on the chest and the ribbed collar, cuffs and hem are often striped in a tonal colour expression. Modern interpretations of the design often feature a mix of different fabric combinations and colours, from tonal blues to sunshine yellow.
Swedish brand Acne Studios is a master of the contemporary aesthetic, and its take on the varsity jacket is no exception. The black version uses a slim fit to create a tailored silhouette, while maintaining the traditional elements of the jacket – a wool blend construction and contrasting embroidered details.
Another high-end take on the varsity jacket comes from label Off White, founded by Virgil Abloh, who is known for embodying modern creativity like no one else. This particular iteration of the design is a clear reference to space travel, with an astronaut emblem on the chest and gold buttons on the sleeves.
