Letterman jackets were first worn in 1865 by the Harvard baseball team, and they’ve become an evergreen trend since then. Today, varsity jackets are not just a school staple but also a timeless style statement. With their wool bodies and contrasting sleeves, these jackets have surely come a long way. You can now find them in any style and design, made for more than just warmth.
In this blog, we’ll talk about the materials used to make custom high school letterman jackets and what goes into designing them. From fabric choices to design tips, you’ll find everything you need to know right here. If you’re thinking about getting one, keep reading; we’re starting from the beginning.
What is a Custom Letterman Jacket?
This sporty jacket is often worn by team leads in high schools. It’s a mix between a bomber jacket and a track jacket, and it’s also known as a letterman, baseball, or letter jacket. These jackets are usually made from wool, come in two main colors, and feature a long, button-up front without a collar. They’re called custom letterman jackets because they can be personalized with letters and much more. Each letter on a high school varsity jacket has a meaning. It often shows the player’s school name and team number, making it a symbol of pride and achievement.
Why Material of the Varsity Jacket Matters?
The material of a letterman jacket plays a huge role in its look, feel, and durability. High-quality fabrics like wool, leather, and premium blends not only give the jacket a classic, timeless appeal. They also ensure that it stands up to everyday wear. A well-made varsity jacket offers comfort, warmth, and lasting style. Choosing the right material is important for the following reasons:
- Comfort
- Quality
- Finish
With these three points ticked off, you can have a jacket that’s iconic and stays perfect for years to come. Here is a material guide for you so you can easily choose what’s the best material for your jacket:
Material Guide to Create Your Custom Letterman Jacket
Different types of materials are used in the making of a varsity jacket. It depends on the weather and the area where you live. Here we will discuss some of the main materials:
- Real Leather
Modern varsity jackets primarily use this material because it is easily accessible. The jacket will protect you against harsh weather conditions. The material shows resistance to water. The material suits every person and exists in multiple color options, which create an elegant appearance. Designing and customization benefit greatly from this material, which qualifies as a top choice.
- Synthetic Leather
Synthetic leather looks similar to real leather, but the quality can vary from one jacket to another since it’s not genuine. It’s also cheaper than the real leather. However, as the price goes down, the quality and durability will also go down. Still, many people choose synthetic leather because it’s more affordable. Others prefer it because it doesn’t use animal products. Today, a lot of people order custom Letterman jackets made with synthetic leather for these reasons.
- Wool
The most waterproof and durable material exists for Letterman jackets. Tight woven fabric makes up this material for sure. The second brushing process creates a satin-like appearance on the fabric. The harsh, cold climate requires this material as its most suitable solution for clothing. Such material provides warmth without causing difficulties for the person using it.
- Cotton Fleece
Going for woolen products represents the most suitable material selection for individuals who deal with allergic reactions. It acts as an affordable alternative to molten wool. The lightweight quality of this material allows users to feel more comfortable than they would with molten wool. Moreover, it is very breathable. The main reason that makes it the optimal material for individuals suffering from skin allergies exists. Users can appreciate the exceptional warmth conservation properties of this fabric.
- Polyester Satin
Custom letterman jackets built from this fabric have exceptional durability. The jackets offer a comfortable wearing experience to people. Due to its soft, smooth appeal, this material stands superior among other material choices.
Materials for Sleeves and Inside Linings
To keep things simple, you can make the sleeves of your varsity jacket using the same material as the body. The only time this doesn’t work well is if the body is made of wool; in this case, leather sleeves are a better choice because they add more style and depth to the jacket. One of the most important parts of the jacket is how the sleeves are stitched. If the stitching is done poorly, it can ruin the entire look. A varsity jacket is only as good as its stitching.
For the inside lining of the jacket, you have three main material choices
- Polyester satin
- Cotton
- Quilted lining
Polyester is soft and smooth, cotton is warm, and quilted lining gives you both, it’s smooth and warm at the same time. If you live in a place with cold weather, quilted lining is the best option for you. There are a lot of online stores where you can start customising your first Letterman Jacket.
Why are Custom Letterman Jackets still in trend?
Hollywood movies made varsity jackets popular. In almost every high school movie, you’ll see actors wearing custom varsity jackets, which have turned them into a style symbol. Many people see varsity jackets as an important part of their student life.
But these jackets aren’t just for schools, they’re worn long after graduation, too. People who know how to style them often keep wearing them into adulthood. Varsity jackets are loved for their versatility. They look great and go well with almost any outfit. You can pair them with jeans, skirts, or just anything. Whether you like a sporty or casual look, these jackets will amp up your style.
Conclusion
Adding a custom letterman jacket to your wardrobe is always a winning choice. After all, it never goes out of style. Whether it represents your school days or your sports team, a letterman jacket instantly reconnects you with the spirit of your high school journey. Every time you wear it, you’ll relive the good old days. And not just for school, it’s also quite popular among fashion enthusiasts.
So why wait? Start customizing your very own letterman jacket today and bring those timeless memories back to life, or let your inner fashionista take the lead.
