Varsity Jacket Fastening 101 - All the Closure You Need!

Thinking of getting a varsity jacket? Hey, do pay attention to its fastening! Didn’t think about it, right? Well, most people don’t! When buying or customizing varsity jackets, most people pay attention to the patches, color combo, or at best, the material. But most of the time, varsity jacket fastening gets overlooked. Little do they know, closure is one of the signature elements of this outerwear. In fact, it can make or break its whole look. So, here we are, with a whole guide for you on it. All you need to do is fasten your seatbelts and get a clear closure on this design feature of your letterman jacket. 

What are the Types of Varsity Jacket Fastening?

The most commonly chosen fastening types for varsity jackets have been snap buttons and somehow zippers too. But you should know that there is so much more variety for you to pick your jacket’s closure from. For instance, you can go for normal plastic buttons or a magnetic closure instead of the snapped ones. When your jackets are Varsity Made, you have endless options for fastening.

Did You Know?
The first-ever letterman jackets were actually pullover sweaters with no the full-front opening we see today. So, they didn’t feature any fastening.

So, as the origin of letterman entails, there was no closure in the beginning. In fact, it happened years later when this outerwear started evolving to enhance its comfort, convenience, and style appeal. And today, you can customize your jacket with just any closure type. After all, it’s your garment, and you are free to choose what features it’ll have. Anyway, here are some of the options you can consider:

• Snap Closure Varsity Jackets

This is the classic varsity jacket fastening choice. You can say that it is their defining feature. And they don’t just look classic. In fact, they are super durable and functional too. This means that this type of closure is undoubtedly the best of all worlds. You should know that snap buttons consist of interlocking discs made of plastic or metal. Moreover, one disc is a protruding stud and the other is the socket that snaps onto each other for a perfect closure. 

Snap closures are built to last, just like the rest of your varsity jacket. Besides, snap closure goes best with strong fabrics, like leather. Or you can even pair your Melton wool or denim jackets. Remember, the snap of buttons can be a little damaging for lightweight fabrics. Anyway, here are the design options you have for your snap buttons:

• Matte
• Shiny
• Enamel-coated
• Fabric-covered

• Button-up Varsity Jackets

Another popular choice for your letterman’s closure is a button-up. It’s true that snaps are the classic but button-ups are more versatile. How so? As aforementioned, snap buttons are usually compatible with stronger materials. However, these buttons go with all kinds of fabrics. The key is to pick the type of buttons – metal or plastic – for the material of the jacket. For instance, wool jackets should have metal buttons, while plastic buttons are great for cotton or cotton wool jackets. Apart from being easy to use, durable, and functional, they are also a slick and decent look to your varsity jackets. What’s more, buttons are easy to repair or replace. In other words, when a button loosens or falls, you can simply sew it back on. You should know that buttons are available in different sizes and styles. Hence, you can choose any per your liking. 

Quick Question: Snap vs. Button-up Fastening, what’s better?

Well, it all comes down to your personal preference. You should know that both are super easy to use, durable and add to the overall look of your varsity jacket. Besides, if you want to keep it classic, you can choose snap buttons. But, they are not as easy to repair as the button-up fastening is. After all, you’d need specialized tools to fix snaps. On the other hand, for button-up closure, you just need to sew back the fallen or loosened-up pieces.

• Zip-up Varsity Jackets

If you want your letterman jacket’s fastening to be quick to open and close, choose a zipper. Undoubtedly, this is the most practical and functional solution for those who want to keep it functional yet stylish. Moreover, zipped closures consist of a zipper that runs along the front of the jacket. Besides, zippers vary in size, style, and material. So, you have endless options to choose from. Yes, that’s right! For you, the options range from chunky metal to lightweight plastic zippers and hidden zippers too. Although this closure is compatible with all sorts of fabrics, you should not use it will all fabrics. Why so? Because, unlike buttons, it doesn’t enhance the aesthetics of all types of varsity jackets. For instance, zip-up fastening for a leather letterman jacket will make it look low-grade. Furthermore, zippers go well with wool blends, cotton fleece, and polyester.

So, if you are thinking to personalize your jacket, you now know that the above three are the most trending options. Choose snap buttons to stick to the classic look. Want something more convenient? If so, go with button-up fastening. Want your jacket to look cooler and be more functional than ever? Just pick the zip-up closure. Do you have any more options? Yes, you do. Let’s dig into them…

Other Types of Fastening for Your Varsity Jacket

As aforementioned, the above three are not the only options you have. In fact, there are so many other closures that you can pick to give a twist to the style and practicality of your outerwear. For instance, you can go for decorative studs to adorn your jacket. For a cleaner and more contemporary look, pick a magnetic closure. This one is rarely used, but trust me, it is an amazing choice for your letterman jackets. On the other hand, you can also add toggle fastening to your varsity jacket - a popular closure for winter outerwear. It’s a great choice for a more edgy and casual look. Getting yourself a hooded varsity jacket? If yes, go for a drawstring closure.

Now that you have so many options, you still can’t make the choice blindly. You have to take care of certain considerations. For example, whether your choice of closure complements the make of your jacket or not. Well, we have a whole design guide on that of you. But, to make the shizz easy for you, here’s a list of factors to consider

What are the Factors to Choose Varsity Jacket Fastening?

Well, when it comes to choosing the right closure for your jacket, you have to consider a lot of things. You can’t just pick anything. First of all, the fastening should be of good quality. After all, the whole functionality of your jacket depends on it. Besides, you should also make sure the fastening complements the make and material of your jacket. For instance, drawstrings will not look good with a denim or leather varsity jacket. Similarly, snap buttons is an ideal pick for classic letterman design. Other things to consider are: aesthetic appeal, ease of use, maintenance, and cost. And hey, don’t forget to look up on what’s the current trend.

With these pointers pinned to your mind, you will surely select the best fastening for your jacket. 

Conclusion

If you have come this way reading the whole blog, you are sorted for the fastening of your letterman jacket. Moreover, fastening or closure is the most commonly ignored feature of the jacket. People usually pay attention to the patchwork or color but almost no one cares about the quality and look of closure. But you should know that the wrong closure is a red flag. So, make this decision wisely. Moreover, the above guide covers a range of options for you to pick. For example, go for snap buttons if you want to stick with the tradition. Or you can choose a zipper for a more edgy look and enhanced functionality. Still, can’t decide which closure will go well with your jacket? Well, you have a guide for that too. The above table suggests you keenly consider several factors when picking the right fastening type for your letterman jacket