Why Do People Wear Varsity Jackets? Let’s Talk Purpose

Varsity jacket is quite a beloved outerwear. Clearly, it is cherished by people of all ages, genders, and races. I don’t think any other garment can compete with the popularity of varsity jackets. Since they first appeared to this date, these jackets have been trending. Therefore, they bagged the title of a timeless garment. But what is it that makes them so popular? Well, the secret behind their star status is the diverse purpose they are used for. You can’t be new to varsity jackets (like duh, we’ve all grown up seeing them or wearing them). But many of you are still unclear about their actual purpose. Are they a school staple? Or a fashion piece? Let’s find out in this blog.

What is the Purpose of Wearing Varsity Jacket?

The reason why varsity jacket is loved by everyone is its versatility. Yes, that’s right! This outerwear is capable of fitting a variety of purposes. It’s like the superhero of garments: school staple by the day and casualwear by night. Amazing, right? This is why a well-constructed varsity jacket deserves a spot in your wardrobe. 

"Letterman jackets were first a symbol of distinguishment between high performers of the school or college from other students. However, gradually, it became a style statement."

Hence, varsity jackets are more than just a school uniform. In fact, they are not at all a school uniform. Keep reading to find out for what purposes these jackets are used for:

• Athletic Varsity Jackets

It’s in the history of varsity jacket, that this garment first emerged as an athletic garment. Sports is how the world got to know that a garment like a varsity jacket has been invented. Moreover, sports were a big deal back then, so anything happening there would definitely affect the real world. It showed that the Harvard baseball players belonged together and that they were representing the glory of their school, Harvard. Moreover, the letter H was the highlight element of these jackets. It is what inspired schools all around America to get their players/students these varsity jackets. Since then, schools and teams have given letterman jackets to their players. It’s not even a trend; it’s more of a ritual. Players wear them with pride!

• High School Varsity Jackets

Another major purpose of the varsity jacket has been as a high school garment. You should know (you probably already know) that these jackets are given by the school or college to their high achievers. Moreover, students consider it a badge of honor that represents a student's achievements and contributions to their school. Undoubtedly, it serves as a lifetime keepsake of their amazing high school journey. Besides, high school varsity jackets are a great way to appreciate students for their hard work and dedication. Furthermore, these jackets became an award for high achievers because they deserved it! Also, the big letter on the chest of this outerwear shows that your high school owns you – with pride. And it surely acknowledges all your achievements and work.

• Fashion Varsity Jackets

The varsity jacket is so glorious; how could it stay as a schoolwear? It's androgynous silhouette and unique style deserved worldwide acclamation. And hence, this garment got into the world of fashion and instantly became a star. From runways to music videos and movies, it was everywhere in no time. It became an American symbol of fashion embraced by the world. In other words, it became a part of the pop culture. Moreover, varsity jackets have the celebrity influence – it is what made them an evergreen trend. From Princess Diana to Taylor Swift, celebrities of all eras love them. Therefore, the popularity of the varsity jacket design can never fade away! Undoubtedly, it is here to STAY!!! The best part: you can get customized varsity jackets for yourself too.

"Varsity jackets were first seen as a fashion statement in the 1950s and their popularity peaked during the 90s and 2000s."

The Importance of Varsity Jacket as a Garment

Varsity jackets are not a regular outerwear. Moreover, they hold diverse significance and meanings. Besides, the symbolism is another factor that has kept this garment at the top of the game. After all, there are rarely any clothes out there that you wear and feel connected with. So, let’s talk about what these varsity jackets signify in different settings:

• School Pride

Varsity jacket’s main target audience comes from high school. Students love them because they tell the story of their high school journey. Moreover, these jackets symbolize school achievements, hard work, and amazing memories. These clothing items are like rewards. After all, students get these jackets as acknowledgment from school. Therefore, it’s even more special for them. Simply put, it conveys that they belong somewhere and the school owns them – proudly so! 

Whether you are an academic hero or a sports star of the school, you deserve a letterman jacket. After all, you worked hard for it. Moreover, this hard work is the main reason why these jackets hold so much value for students.

• Team Spirit

For athletes, these jackets hold significance because they show athletic spirit both of the individual players and the team as a whole. It shows your belonging to your team and your dedication toward its victory. As you already know the trend of varsity jackets began with athletes. This means athletes are the earliest target audience of varsity jackets. They began their journey with baseball and gradually all sports adopted it as their staple. From basketball to football, every American sport embraces these jackets as their own. This is the significance it holds as an athletic outerwear.

• Self-Expression

As a fashion outerwear, varsity jackets are a sign of self-expression. How so? Well, you should know that fashion is more about expressing yourself the way you like. So, this clearly means the best outfits are those that allow you to express yourself – freely! And these jackets perfectly do that. Whoever you are and whatever you do, you can wear these jackets with pride. Yes, it’s true! Whether you are a student or a fashion enthusiast, these jackets can perfectly resonate with your identity. Wear – with pride – and it will perfectly blend with your personality.

Final Take on Varsity Jacket’s Purpose!

We now know that varsity jacket is used for various purposes. This makes it a versatile outerwear. It’s not just a school uniform, not a jersey, not a high-fashion outfit; in fact, it is all of them. This versatility is what makes this jacket stand out from the rest. The fact that you can wear your varsity jacket however you like makes it even more special. In other words, it’s a style symbol for anyone and everyone. No matter who you are varsity jacket is for you. Wear it and tell your story in your own way.