Why is Varsity Jacket Called Letterman Jacket?

Is it varsity jacket or is it letterman jacket? Are these two different names for the same clothing item? The confusion is common. After all, the jacket is called with both names, but people don’t know which one is actually the right one. These terms aren’t random, and they didn’t emerge by accident. Each name has a specific historical and cultural meaning rooted in American school sports. Let’s talk about why varsity jacket is called letterman jacket… and what you should call it.

Key Takeaway!

➔ Letterman jackets and varsity jackets are different names of the same garment.

➔ These jackets have evolved a lot over 150 years but the iconic letter has always been there.

➔ These jackets symbolize achievement, school pride, and team membership in academics and sports.

➔ Letters on letterman jackets can be athletic, academic, extracurricular, or special recognition.

Why is Varsity Jacket Called Letterman Jacket?

Varsity jackets are also called “letterman jackets” because they feature a big embroidered letter on the chest. This can be the initial of your school or sports team. The “letter” makes your jacket a symbol of merit, accomplishment, and belonging. Originally, the term “letterman” referred to students who achieved this “letter” award (letterman jacket).

The letters on these jackets can be anything from the initial of your school, team, or any organization. You can even have a custom letterman jacket with your name’s first letter.

Are letterman and varsity jackets the same?

Letterman jackets and varsity jackets are generally the same. Both refer to the wool-and-leather jackets worn by high school or college students to show achievement. “Letterman” emphasizes earning a letter while “varsity” highlights being a part of a school or team.

Why is it called Varsity Jacket?

Varsity jackets are called so to show that whoever wears them belongs to a school or team. They are “school jackets”. The term “varsity” refers to a school or university team. Varsity jackets were originally created in the 1860s for Harvard’s baseball team to show team membership, achievement, and school pride. Hence the name “varsity jacket” came into being.

Why is it called Letterman Jacket?

It is called a letterman jacket to represent receiving an award in the form of a big letter. It features a large letter on its chest. This letter is usually a chenille or embroidered patch. Schools give letterman jackets to their academically or athletically excelling students. Harvard started this tradition in the 1860s. They first gave letterman sweaters to their baseball team.

Quick Question

Why "Letterman"?

The name comes from the fact that these jackets have large LETTERS sewn onto them. These letters can represent school, team, organization, athlete’s earned status, or even a name. All in all, the LETTER in letterman is a symbol of pride and belonging.

Who is a letterman?

A letterman is a student who has earned a varsity letter for excelling in sports, academics, or other school activities. To become a letterman, a student must meet specific performance or participation requirements set by the school or team.

Which name is older, varsity or letterman jacket?

According to several sources, the term “letterman jackets” is relatively older in usage than “varsity jackets”. However, both have been used interchangeably across centuries, and are equally common in modern age as well.

Letterman jackets were originally called letterman sweaters. They were actually pullover sweaters made for team Harvard with letter “H” sewn on them.

When were letterman jackets invented?

Letterman jackets originated in 1865 at Harvard University. They began as knitted sweaters with a large letter “H” sewn on them. These were awarded to Harvard’s baseball team and represented the school or team. Over time, these sweaters evolved into the leather-sleeved jackets we recognize today.

Key Milestones in Letterman Jacket History

• 1865 (Origin): Harvard’s baseball team wore thick sweaters with a large “H” to show achievement. Only top players got to keep them.
• Late 1800s (Spread): Other Ivy League schools and sports adopt the tradition. As a result, lettered sweaters became more common.
• Early 1900s (Evolution): Sweaters evolve into wool jackets with leather sleeves and chenille letters. These jackets became a classic style.
• 1930s-1950s (Popularization): Jackets become standard for US varsity athletes and, after World War II, an iconic symbol of American school culture.

How did letterman jackets become a trend?

Letterman jackets were worn by athletes first. Their fans got inspired by them and tried to recreate their look by wearing the same jackets. Many athletes themselves began wearing jerseys with letterman too. Gradually, letterman jackets reached music videos, movies, and fashion runways. So, it became the biggest trend in contemporary fashion.

Varsity or letterman jackets becoming an iconic trend wasn’t an overnight thing. In fact, it took 150 years of evolution. They started off as woolen knitted sweaters. Today, we have a wide variety of varsity jacket types, colors, sizes, and fits. 

Quick History of Varsity or Letterman Jackets

According to the history of letterman jackets, these garments have seen so many eras. First, only varsity athletes wore them. Then, it reached high achievers. Decades later, they became a part of pop culture. You have seen them in your favorite movies and music videos. Even celebrities wear them.

Here is a short trip down the varsity memory lane:

1865: The Beginning at Harvard

Letterman jackets started at Harvard University. The baseball team wore wool sweaters and inspired everyone who saw them. They became total trend setters with that move.

Late 1800s: Spreading to Other Schools

Other Ivy League schools and sports teams quickly adopted the idea of letterman jackets. These included Yale, Pennsylvania, Princeton, Columbia, Dartmouth, etc. Hence, the tradition spread across the United States.

Early 1900s: Evolution into Jackets

Letter sweaters evolved into heavier wool jackets with leather sleeves. These also featured big, bold letters on the chest area. This was when the classic letterman jacket style was born.

1930s: Popularization

By the 1930s, letterman jackets became widely popular among high school and college athletes. Everyone considered it as a symbol of achievement and school pride. In many schools, there was even a ranking system on varsity jackets. This system was to embroider stars on the jacket to distinguish top performers in school.

1980s and Beyond: Pop Culture Icon

The popularity of letterman jackets peaked after the 1980s. Many professional American sports franchises were considering varsity jackets for their teams. These jackets also entered movies and TV shows. Michael Jackson even wore it in one of his music videos.

When did the term “Letterman Jacket” Become Popular?

The term “letterman jacket” officially became popular in the 1930s to 1950s. However, it was there from the start. After all, the original "lettered sweaters were called “letterman sweaters” or “letter sweaters”.

Moreover, 1930s – 1950s was the time the letterman apparel to the jacket form. Varsity jackets became common for high school and college varsity athletes in the U.S. By then, the jackets got “letterman jacket” as their standard name.

When did the term “varsity jacket” become popular?

The term “varsity jacket” became widely common around the 1930s to 1950. This was the same era when letter sweaters were taking the iconic letterman jacket form. They got wool bodies and leather sleeves. One thing that remained the same was the large letter on the left chest.

What Type of Letters Can You Have on Your Letterman Jacket?

Letterman jackets can feature different types of letters. Athletic letters are for sports achievements. Academic letters recognize high grades or competitions. Extracurricular letters honor clubs, bands, student leadership, etc. Some schools give special recognition letters for community service or unique accomplishments.

Letters on a letterman jacket show achievement and dedication. Here are different types of letters you can put on your varsity jackets:

Athletic Letters

The most traditional type is an athletic letter. It is awarded to students who excel in school sports. Each sport may have its own rules for earning a letter. Most of the time, it is based on performance, participation, or varsity status. These letters usually feature the first initial of the school and may include small patches for batch year, etc.

Academic Letters

Many schools award letters for academic achievement. These recognize high grades, honor roll status, or exceptional performance in competitions. Academic letters usually use different colors or styles to distinguish them from athletic letters.

Extracurricular or Club Letters

Letterman jackets can also feature letters for non-sport activities. These can be band, choir, drama, cheerleading, or student government. These letters acknowledge leadership and contribution to school life beyond athletics or studies.

Special Recognition Letters

In some cases, schools issue letters for unique accomplishments, such as perfect attendance, community service, or exceptional leadership. These letters highlight achievements that don’t fall under sports or academics but still deserve recognition.

Customization and Personalization

Many letterman jackets have room for extra personalization. For example, you can add patches, pins, or embroidered symbols with your main letter. Students use this opportunity to highlight their batch year, team positions, or any special awards. This makes each jacket unique!

Letters on a letterman jacket symbolize achievement and recognition. The best part, you can personalize them too. You can buy varsity patches in a variety of shapes and sizes to adorn your jacket.

What are better embroidered letters or chenille letters?

Chenille letters are the classic choice for letterman jackets. They give a soft, textured, and raised look. Embroidered letters are flatter and sleeker. People use them for a modern or subtle style. Chenille is traditional and bold. Meanwhile, embroidery is durable and minimalist. The choice depends on your preference.

Where to Put Letters on a Letterman Jacket?

The main varsity letter on a letterman jacket is placed on the left chest, over the heart. The right chest or sleeves can display the wearer’s name, graduation year, or small achievement patches. The back is usually reserved for large school logos, mascots, or team names. Pockets can feature smaller symbols, initials, or activity icons.

The placement of letters on a letterman jacket is important. After all, it shows achievement clearly and follows tradition. Here’s a breakdown for you:

• Left Chest Area

This area is for the main varsity letter. The left chest area is the most visible spot and the centerpiece of the jacket. It usually shows the team or school’s initials in chenille or embroidered style.

• Sleeves

The right sleeve usually displays the graduation year or number of years played in a sport. Some jackets also include sport-specific patches or position symbols on the sleeves.

• Back of the Jacket

This is where the drama happens. The back can feature extra embroidery, team names, mascots, or achievements. This area is optional but allows for creative and expressive personalization.

• Optional Patches and Pins

You can add additional letters or symbols with small patches or pins. These can be placed on sleeves or chest. You can even add pins on your pockets. Use pins to add anything you want on your jacket, an achievement or a personal milestone.

Proper placement keeps the jacket traditional. But honestly, there is no strict rule for varsity jacket letter placement. You can do it anyway you like or the school requires you. At the end, it is your jacket and your award. So, varsity jacket customization guides can be helpful. But do whatever seems fit to you.

Conclusion

Letterman jackets or varsity jackets are in no way like any regular outerwear. They symbolize achievement and association. Wearing them means wearing your pride and dedication on your shoulders. Plus, they also mean that you are a part of something bigger. Placement of letters and customization adds personal meaning. Whether called a letterman or varsity jacket, the style remains the same. Today, they are worn by both students and fashion enthusiasts.