Letter Jackets

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What Makes a Letter Jacket?

A letter jacket, also commonly called a letterman jacket, is a varsity-style jacket recognized by its athletic silhouette and distinctive finishing details. Traditional versions are associated with school and team culture, but today the style is also worn as casual everyday outerwear.

Classic letter jackets often combine a structured body with contrasting sleeves, rib-knit cuffs, collar and waistband, plus a snap-button front. Chenille letters, embroidered details and patches can add the unmistakable varsity character associated with the design.

Not every jacket uses the same materials or decoration, which is why the individual product specifications matter. Some varsity letter jackets stay close to traditional collegiate styling, while others use cleaner colors and minimal detailing for a more versatile everyday look.

The best choice depends less on the name of the style and more on its fit, construction, materials and details.

Materials & Construction: What to Compare

Materials can change how a jacket feels, looks and performs, so they are worth checking before you choose based on color alone.

Wool Bodies & Contrasting Sleeves

Traditional wool and leather letterman jackets are known for the contrast between a structured wool-style body and leather sleeves. This combination creates the familiar letterman silhouette while giving the jacket visual definition.

However, construction varies across products. A jacket may use wool, a wool blend or another body fabric, while sleeves may use leather or alternative materials. Always check the exact specification on the product page rather than assuming every letter jacket is constructed the same way.

If warmth matters, also check the jacket's lining and overall weight. A heavier construction may suit cooler conditions, while lighter designs can be easier to wear through transitional weather.

Varsity Details That Matter

Small construction details help give a letter jacket its characteristic shape.

Rib-knit collars, cuffs and waistbands create the fitted edges associated with varsity outerwear while allowing comfortable movement. Snap-button closures maintain a clean front and are easy to fasten. Depending on the design, you may also find lining, contrast stitching, chenille lettering, embroidery or decorative patches.

When comparing two jackets that look similar, these details can make the difference. Check the trim, sleeve construction, lining and decoration as carefully as the main body material.

How to Choose the Right Letter Jacket

The right jacket should work with your wardrobe and feel comfortable enough to wear regularly. Instead of choosing by appearance alone, compare fit, size, materials and detailing.

Start With Fit & Size

A letter jacket should feel comfortable through the shoulders and chest without unnecessarily restricting movement.

For a more reliable size choice:

• Check the product-specific size chart.
• Compare chest, sleeve and jacket-length measurements.
• Measure a jacket you already own and like when possible.
• Allow enough room if you plan to layer a sweatshirt or hoodie underneath.
• Don't rely only on the size you normally wear in T-shirts.

If you're between options, think about how you actually intend to wear the jacket. Someone layering through cooler weather may prefer more room than someone wearing it mainly over a T-shirt.

Choose Materials for How You'll Wear It

Consider climate and frequency of wear. A structured wool-style body and substantial lining may be useful when you want more warmth, while a lighter construction can work better as transitional outerwear.

Sleeve material also influences the overall feel and appearance. Check the individual product description for the exact body, sleeve and lining materials before ordering.

Pick a Color & Detail Level You'll Use

Traditional contrast combinations create a strong collegiate look. Neutral combinations can be easier to pair with everyday outfits, while brighter varsity colors make the jacket more of a statement piece.

Also decide how much decoration you want. Clean designs are easier to style across different outfits; chenille letters, embroidery and patches create a more distinctive classic-varsity appearance.

The most useful question is simple: Which jacket will you actually want to wear regularly?

Personalization & Care

Letters, numbers, embroidered details and patches have long been part of letter-jacket design. They can give a jacket more personality and reinforce its varsity character.

The products on this page are primarily ready-to-shop letter jackets. If your goal is to choose your own colors, materials, lettering or other custom details, visit Build A Jacket instead. Keeping custom design on its dedicated page also makes it easier to compare ready-made styles here without mixing two different buying journeys.

Caring for Your Letter Jacket

There is no single cleaning method that is right for every letterman jacket because wool, leather, alternative sleeve materials, linings and decorative elements can require different care.

For better long-term care:

• Follow the care instructions supplied with the specific jacket.
• Deal with marks according to the material rather than using a universal cleaner.
• Allow a damp jacket to dry naturally before storing it.
• Avoid unnecessary exposure to strong direct heat.
• Use a suitable hanger to help the jacket retain its shape.
• Use professional cleaning when the care instructions recommend it.

Pay particular attention to mixed-material jackets. Wool bodies, leather sleeves, rib-knit trim and chenille details should not automatically be treated as though they require the same cleaning method.

Explore Related Letter Jacket Styles

This collection is designed around the broad Letter Jackets shopping intent. If you already know that you need a particular audience, material or construction, a more specific collection can get you there faster.

Looking specifically for fit-led options? Browse Men's Varsity Jackets or Women's Varsity Jackets. These dedicated collections are the better place to compare letter jackets for men or letter jackets for women by their relevant fits and styles.

Shopping for younger sizes? Visit Kids Varsity Jackets.

If construction or design is your priority, explore Wool & Leather Varsity Jackets, Satin Varsity Jackets, Hooded Varsity Jackets or Vintage Varsity Jackets.

Want to control the design yourself? Use Build A Jacket for custom colors, materials and personalization options.

Letter Jackets FAQs

Are letter jackets and letterman jackets the same?

The terms letter jacket and letterman jacket are commonly used for the same general varsity-inspired jacket style. Individual products can differ in materials, fit and decoration, so compare the product specifications rather than relying on the name alone.

What is the difference between a letter jacket and a varsity jacket?

The terms overlap heavily. A letter jacket is generally associated with traditional varsity styling and lettering, while “varsity jacket” is also used more broadly for jackets inspired by that athletic silhouette. In modern shopping, the terminology often overlaps between designs.

What materials are letter jackets made from?

Traditional designs often use a wool or wool-blend body with contrasting sleeves, while modern versions may use different fabric combinations. Linings, rib-knit trim, sleeve materials and decorative details also vary. Check each product page for exact material information.

How should a letter jacket fit?

A letter jacket should feel comfortable across the shoulders and chest and allow normal arm movement. The ideal amount of room depends on whether you plan to wear it over light clothing or layer it with sweatshirts and hoodies.

How do I choose the right letter jacket size?

Use the size chart for the specific product and compare its chest, sleeve and length measurements with a jacket that already fits you well. Product measurements are more useful than relying only on your usual clothing size.

Can letter jackets have patches and lettering?

Yes. Chenille letters, numbers, embroidery and patches are common elements of traditional varsity letter jackets, although the exact decoration depends on the individual design. For a jacket built around your own customization choices, use Build A Jacket.

How should I care for a wool and leather letter jacket?

Follow the care instructions for the exact jacket. Wool and leather may require different cleaning methods, and patches, embroidery or chenille details can need additional care. When professional cleaning is recommended on the label, use a cleaner experienced with mixed-material outerwear.

Where can I check shipping and returns before ordering?

Review the current Shipping Information and Returns & Exchanges pages before purchasing. Delivery expectations and return eligibility can vary by order, product and destination, so the live policy pages should always be your final reference.

Find the Letter Jacket That Fits Your Style

Compare the collection by fit, material, color and detailing, check the size information for your preferred design, and choose a letter jacket you'll want to keep in regular rotation.

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