Intro:Undoubtedly, if there's one garment that encapsulates the entire American sports culture and beyond, it's the iconic letterman jacket.
Originally known as the varsity jacket, this woolen masterpiece adorned with leather sleeves and matching pockets, topped with a bold letter on the chest, has seen a resurgence in the streetwear world.
Join us as we unravel the captivating story behind this symbol of athletic prowess, worn by legends like Elvis Presley, James Dean, Michael Jackson, Taylor Swift, and Travis Kelce. But before we unveil our unique version, let's take a trip down memory lane.
The Birth of the Letterman Jacket: In 1865, the Harvard University baseball team introduced the first letterman jersey—a far cry from its modern counterpart. Crafted from a heavy wool sweater, players decided to embroider a large "H" at the center, marking the birth of a tradition that would evolve over time.
Prestige and Elitism: The uniform held immense value and prestige in its early days, given to all team members but only retained by the most deserving. Those on the bench, playing minimal roles, had to return it at the season's end. The adoption of black jerseys off the field in 1891 led to the creation of "Letterman" pullovers and cardigans, expressing pride in university affiliation—a tradition still observed across British schools.
Regulated Customisation: As the 1900s dawned, the football team joined in, adding a large embroidered "H" to their uniforms. Rules dictated that non-playing members must return jerseys, while those contributing on the field against rivals like Yale and Princeton earned the right to keep them. A "regulated customization" era began, with additional embroideries signifying player rank and captain or the match results.
The Birth of the Varsity Jacket: In 1930, responding to athletes' demands for heavier clothing, the modern varsity jacket emerged. Leather sleeves and buttons were added to the wool jersey, and the iconic letter found a new home on one side. Earning the letter became a serious achievement, reserved for those who excelled on the field.
Ivy League Tradition and '80s Explosion: The letterman jacket's custom spread to all Ivy League universities and high schools, with the term "varsity jacket" gaining popularity. The '80s saw an explosion in popularity, thanks to professional sports franchises like the London Monarchs, Manchester Giants, and London Towers. Michael Jackson's iconic appearance in the "Thriller" video princess diana in the famous eagles jacket and recent sightings of Taylor Swift cemented the varsity jacket's status in pop and mainstream culture.
Conclusion: From Ivy League traditions to the hip-hop scene, the varsity jacket has traversed through time, transforming into a streetwear staple independent of its athletic roots. Join us as we delve into this journey and present our unique take on the timeless varsity jacket. Stay tuned!