While no other articles of clothing blend the biomes of jersey and the essence of America, the varsity bomber jacket does so. Its a garment that encapsulates letterman glory, wrist corsage and the signature. Autumn Breeze, almost instantly. The Varsity Bomber Jacket traveled from the heroes of high school to high-end fashion runways, and its versatility placed this iconic jacket into the Style Hall of Fame.
That being said, how should someone wear the Varsity Bomber Jacket today, and what should they pair it with? Where can they add accessories, and how can they blend it into the outfit? Look no further—this is exactly what the Varsity Bomber Jacket was made to show.
A Brief History: From the Field to the Fashion Streets
Before it became a fashion accessory, the Varsity Bomber Jacket, or the Letterman Jacket, symbolized status. In fact, the very first to wear it were Harvard baseball players back in the 1860s, when they stitched a letter ‘H’ in an old English font onto their uniform flannels. Students in the 1930s began wearing the iconic sleeve made of leather and the wool body design as awards, which turned it into the style the world recognizes today.”
The Varsity Bomber Jacket made an explosive entry into pop culture, surprising and impressing everyone. Greasers embraced it in the 1950s, punk rockers claimed it in the 1970s, and hip-hop’s founding fathers wore it proudly in the ‘80s. Their influence transformed the ladies jacket from a reflection of 1950s pop culture into a symbol of personalization and attitude. In contemporary times, it is an essential clothing item for anyone seeking to incorporate retro athleticism into their wardrobe.
Breaking Down the Details
There are things to note and understand in order to appreciate its true value. There are certain specifics which define a classic varsity jacket, and knowing these specifics will help you identify and differentiate its contemporary iterations.
- The Body: Traditionally, the body is constructed using melton wool in colors like monochrome, maroon, or navy.
- The Sleeves: The most distinctive feature of the Varsity Bomber Jacket is its arms and shoulders, which almost always carry a thick layer of black or brown leather. In cheaper versions, makers use suede or vinyl. This style came from 1950s culture because it offered protection in those areas.
- The Ribbing: The collar, cuffs, and waistband are covered using elasticated ribbed knitting, mostly in contrasting colors. This helps to secure the bomber jacket and cover gaps.
- The Snap Closure: While it is standard to have a full placket closure using large branded snaps, there are some who use zippers for a modern look.
- The Patches: This is the area that is personalized. The left chest area usually has a chenille patch which has a letter from the school or one of the team mascots. Souvenir patches on the sleeve or back of the jacket tell another piece of unique story.
The Golden Rule: How a Varsity Bomber Jacket Should Fit
The classic look of the varsity bomber jacket can be ruined by the wrong fit. Ensure the jacket is ‘confident casual’ in style; not too baggy or too tight.
- Shoulders: The seam on the jacket has to be on the edge of the shoulder. If it is on the upper arm, the jacket is too big.
- Body Length: A varsity jacket has a cropped look. It should sit on the waist or slightly above it. This also helps in maintaining the athletic look.
- Sleeves: While standing with arms relaxed, the sleeves of the jacket should be on the base of the wrists.*
Overall Silhouette: From the torso, it should feel comfortably snug and you should be able to zip or snap it shut without any pulling. It should look sleek, not boxy or oversized unless that’s the specific modern style you’ve chosen.
How to style your Varsity Bomber Jacket: 5 Looks from the 21st Century.
The varsity bomber jacket has an array of looks it can be style with. It can cross the preppy, sporty, and smart casual looks.
The Timeless Classic
Channel its authentic roots with preppy.
- Outfit: Layer your Varsity Bomber Jacket over a crisp white t-shirt or a simple crewneck sweater. Pair it with straight or slim leg blue jeans and classic white sneakers (Adidas Stan Smiths or Converse Chuck Taylors).
- Pro Tip: The Varsity Bomber Jacket notable colors and patches will surely stand out if paired with the neutral colors of the rest of the outfit.
The Elevated Casual
For a smarter, contemporary look. Mix and match different textures and elements.
- Outfit: Varsity Bomber Jacket over a button-down shirt (Chambray, denim, or oxford cloth). Dark, well fitted chino pants and minimalistic leather sneakers or sleek boots.
- Pro Tip: For a more detailed oriented look, roll the sleeves of your button down until they just peek out from the ribs of the Varsity Bomber Jacket.
Streetwear Edge
Aligned with the jacket’s hip-hop roots, this look is comfortable and relaxed with an urban edginess.
- Outfit: For this look, try the jacket over a graphic tee or a hoodie. Pair with black skinny jeans or some cargo pants and your go-to statement sneakers (anything from Air Jordans to New Balances works nicely). Beanies finish the look nicely.
- Pro Tip: Don’t be scared to experiment with proportions. Oversized silhouettes work perfectly here.
Feminine Contrast
Juxtapose the androgynous Varsity Bomber Jacket with overtly feminine pieces.
- Outfit: A bomber jacket can be worn over a floral flowy dress or a pleated midi skirt. The combination of the strong and soft is really chic. Another option is to use the jacket with high-waisted jeans, a simple tee, and ankle boots.
- Pro Tip: A lovely leather crossbody bag will help finish the outfit and match with the leather sleeves.
Layered Look For Cold Weather
Your Varsity Bomber Jacket isn’t just meant for the fall. It could be used as a stylish layering piece for winter.
- Outfit: Think of it as a sweater, and wear it beneath a fuller, more tailored overcoat or wool trench coat. You’ll have interest on your outerwear with the contrasting collar and snap closure.
- Pro Tip: Make sure the outer coat is generous enough in cut to accommodate the bomber without the overall silhouette feeling bulky.
Conclusion
Much like any traditional American-made Varsity Bomber Jacket, theirs have a story of their own. They represent a fusion of wool, leather, and custom patches into a testament of timeless fashion. Moreover, when matched with thoughtful tailoring such as a casual t-shirt, a smart button-up, or a more colorful feminine dress, it still commands more than respect. It offers the wearer the chance to appreciate and showcase an integral part of American culture in all its versatility. It is dropped with purpose, with one attitude, and is fully buttoned up. They choose to embrace all the coolness that comes with the jacket and more.
Read More Article// Types of Bomber Jackets: The Complete Guide to Style & Function
FAQs
What’s the difference between a varsity jacket, a bomber jacket, and a letterman jacket?
People often use the terms interchangeably now, but subtle differences remain. Schools award a Letterman Jacket for athletic or academic achievement, usually with a chenille letter. Designers created the Varsity Jacket from that style, often featuring a wool body and leather sleeves. A Bomber Jacket is a broader term for a waist-length, ribbed-jacket style, originally flight jackets (like MA-1s), which may or may not have the varsity elements.
Can I wear a varsity jacket if I didn’t play sports or earn it?
Absolutely. The Varsity Bomber Jacket began with roots in achievement, but fashion and subcultures worldwide quickly adopted it. Today, people celebrate the Varsity Bomber Jacket as a style staple for everyone. The “achievement” is now simply in your great taste!
How should I clean and care for my varsity jacket?
This is crucial! Due to the mix of materials (wool, leather, chenille), most varsity jackets are dry clean only. Always check the care label first. Spot clean minor dirt with a damp cloth. To maintain its shape, hang it on a wide, sturdy hanger—not a wire one—and store it in a cool, dry place.
Are varsity jackets only for fall weather?
While they are perfect for fall, their medium weight makes them incredibly versatile. You can wear them in cool summer evenings, layer them under a heavy coat in winter, or use them as a statement piece on a breezy spring day.
