It seems like high school varsity jackets have been here since Day One. Well, that’s obviously not the case. But considering how popular they have been for centuries; it really seems like Adam and Eve would also have had varsity jackets. Undoubtedly, the trend of varsity jackets is evergreen. From our parents to grandparents, everyone has worn or coveted one at some point in their lives. Stay tuned, read along, and find out how and why high school varsity jackets stood the test of time.
The Journey of High School Varsity Jackets – From School to Hip-Hop
High school varsity jackets have always been in trend. It is a piece of clothing that’s not just cherished by students but also by fashion enthusiasts. But who started it? How has it become such a glorious clothing item? Let’s go down memory lane and have a look at who started this trend and how it became so popular.
The Birth of Varsity Jacket: 1860s
The baseball team of Harvard University was the first one to wear varsity jackets. The letter H sewn on the jackets was what caught the eye of the masses. After all, it represented Harvard. And no player in history has worn something at their university or school like this. Moreover, it instantly became popular and wearing it became a symbol of prestige and accomplishment.
| Did You Know? | The varsity jackets that the Harvard team wore were more like varsity sweaters – made with wool. |
Back then, sports were the talk of the town. And because athletes were wearing it, the varsity jacket became a valuable garment. Also, during those days, wearing varsity jackets was equivalent to getting an award. And despite every player could wear it not everyone could keep it. After all, it was an elite garment. Only the top players were allowed to keep it.
Initial Look of High School Varsity Jackets
When high school varsity jackets were first worn, they were not actually jackets, they were knitted pullover sweaters with a big letter H embroidered on them. In ten years’ time, these evolved into cardigans – again, Harvard athletes in action. It was done by the Harvard football team this time. By the 1900s, the lettermen sweaters started taking the shape of jackets, with woolen bodies and leather sleeves.
Quick Question: Was the Varsity Jacket Only for Athletes?
Nope! Athletes were not the only ones to wear high school varsity jackets. In fact, the academic high-achievers were – still are – also given these jackets as the acknowledgement of their hard work, dedication, and stellar performance.
Varsity Jackets Became Super Popular: 1980s
By the 1980s, high school varsity jackets became one of the most popular garments to ever exist. How? Well, all thanks to the athletes! This was the era when American sports franchises embraced the trend of varsity jackets and made it official to wear varsity jackets. Before this only high school and university students were wearing it. But now, the beloved teams were wearing these jackets. This instantly influenced the public. And just like their favorite players, people also wanted to make a statement with a varsity jacket. This is how it caught the eye of fashion enthusiasts and a new era of varsity jackets started – the pop culture era!
Varsity Jackets and Hip-Hop Culture
Athletes made varsity jackets so famous that they had to enter the hip-hop culture. After all, the mainstream culture is always in search of this kind of fashion trends. The turning point was when Michael Jackson wore this jacket in the official music video of Thriller. It is still one of the most iconic moments in history. After that, many other hip-hop artists also wore varsity jackets. In fact, during the 80s and the 90s, these jackets made some really influential appearances in the world of fashion. Hence, everyone was sure that varsity jackets are here to stay!
Fun Fact:
Do you know that the queen of hearts, Princess Diana also owned a green varsity jacket? Eagles’ statistician Jack Edelstein gave this jacket to her. And she wore it multiple times during the 80s and the 90s. In fact, People’s Magazine featured her on its June 1994 cover wearing this jacket.
The High School Varsity Jacket Trend Today
High school varsity jackets which were once heavily associated with academia and school sports are now versatile pieces of clothing. You will see high school students and athletes wearing it but this is not all. In fact, varsity jackets are a favorite street fashion garment. Everyone from students to celebrities loves it. Additionally, every now and then, a celebrity or two are being papped on the streets in varsity jackets. From Gigi Hadid to Kim Kardashian and even Taylor Swift, every other celebrity has pulled off the varsity jacket look at some point. Therefore, it has become an untouchable trend.
Today’s Look of Varsity Jacket
From the 1860s to today, high school varsity jackets have come a long way. It has seen so many seasons in the world of fashion and has evolved so much. Once a sweater, it is now a sturdy jacket that stays intact for longer than your regular jackets. The varsity jacket we wear today strikes a balance between a bomber jacket and a track jacket. It is collarless with a long, button-through body. The composition of the body usually includes wool but you have a lot of other material options too.
Ending Thoughts!
High school varsity jackets are evergreen for a lot of reasons. First, they are the perfect representation of one’s school pride and accomplishments. With these jackets, you can proudly wear your victories on your shoulders. Secondly, varsity jackets are a symbol of fashion. They are a statement piece of clothing that turns heads no matter how you wear them. These jackets are so significant because of their rich history and how seamlessly they evolved from a school staple to a pop culture trend, loved by students and celebrities alike.
