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Back to School Varsity Jackets
Every August we get the same email. A parent writes in to say their kid picked out a jacket online last year; it arrived too big in the shoulders, and by October the cuffs had stretched out. They want to know if ours are different.
They are, and this page explains why.
Start With Fit, Not Style
Most people shop for color first. That’s backwards. A varsity jacket that fits badly looks wrong no matter how good the colorway is.
Varsity jackets are cut boxy on purpose. Order your normal size for the classic relaxed look. Size down one if you want something closer to the body. Size up if hoodies are going underneath it all winter.
Measure your chest with a soft tape at the fullest point, arms down and relaxed, then check our size chart. We carry XS through 5XL. If nothing on the chart matches, send us your measurements at sales@fitjackets.com and we’ll cut it to you at no extra charge. We do this daily, and it’s the single biggest reason our return rate stays low.
What You’re Actually Paying For
Three parts of a varsity jacket decide how long it lasts.
The body. Wool melton is dense, holds its shape, and handles real cold. Cotton fleece is lighter and cheaper, which suits warmer states and indoor-heavy schedules.
The sleeves. Real leather scuffs and softens into something that looks better at year three than year one. Faux leather stays uniform and costs less. Both are fine choices. It depends on the budget and how hard the jacket will get treated.
The ribbing. This is where cheap jackets fail. Loose knit at the collar, cuffs, and hem goes baggy within weeks. We use a tighter weave with more elastane, so the cuffs still hold after a full semester of being shoved into backpacks.
Putting Back to School Outfits Together
The jacket does the talking. Keep everything else quiet.
Mens Outfits
Dark straight-leg jeans, a plain tee in white or grey, low-profile sneakers. That combination works on almost every build. On cold mornings, hoodie underneath with the hood sitting outside the collar. Swap in tapered chinos when the day calls for something slightly sharper.
Women’s Outfits
An oversized varsity over a fitted base layer balances the proportions. Works with straight-leg denim, a pleated skirt and tights, or bike shorts. Cropped versions sit better with high-waisted bottoms. Loafers or white sneakers, either way.
The Rule That Covers Both
Two or three colors, no more. If the jacket has a bold patch, let it lead and keep the rest plain. Cuffed hems, a simple bag, done.
Keeping It Alive Past December
Spot clean the wool with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Condition leather sleeves twice a year with any standard balm. Use a wide wooden hanger, never wire, and keep it out of direct sun. A jacket treated this way makes it through high school and into college. We still get photos from customers wearing ones they bought six or seven years ago.
Why July Is the Right Time
Buy now, and you get full-size runs and no rush shipping. By late August, mediums and larges in the popular colorways are usually gone. We produce in small batches rather than mass runs, so restocks take weeks, not days. That’s the tradeoff for better construction, and it’s worth knowing before you wait.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Are varsity jackets still in style in 2026?
Yes. Current styling leans toward the oversized, with muted palettes and mixed materials. The silhouette has held up for over a century, which tells you most of what you need to know.
Varsity jacket or letterman jacket, what’s the difference?
Almost nothing. “Letterman” traditionally means a jacket earned through school athletics with a chenille letter. “Varsity” is the general retail term for the same shape.
Will it work in real winter?
Wool melton handles roughly 40°F on its own. Colder than that, add a thermal or hoodie underneath.
How long is delivery?
Standard is 7 to 10 business days. Details on our shipping policy page.
What if it doesn’t fit?
Contact us, and we’ll sort it out. Our terms page covers the specifics.
Still deciding? Call (206) 488-7885, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM PST, or email sales@fitjackets.com. The same team that makes the jackets answers the phone.
Fit Jackets — a registered trademark owned by Alfonick LLC, 180 N Wolfe Rd, Sunnyvale, CA 94086.