Most of us are still a good thirty degrees (or more) away from needing a jacket, but unless the Earth’s axis pounds a V8 (obscurity rating: 9.5?), we’ll be due for a seasonal change here in a month or so. And one of the bigger trends this fall appears to be the Varsity Jacket.
Defined by their baseball-style rounded + ribbed collars, ribbed cuffs + hem, and snaps, these are the jackets that look like they could have some sort of letter sewn to the chest. They’re sporty for sure, and the term “baseball jacket” gets thrown around with these as well. But would you wear one? Or are these making you feel like you’re listening for a bell to ring that’ll send you from the cafeteria back to class? Leave it all in the comments… after a few examples of this growing trend.
Listed as 60% wool, 20% Polyester, and 15% Nylon… and that’s it. Didn’t major in math but… So yeah, there’s a mystery 5% in there. Kitten wool? Dilithium? Hobbit Foot Dander? Who knows. But the dark color palate, yet still colorful design, is a win. GAP.com exclusive. They’re currently running a 20% off code, GAPNEW, but 30% off is always lurking in the distance.
Nailhead oxford cloth for the body. Lined in chambray. The fine stripe to the body up against the thick prep stripe on the cuffs and hem is a nice collision. A new arrival. Regularly $128. Ships free with the code and pin (exp today, 8/5/13).
Was just going for $50ish in store over the weekend, now at the full price of $75 online. It’s JC Penney, and they’re back to the sale game so this might take some patience… but it’s an awfully nice light jacket for fifty bucks. Cotton/poly blend exterior that feels more like a smooth canvas material Not a wispy windbreaker nylon in the least. Thick cotton striped ribbing at the collar, cuffs, and hems. Size shown here is a medium. Sizing down is possible, but not recommended unless you’re in-between sizes.
Expensive, but made in the USA. Available through the membership flash sale site Jackthreads. A warning if you’re a tall guy: You might need to size up (or skip these all together). They run a little short in the tail. Really well built though. Usually cost is up in the $300s. Want something thicker + warmer? Their leather(?) sleeved quilted version costs less at $150.
Even Express is getting in on this trend. But in usual Express form, they keep it grey/neutral and kill the stripes. But little to no branding (just some tonal stuff on the buttons) which is unusual for Express. Wool/Poly blend, but no word on the ratio. Wait for a sale. There are always sales.
Here’s an unsolicited suggestion to retailers: Stop faking layers. That hood? Attached to the jacket, not a sweatshirt. Well that’s unfortunate. Nylon body.
Was $200. On sale for $119.99. Use the 20% off over $100 code GRTDEAL (exp 8/6) and that gets it under triple digits. Yep, this is the JC Penney Sale game. But compared to the lighter weight “collegiate jacket”… this one might be a REALLY good deal. Wool blend body (no word on how much poly is in there… didn’t see it in store) and the description says leather sleeves. Ships free (since it’s over $75) with an estimated ship date of 8/21.
So are you on board with this Varsity/Collegiate jacket trend? Or are your days as a letterman long gone? Perhaps, like many of us, those days never even started. Leave it all in the comments below.
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