Nothing says “class” and “prestige” like a varsity jacket. While they have become increasingly popular in recent years, the varsity or letterman jacket, as they were initially known, has managed to keep its charm and style.
However, if a standard varsity jacket is stylish, a custom varsity jacket is at least ten times cooler. With the added unique aspect of personalized varsity apparel, you’ll undoubtedly stand out in the crowd.
What is a Varsity Jacket?
Varsity Jackets, sometimes known as the uniform of victors, were typically worn as part of sports, academic, or activity uniforms in high schools and universities. It has undergone tremendous change over the years, from being a prestige symbol in any educational institution to appearing as a fashion requirement. If you’ve ever seen a Hollywood film featuring a high school or university student, you’ve most certainly noticed the Varsity Jacket in its native form.
Initially, the jacket had a wool torso, central button fastening, elastic cuffs, and waistband, contrasting leather sleeves, and a box-like cut — although the modern textile industry definition isn’t as strict. Current versions are made from different types of materials ranging from cotton and nylon to suede. They include zip-up fastening systems and are cut leaner through the body. Not only has the underlying construction changed, but many recent iterations have abandoned bright, preppy color combinations and chest detailing or patches in favor of a more streamlined and minimal design.
Guidelines to design custom varsity jackets
Designing varsity apparel has now become easy like never before. These guidelines will aid you in customizing varsity jackets in any way you like, including fabric, color, letters, numbers, and logos. So, let’s create the most excellent varsity apparel for event management firms, wholesalers, teams, and individuals.
Select Material
Body
When it comes to ordering custom-made varsity jackets, fleece is a good option. It is appropriate for people with sensitive skin. Other materials include cotton twill, cowhide leather, polyester satin, wonderfully smooth and silky, and Melton wool.
Sleeves
Except for Melton wool, if you choose any of the fabrics above for the body of your apparel, then you have to make the sleeves of the same material. But if you select Melton wool for the body, you can either choose between sheep leather, cowhide leather, faux leather, or Melton wool itself for making the sleeves.
Select Style
Sleeves style
You can either choose set in style or raglan style for the sleeves. The first one gives a more formal and professional appearance while the latter is sportier and casual.
Front closure
The next thing to decide is the style of the front closure. You can either go with zip-up or button fastening. It depends on your preference.
Knit styles
Five types of knitting styles are available that appear on the wristband or waistband of your custom varsity jackets. These are; simple, single line, single line with border, two lines, and lastly, two lines with border sewing.
Inside Lining
You can choose between quilted lining, polyester satin, and cotton for the inner lining of your jacket. Quilted lining is the bulkiest and unquestionably the warmest, while polyester satin is thick, robust, and cozy. Cotton is the most breathable alternative; not only is it soft on your skin, but it also gives warmth and comfort without being heavy.
Add Colors to Varsity Jacket
Most varsity jackets are in two colors, but you can choose more colors. However, we wouldn’t recommend using more than three colors—the simpler, the better.
Aside from the body and sleeves colors, you’ll need to decide the colors for your varsity jacket’s buttons or zipper, inside lining, pockets, knit base, lines, and border, and the color of a hood, if you’ve chosen a hood design.
Add Designs
Now that you’ve completed the technical aspects of the design, it’s time to have fun. Unleash your inner artist and let your creativity shine as you plan your jacket with typography, varsity badges, and patches!
Let’s find out what design you can add to which part of the jacket.
Front center
You can type the name of your college or group right in the center, where it will be highlighted. You can also modify the font and border hues, which are set to black and white.
The pockets are an excellent spot to display any sports, academic, or memorial patches that you may have.
Sleeves
Sleeves are where usually the logo of the school/college or graduation year appears.
Back Top
On the top of the back, you’ll find your name. You have the same options at the center of the front.
Back Middle
This is traditionally where the school or mascot organization is displayed. A name, symbol, or logo can also be added here.
Back Bottom
Your team’s name is displayed at the bottom of the back.
Select Size
The final step is to select the size of your customized varsity jacket.