A varsity jacket is one of the few pieces that looks equally at home on a campus quad, a city sidewalk or a weekend road trip. Born from American collegiate sportswear, the classic letterman silhouette—wool body, contrast sleeves, rib-knit collar, cuffs and hem, and a snap-button front—has become a year-round wardrobe staple. The best part? It is far more versatile than most people think.
Below are 10 outfit ideas for men and women, from relaxed everyday looks to sharper smart-casual styling. Whether you are wearing your first varsity jacket or your fifth, use these as a starting point and make them your own.
Before You Start: Three Styling Rules
1. Let the jacket be the hero
Varsity jackets usually carry bold colour blocking and striped trims. Keep the rest of the outfit simple—solid colours, clean lines and minimal prints—so the jacket stands out without competing.
2. Get the fit right
A varsity jacket should sit at or just below the waist, with the ribbed hem resting on your hips. Shoulders should line up with your natural shoulder, and the cuffs should stop at the wrist bone. If you are unsure, check our Size Guide before ordering.
3. Pick one or two accent colours
Pull a colour from the jacket's trim into one other piece—a beanie, sneakers or a t-shirt—to make the outfit feel intentional.
Varsity Jacket Outfits for Men
1. The Classic: White Tee, Dark Denim, White Sneakers
This is the outfit most people picture, and for good reason. A plain white crew-neck t-shirt, dark straight or slim jeans and clean white sneakers let a navy, black or maroon jacket do all the talking. It works for class, coffee runs and casual Fridays. Browse our men's jackets for a colourway that suits you.
2. Hoodie Layering for Cooler Days
Wear a hoodie underneath and let the hood sit over the collar. Choose a hoodie in a neutral tone—grey, cream or black—that complements the jacket's sleeves. Make sure you size the jacket with enough room for the layer; many people go up one size if they plan to layer hoodies often.
3. Smart-Casual: Oxford Shirt and Chinos
For a more polished look, try a light-blue or white button-down Oxford shirt, slim chinos in khaki or olive, and leather loafers or minimal sneakers. A wool body with leather sleeves, like the styles in our Letterman Jackets collection, pairs especially well with this preppy combination.
4. All-Black Monochrome
An all-black leather varsity jacket over a black tee, black jeans and black boots creates a sleek, modern outfit that works well for evenings out. Leather adds texture so the look never feels flat. See our Leather Jackets for options.
5. Athleisure: Joggers and Runners
Tapered joggers, a fitted tee and performance-inspired sneakers give the varsity jacket a nod back to its sporty roots. Keep the joggers in a solid colour and avoid loud logos for a cleaner finish.
Varsity Jacket Outfits for Women
6. Oversized Jacket, Bike Shorts or Leggings
An oversized varsity jacket over a fitted crop top or bodysuit with leggings or bike shorts is an easy, balanced silhouette: volume on top, streamlined below. Finish with chunky sneakers or ankle socks and trainers. Explore our women's jackets for relaxed fits.
7. Slip Dress and Ankle Boots
Contrast is what makes this pairing work. A satin or knit midi dress softens the sporty jacket, while ankle boots tie the look together. Push the sleeves up slightly to show a little wrist and keep the outline relaxed.
8. Mini Skirt, Knee Socks and Loafers
Lean into the collegiate mood with a pleated or denim mini skirt, a simple knit or tee, knee-high socks and chunky loafers. Cream, burgundy and navy jackets look particularly good with this preppy outfit.
9. High-Waisted Mom Jeans and a Bodysuit
A fitted bodysuit tucked into high-waisted jeans creates a defined waist that balances a boxy jacket. Add hoop earrings and white sneakers, and you have an outfit that goes from errands to dinner.
10. Leather Bomber with a Turtleneck
For colder weather, a fine-knit turtleneck under a leather bomber looks elegant and keeps you warm. Pair with straight trousers or dark jeans and heeled boots. Browse our Bomber Jackets for clean, versatile shapes.
Seasonal Styling Tips
Spring and autumn
These are prime varsity-jacket seasons. A single layer underneath—a tee, a long-sleeve or a light knit—is usually all you need.
Winter
Layer a hoodie or a chunky knit underneath and add a scarf and beanie. Leather sleeves help block wind, and wool bodies provide warmth.
Summer evenings
Satin varsity jackets are lighter and work well thrown over a tee for cooler nights.
How to Care for Your Varsity Jacket
Wool and leather both reward a little care. Store your jacket on a wide, sturdy hanger away from direct sunlight, spot-clean small marks gently, condition leather sleeves every few months, and choose professional cleaning for anything bigger. Avoid machine washing and tumble drying, which can shrink wool and dry out leather.
Find Your Perfect Varsity Jacket
The right jacket will carry you through many seasons and countless outfits. Start with a colourway you love, check your measurements against our Size Guide, and explore our collections for men and women. Every order ships free within the US, and you have 30 days to return it if the fit isn't right.