We have talked a little about this iconic piece of outerwear and how it has managed to redefine its orientation in the contexts of the sartorial. Sometimes referred to as a letterman jacket, the varsity jacket is steeped with a rite of American passage that is attributed to a student who has earned their letters in the fields of sport, performing arts or academics.
Michael Bastian’s varsity jacket for Gant which debuted not too long ago, was an elegant repositioning of a piece that has managed to emancipate itself from the realms of the excessively casual and sloppy. The scorched orange color of that Bastian jacket, complemented with cream leathered sleeves was presented splendidly. Accordingly, in a post-skinny denim era, everything is cut a little slimmer and with more than a few nods made to the 1980′s, the revival of the varsity jacket seems completely logical.
It is yet to be determined whether this piece will become a staple of American fashion, positioned in the ranks of aesthetics like American prep. Nonetheless, Ralph Lauren, the king of prep has employed the varsity jacket in recent collections. This fall, retailers worldwide are banking on a more aggressive revival. H&M and Topman are offering varsity jackets that both run under $100.
While the fall season lends itself to a more polished sensibility, today’s varsity jacket is appropriate for an evening out on the town or a weekend hang out. Fitted denim and boots make for a great pairing, but relaxed dark washed jeans can work just as well. Think about the jacket, with or without letters and how it can layer (not only because it will keep you warm), as it unleashes an interesting play of depth and color.
