What Are Those High School Jackets Called?

If you’ve ever seen students wearing jackets with big letters, bold colors, and patches on the sleeves, you’ve probably wondered:
“What are those high school jackets called?”

The answer: they’re called Letterman Jackets or Varsity Jackets — and they’ve been a symbol of school pride, achievement, and style for over a century.

At Stagwears, we specialize in crafting these timeless jackets with a modern twist — made to celebrate your story, not just your school.

The Meaning Behind High School Jackets

Those famous high school jackets are officially known as Letterman Jackets because of the letter patch sewn on the chest — representing the school’s name or the student’s achievement.

Originally, these jackets were awarded to students who “lettered” in sports or extracurricular activities.
Earning that letter was a badge of honor — a symbol that you had made it to the varsity level.

That’s why these jackets are often also called Varsity Jackets — both names mean the same thing.

👉 Explore the modern versions at Stagwears Varsity Jackets.

The History of the Letterman Jacket

The story begins at Harvard University in 1865, where baseball players wore wool sweaters with a large “H” stitched on the chest.
That letter stood for school spirit, team pride, and performance — the foundation of the Letterman tradition.

By the 1930s, the sweaters evolved into Melton wool jackets with leather sleeves, and the “varsity jacket” as we know it was born.
Since then, generations of students, athletes, and alumni have carried the tradition forward — wearing their jackets to honor achievements and memories.

At Stagwears.com, we keep that legacy alive with handcrafted custom jackets that combine heritage materials with modern design flexibility.

What Makes These Jackets So Special?

Letterman jackets stand out because they’re deeply personal.
Every patch, every letter, and every color means something unique.

Here’s what typically makes up a classic varsity jacket:

Body Material: Heavy Melton wool for warmth and structure
Sleeves: Premium cowhide or sheep leather for contrast and durability
Ribbed Trims: Stretch cuffs and waistband in school colors
Chenille Letter Patch: Usually the school’s initial, sewn on the left chest
Embroidery: Student’s name, sport, or graduation year

At Stagwears, every element is customizable through our easy-to-use Design Lab.
You can pick your materials, colors, and decoration areas — front, sleeves, or back — and see your design in real time.

Modern Varsity Jackets: From Campuses to Streetwear

Today, Letterman jackets aren’t just for students anymore — they’re global fashion statements.
From celebrities to streetwear influencers, everyone’s embracing the varsity look for its mix of heritage and style.

At Stagwears, you’ll find:

Classic Wool & Leather Varsity Jackets for the authentic school feel
Satin and Nylon Jackets for lightweight streetwear vibes
Fleece and Cotton Twill Jackets for casual comfort
Full Leather Varsity Jackets for a luxury upgrade

No matter your taste or budget, you can customize your perfect jacket from XXS to 6XL — for men, women, or unisex fits.

Explore our full collection → Varsity Jackets by Stagwears

Why Stagwears Is the Go-To Place for High School Jackets

When people ask “what are those high school jackets called”, they’re usually looking for where to get one too.
That’s where Stagwears stands out.

Here’s why thousands choose us every year:

✅ No minimum orders — order one or a hundred
✅ Worldwide shipping — fast delivery anywhere
✅ Premium craftsmanship — each piece is made to order
✅ Over 39 color options — match your school or your own vibe
✅ Affordable pricing tiers — from fleece to full leather
✅ Custom embroidery & patches — make it truly yours

Start designing your dream jacket today in our Design Lab or request a quote for bulk team orders.

Final Thoughts

So, what are those high school jackets called?
They’re Letterman Jackets — timeless pieces of school history that have now become part of global fashion culture.

And at Stagwears.com, you can design your own — blending tradition, pride, and personal expression into one jacket that lasts a lifetime.

👉 Create yours today: Design Your Custom Varsity Jacket