Sports and fashion have long been intertwined, giving rise to fads like crop tops and shoes, but the modest varsity jacket is the only sportswear that has stood the test of time and Park Jimin of South Korean pop group BTS has too. Known as Bangtan Boys, it has just made us drool over this athletic style. While BTS is undoubtedly the best-dressed boy band ever, we’re going to blame Jimin and his love of varsity jackets for inspiring our fall/winter wardrobe with this sports-influenced style trend.
This iconic example of athletic fashion dates back to the 1865 Harvard University baseball team sweaters, which had a simple ‘H’ for Harvard, of course. The sweater has now been transformed into the varsity jacket we know and love today, wool with leather sleeves and chenille lettering, after receiving a much-needed contemporary makeover.
Also known as the Letterman jacket, the varsity style dates back to the 1930s and the patch-adorned jacket traditionally symbolized the initials of the school or establishment an athlete represented. Are you looking for a college bomber? This is everything you need to know about how to add a youthful and casual touch to any outfit.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Raghav Pawar and Amar Pawar, co-founders of Powerlook, said: “The return of the sport’s most durable jacket is being enthusiastically welcomed as many old fads are making a comeback. The designers used the traditional American look as inspiration for their spring/summer 23 menswear designs, putting their own distinctive spin on the jacket. Since the debut of these collections, celebrities have been seen sporting both new interpretations and vintage pieces on the streets and during fashion weeks.”
The athletic style of the jacket or the ability to customize it (put a patch on it, anyone?) may be the reason people keep buying it. Raghav and Amar suggested: “You can wear it from the gym to dinner and even drinks later. It’s a bomber jacket. A varsity jacket might be something you want in your wardrobe if you’re looking for the perfect sporty look. Worldwide, American college fashion has crept into wardrobes. Varsity jackets are the newest preppy fashion accessory that makes a significant impact off the football field. At the fall/winter 2022 fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan and Paris, varsity jackets took center stage. Models and viewers preferred vibrant vintage designs that were embellished with fun emblems and appliqués.”
They noted: “The Philadelphia Eagles jacket that Diana, Princess of Wales wore on various occasions in the 1990s is not exactly different from current fashions. It is green and grey. The varsity jacket has a fleece body, striped knit cuffs, leather chest patch, and leather sleeves. Today, wool or cotton blends are used to make most varsity jackets. The genuine, though, would have made you think of your high school crush joining the team. A well-tailored varsity jacket is an heirloom item. The perfect weight of the yarn, which should feel robust but soft, is 24 oz (approx. 640 g). You can show it off by wearing a pair of shoes and pants that fit you well. Always feel the greatest impact of the conventional approach.”
Source: news.google.com