The Surprising Military Origins of Letterman Jackets

Before letterman jackets became a symbol of high school pride, they were actually born on the battlefield. Here’s a little-known fact: The classic wool-and-leather design we know today was inspired by 19th-century military uniforms specifically, the heavy wool coats worn by cavalry soldiers. ( Buy Now! Custom Varsity Jackets – Last 10 Left! Design Yours Before We Sell Out)

From War to Baseball

The baseball connection began when clever Harvard athletes modified these jackets to stay warm between innings  a practical solution that became legendary. The thick wool bodies blocked wind, while the leather sleeves protected players’ arms from abrasions when sliding into bases. But the real game-changer? Chenille patches originally used to display military ranks were repurposed to showcase team letters.

The WWII Effect

Fast-forward to the 1940s: Returning WWII veterans brought back a love of structured outerwear, turning letterman jackets into civilian status symbols. High schools nationwide took note, awarding them to athletes as tangible proof of excellence.

Fun Fact: The term "letterman" itself comes from earning your school’s letter a tradition started when universities mailed actual fabric letters to athletes’ homes.

Why This History Matters Today

Understanding these roots explains: