Here’s How to Shop the Varsity Jacket Trend Without Going Broke

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Shopping for a new jacket? Varsity jackets are always in season and they’ve becoming a large part of music fashion.

Which music stars love varsity jackets? More like which ones don’t love varsity jackets. Justin Bieber might be considered a connoisseur of varsity jackets (just Google “Justin Bieber varsity jacket” for proof), Drake likes to rock them as well, and so does A$AP Rocky (the Harlem native linked with Human Made for a varsity jacket collab).

Dua Lipa, BLACKPINK, Cardi B, Halsey, and BTS members have all been spotted in varsity jackets. LL Cool J sported a one-of-a-kind, red leather varsity jacket from Roots while hosting the 2022 iHeart Radio Music Awards in March. The trendy jacket was a custom design from Roots, but the lifestyle brand carries similar jackets in the same styles, such as the RBA Awards Jacket ($698) and the Classic Varsity ($598).

Eminem and The Weeknd are among the celebrities who have sported jackets from Roots.

Rihanna, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Snoop Dogg, Big Boi, Ariana Grande, Kehlani, Big Sean, Tyler, the Creator, Young Thug, Nick Jonas, and Pharrell have also sported varsity jackets.

The history of letterman and varsity jackets dates back to 1865, but the more popular incarnation that we see today was born in 1930. Varsity jackets have been seen on Happy Days, Saved by the Bell, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Varsity Blues, All American  — basically any TV show or movie that involves high schoolers. And who can forget Michael Jackson’s iconic red varsity jacket from the “Thriller” music video? 

Varsity jackets look great, but they can cost you upwards of $500-$1,000. If you can’t afford to spend thousands on high-end brands like Celine, Off-White, Givenchy and Axel Arigato, check below for a list of varsity jackets that you can buy for as little as $50 all the way up to $500.

If you like the baseball-style varsity jackets, get this budget-friendly, lightweight option in a bunch of different colors (blue/yellow, brown, black, etc.) and sizes S-5XL.  

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As you probably already know, Amazon carries tons of reasonably-priced varsity jackets. This wool jacket is a decent option for $65. It has faux leather sleeves, two waist pockets, and the classic ribbed collar. The jacket comes in sizes XXS to 4X-Large, and you can buy it in several different colors including black, red and blue.

H&M’s relaxed-fit, baseball jacket is woven in cotton-blend fabric, and features matching ribbing at the collar, cuffs, and hem. The jacket is available in forest green and dark blue.

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Stewart & Strauss is a sought-after brand for affordable and durable varsity letterman jackets. The company was founded in 1971 and sells jackets in adult sizes XXS up to 6XL, in regular and tall sizes. The stylish jackets also feature an inside 1/2 zip-out lining to easily add your own embroidery and patches. The jacket pictured above comes in dozens of two-toned designs: black and gold, red and white, blue and white, purple and white, red and blue, green and black, blue and grey, black and grey, etc.

Love a bargain? This colorful varsity jacket is 50% off at Boohoo Man. The jacket is made from a blend of nylon, polyester and cotton and it’s almost sold out online (sizes L and XL are still available). Click here for more Boohoo Man options and here for women’s varsity jackets.  

The Carré MVP Varsity Jacket features the standard Chenille patches, contrasting sleeves, and ribbed trims. This Culture Kings jacket maintains the retro-style varsity design and is available in multiple colors, including brown/cream, light blue, black, red, and chocolate brown. Click here to shop Culture Kings jackets for men and women.

Looking for a cropped varsity jacket? This red, letterman jacket is half off at NastyGal.com. The jacket comes in red and black in sizes small and medium (large is sold out). Find additional, cropped varsity jackets here.  

Calling all stylish Capricorns! This letterman jacket from Alo Yoga is perfect for the “G.O.A.T.” in your life. The jacket is available in the white/bone color pictured above and black.

The Diary Script Varsity Jacket is sold out at the Coach Outlet, and this leather jacket is almost gone, so you might want to act fast if it catches your eye. Comfy and cute, this jet-black jacket from is marked down 50% at Coach Outlet.