VARSITY JACKET CARE GUIDE: HOW TO CLEAN YOUR LETTERMAN JACKET

Whether it’s your high school sports jacket or something you just recently picked up to get the varsity look, your letterman jacket isn’t just outerwear; it’s history. Its statement style, heavyweight wool, leather sleeves, chenille patches, and bold details deserve proper care.

So how do you take care of something so valuable without ruining it? Whether you’re protecting your first varsity or keeping your everyday layer fresh, this guide breaks down exactly how to wash, spot clean, and store your jacket the right way.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Never machine wash a traditional letterman jacket. Wool bodies and leather sleeves require separate care to avoid shrinking, cracking, or warping.
• Spot cleaning is safest for small stains. Use cold water and a mild detergent for wool, and a damp cloth only for leather sleeves.
• Professional dry cleaning is best for deep cleans. Always choose a cleaner experienced with wool and leather garments when finding someone to take care of your varsity jacket.

WHAT MATERIALS ARE IN A VARSITY JACKET?

Before doing any cleaning, it’s important to check the label on your jacket so you know what materials it’s made from. Certain materials can’t be washed at certain temperatures, at high speeds, or with certain chemicals.

It’s also important to know the material when it comes to drying the jacket so you avoid burning or shrinking.

Most traditional varsity jackets, like a school jacket or something like the Crest Wool Varsity Jacket, are made of:

• A wool or wool blend body
• Faux-leather sleeves
• Rib-knit collar, cuffs, and hem
• Chenille patches and embroidery

Because each of these materials is vastly different, they react differently to water and heat, so it’s important not to treat the entire jacket the same way. Each section needs to be cleaned separately rather than just thrown in the wash.

SO, HOW DO YOU CLEAN A LETTERMAN JACKET?

There is no single way to clean your letterman jacket, but the best way to avoid damaging it: keep it AWAY from the washing machine.

Here are a few different ways you can treat your varsity jacket properly.

SPOT CLEAN FOR EVERYDAY MAINTENANCE

If you’re wearing your favorite World Tour Fleece Varsity Jacket and happen to get a small stain on it, don’t worry—it’s easily treatable.

You’ll need:

• A soft cloth
• Mild detergent
• Cold water

Steps:

1. Mix a small amount of detergent with cold water in a bowl.
2. Dampen the cloth, wringing out most of the moisture so that it’s not soaking wet.
3. Gently blot the stain, and avoid rubbing aggressively so you don’t agitate the material or rub the stain in further.
4. Once the stain has lifted, air-dry flat.

For Sleeves: Use a damp cloth only and avoid soaking, especially if they’re real leather, because this could strip away the natural oils that keep leather soft and flexible, causing the sleeves to stiffen and crack.

WHEN YOU CAN’T SPOT CLEAN, IT’S BEST TO GO TO THE CLEANERS

Washing your letterman jacket at home is not recommended for a number of reasons.

Machine washing can:

• Shrink the wool on the body
• Warp the shape of the jacket
• Crack the leather on the sleeves due to long exposure to water
• Damage or remove patches

For a full cleaning, it’s best to take your jacket to a professional dry cleaner experienced with the exact materials of your garment. When dropping off your jacket, ask them to protect the leather sleeves and avoid harsh solvents.

WHEN YOU CAN’T GET TO THE CLEANERS

Checking the label on your jacket is very important. Some letterman-inspired jackets, like the Shrunken Satin Bomber Jacket, may look like a varsity jacket, but can be made out of completely different materials like polyester. In this case, it may be okay to use a washing machine—just be sure to double-check the care label on the inside of your jacket.

In the event that you do need to hand-wash your letterman jacket, you’ll need:

• A large basin
• Cold water
• Wool-safe detergent
• A clean towel

Steps:

1. Fill a large basin with cold water.
2. Add wool-safe detergent, stirring until fully mixed in.
3. Submerge the jacket briefly and gently use your hands to loosen up the fibers.
4. When bringing the jacket out of the water, be sure not to wring it out.
5. Let it air dry flat on a towel.

When hand washing, never:

• Use hot water
• Use a dryer or other types of heat
• Hang up wet wool (wet wool stretches to the shape it’s left in, so it’s best to lay it flat)

HOW TO STORE YOUR VARSITY JACKET

When it comes to preserving your varsity jacket, cleaning is only part of the equation. The way you care for and store your jacket matters just as much in terms of keeping the fabrics intact.

For best storage practice:

• Use a wide, structured hanger
• Store in a cool, dry place
• Avoid plastic garment bags, which are prone to trapping moisture
• Keep away from direct sunlight

If you keep your jacket clean and stored properly, it will last for years to come.

THE ULTIMATE VARSITY JACKET CARE REMINDER CHART

KEEP YOUR OUTERWEAR LOOKING FRESH

Varsity jackets are built sturdy and bold. They’re meant to last; just make sure you do your part.

If you’re on the market for a new varsity jacket, or maybe a varsity-inspired jacket that’s a little easier to clean while still giving you that same sporty feel, explore new arrivals to shop True Religion’s freshest jackets and outerwear.

Explore new arrivals to shop True Religion’s latest jackets and outerwear.