The History of Letterman Baseball Varsity Jacket

  Introduction The iconic Letterman Baseball Varsity Jacket is a timeless symbol of achievement and school spirit. Its journey from humble beginnings to a fashion staple is a fascinating story that reflects the evolution of American sports and culture. From Letter Sweaters to Varsity Jackets The story starts in the mid-19th century at Harvard University. In 1865, the Harvard baseball team, wanting to distinguish its top players, began wearing thick knit sweaters adorned with a large, bold "H" on the chest. These early versions, known as letter sweaters, were a far cry from the Letterman baseball varsity jackets we know today. However, they laid the foundation for a tradition that would sweep across American educational institutions. Ten years later, Harvard's football team adopted a similar concept, further solidifying the idea of letter sweaters as a badge of honor for outstanding athletes. By the early 20th century, these sweaters started evolving. Cardigans became mor...