From Jersey...to Jacket...to Bag - History of the Varsity Letter Showcase

The tradition of presenting varsity letters to top school athletes and artists traces all the way back to the 1800s.  And, in true American style, each generation has found ways to showcase the coveted award.  Let's go back in time for a quick look!  

It all started with a fabric letter worn on the jersey of the top baseball players at Harvard University back in 1865. Then, in 1891, the varsity letter was sewn onto sweaters, which allowed "off-the-field" showcasing.  The 1920s witnessed parents and grandparents sewing letters onto blankets. This, however, was short-lived because coaches wanted a more public and outward representation of dedication and hard work.  

The 1930s saw the first-ever varsity letterman jacket. With colors of the school displayed across wool and leather, angled pocket-trim design, and a horizontal stripe across the waistline, and large surface area for additional medals, pins and patches, this design remained popular for the next 100 years (still remains popular in some pockets across the nation). Over time, male and female students were recognized for varsity level play, and also recognized with a varsity letter for academic excellence and the arts.

The letterman jacket peaked in popularity in '70s and '80s. As time went on, however, the jackets began to decline on a national level. While the exact causes for the decline in jackets remains unknown, a number of reasons have been thrown around. Warmer climates, sizing and wait times for the jacket, and skyrocketing price tags are some possible reasons (jackets today
cost upwards of $450-$500 after customization).

And here we find ourselves today, asking the question, “What if a varsity letter is earned, but the student doesn't want a jacket? Is the only option to toss it into a drawer or tape it on a mirror?"  And what about the additional patches, pins, etc.?

And so the showcase evolves yet again!  The Letterman Bag steps in as the varsity letter showcase for the next generation of top performers, both male and female, in athletics, academics and the arts. 

This new, practical showcase keeps the wool and leather, all the school colors, and the high quality materials!  It's design allows for easy sewing of varsity letter and patches, and also perfect for high quality personalized embroidering on the main flap and sides.  Making its debut at the National Athletic Director's Association Conference in Washington, D.C., it's popularity among high schools and universities has soared across America. 

Coaches, teachers, parents and students are excited that a new showcase has finally arrived.  5-star quality reviews and "Where was this back when I was High School?" comments abound all over social media.      

Bottom line, throughout the years the story has continued to change, from WHO can earn a Varsity letter and WHAT it is displayed on. The only part of this story that has NOT changed is the Achievement of earning a Varsity letter, the Honor in proudly displaying it, and the inspiration for others who see it displayed.  

The tradition is earning the varsity letter.  The showcase has evolved - from varsity letters showcased on jerseys by baseball players only, to today, where varsity letters are displayed by guys and ladies on a practical Letterman Bag.