How a Varsity Jacket Should Fit: Size, Cut, and What to Look For

A varsity or letterman jacket that fits correctly looks like a jacket that was made for you. A varsity jacket that does not fit: too big through the shoulders, too tight across the chest, sleeves that run over the hands: looks like someone else's. Getting the size right first is the most important step.

1. How a Varsity Jacket Should Fit

The varsity and letterman jacket is designed to fit close to the body without restricting movement. The athletic heritage of the silhouette means it is not meant to be oversized or boxy: those proportions belong to different jacket styles. A well-fitting varsity jacket reads structured and purposeful from across a room.

Three things define correct fit: shoulder seam placement, chest room, and sleeve length. If any one of these three is off, the jacket does not read correctly regardless of how the rest of the body fits. Measure first, then size.

2. The Shoulder: The Most Important Measurement

The shoulder seam of a varsity or letterman jacket should sit at the tip of your shoulder: at the outermost edge of the shoulder bone. If the seam drops down your upper arm, the jacket is too large. If it pulls inward toward your neck, the jacket is too small. The shoulder is the one measurement that cannot be compensated for by any other adjustment: if the shoulder does not fit, the jacket does not fit.

Unlike knitwear or softer garments, the structured construction of a varsity jacket does not allow the shoulder area to stretch or adjust. Get the shoulder right and the rest of the sizing follows naturally from the chest measurement.

3. Chest and Body Fit

The chest of a varsity jacket should allow you to move your arms forward, cross them, and reach overhead without the back riding up or the front pulling open. The jacket should lie flat across the chest with the snap buttons aligned and closed without strain. If the fabric pulls horizontally across the chest, go up one size.

The body of the jacket follows the torso without excess fabric at the sides. There should be no visible horizontal fold lines across the midsection: these indicate the jacket is too small vertically, or that the chest is too large for the size. The ribbed knit hem sits at the hip, sealing the jacket with a snug but not tight fit at the waist.

4. Sleeve Length and Cuff Fit

The sleeve ends at the wrist with the ribbed knit cuff sitting snugly at the wrist bone. In a correctly sized varsity or letterman jacket, the cuff does not ride up the forearm or hang over the hand. The ribbed knit provides enough flex at the cuff for comfortable movement.

If the cuffs consistently ride up the forearm during everyday movement, the jacket is either too large in the sleeve or the sleeve itself is cut short for your arm length. Check the chest measurement first: if the chest fits correctly and only the sleeve length is off, contact Decrum for specific measurements before ordering.

5. Men's Varsity Jacket Size Chart

Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape horizontal and snug against the body. Wear a T-shirt while measuring for the most accurate result.

6. Women's Varsity Jacket Size Chart

Measure around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape level and snug. Compare this measurement to the chart below to find your correct size.

7. Cropped Fit: What Changes and What Stays the Same

The cropped women's varsity jacket uses the same chest and bust sizing chart as the classic-length version. The size designation: S, M, L, XL, XXL: refers to the bust measurement, not the body length. A Medium in the classic-length and a Medium in the cropped version fit identically across the chest, shoulders, and sleeves.

The difference is body length only. The cropped version ends at or above the natural waist, while the classic-length version ends at the hip. When choosing between the two, base your size decision on your bust measurement, then choose the length based on which bottom half pieces you plan to pair it with. High-waisted jeans, skirts, and trousers work best with the cropped version. For outfit ideas across both lengths, see the women's varsity jacket outfit guide.

8. What to Do When You Are Between Sizes

If your chest or bust measurement falls between two sizes in the chart, two factors determine which direction to go: what you plan to wear underneath, and whether you prefer a close or relaxed fit.

Choose the larger size if you plan to layer a hoodie or sweatshirt underneath the varsity jacket regularly. The ribbed knit cuffs and hem will still seal at the wrists and waist correctly, and you will have the chest room to layer comfortably. Choose the smaller size if you typically wear only a T-shirt underneath and prefer a closer, more tailored fit. Decrum's free size exchange policy means you can try the size you are less sure about without risk. For a full breakdown of men's styling across sizes and layering options, see the men's varsity jacket outfit guide.

9. Care and Longevity

Decrum's varsity and letterman jackets use a soft fleece body and polyester lining. Both materials respond well to cold or cool machine washing on a gentle cycle. Air dry rather than tumble dry: heat can affect the fleece texture and the shape of the ribbed knit trim over repeated cycles. Do not iron directly on the fleece body or the ribbed sections.

The ribbed knit collar, cuffs, and hem hold their shape when the jacket is stored on a hanger rather than folded. Folding the jacket at the ribbed sections over long periods can create permanent creases in the knit. Hang on a standard padded hanger in a breathable space. With proper care, the construction holds well through years of regular wear. Trusted by over 50,000 customers since 2015.

10. Frequently Asked Questions