You earn a letterman jacket by earning a varsity letter: meeting your school's standard for a varsity team or activity. Your coach or athletic department sets the rules, so they vary from school to school. The school awards the letter, and at most schools students then buy the jacket themselves and sew the letter on.
In This Guide
- What "lettering" means
- Typical lettering requirements
- What goes on a high school letterman jacket
- How to get your jacket in school colors
- When to order
- Wearing it after graduation
- Frequently asked questions
1. What "Lettering" Means
A varsity letter is a cloth letter, usually your school's initial, awarded for reaching the top level of a sport or activity. Students who earn one are called "lettermen" or "letter winners," which is where the letterman jacket gets its name. The jacket is how you display the letter and everything you add to it later.
2. Typical Lettering Requirements
These are common examples, not fixed rules. Ask your coach or athletic office for your school's exact standards.
| Activity | What schools often ask for |
|---|---|
| Team sports (football, basketball, soccer) | Playing a set share of varsity games, quarters or minutes |
| Individual sports (track, swimming, wrestling) | Scoring points at meets, placing in events or reaching a qualifying time |
| Cheer and dance | Full-season participation on the varsity squad |
| Band, music, theater, debate | Full-year participation and performances or competitions |
| Academics | Meeting a GPA or honor roll standard for an academic letter |
Almost every school also expects you to finish the season in good standing.
3. What Goes on a High School Letterman Jacket
- Left chest: your chenille school letter
- Right chest: your name
- Left sleeve: class year octagon and jersey number
- Right sleeve: sport patches, achievement patches and bars
- Back: school name, mascot or your last name
For a full map with patch types, see our letterman jacket patches guide.
4. How to Get Your Jacket in School Colors
Many schools don't supply jackets. If yours doesn't, start from a jacket in your school colors and personalize it.
| School colors | Jacket to start from |
|---|---|
| Navy and white | Navy Blue Letterman Jacket With White Leather Sleeves |
| Red and white | Red Letterman Jacket With White Leather Sleeves |
| Red and black | Red Letterman Jacket With Black Leather Sleeves |
| Maroon and black | Maroon Letterman Jacket With Black Leather Sleeves |
| Blue and white | Blue Letterman Jacket With White Leather Sleeves |
| Green and white | Green Letterman Jacket With Off-White Leather Sleeves |
| Purple and white | Purple Letterman Jacket With White Leather Sleeves |
| Black and white | Black Letterman Jacket With White Leather Sleeves |
Don't see your exact colors? Build any combination with your letter, name and patches in our jacket designer. Ordering for the whole team? Use Design for Your Team.
5. When to Order
| Order type | Typical US delivery time |
|---|---|
| Individual custom jacket | 12–16 business days |
| Team or class order | 27–35 business days after you approve the proof |
For an awards night or graduation, order at least 6–8 weeks ahead to leave time for design changes.
6. Wearing It After Graduation
A wool and leather letterman jacket lasts for decades, and plenty of adults still wear theirs. If you want a grown-up version without school patches, try a collared varsity jacket or browse our men's letterman jackets. Our varsity jacket style guide has outfit ideas.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Can you buy a letterman jacket without lettering?
Yes. Anyone can buy and wear a varsity jacket. Only the awarded school letter is earned.
Can freshmen earn a varsity letter?
At many schools, yes, if they make the varsity team and meet the requirements. Check your school's rules.
What does the letter on a letterman jacket mean?
It shows you reached the varsity level for your school in a sport or activity.
How much does a letterman jacket cost?
See our letterman jacket price guide for what affects the price.
Related Guides
- Letterman Jacket Patches Guide
- Custom Varsity Jackets for High School Seniors
- Varsity Jacket vs Letterman Jacket
Wear Your Legacy. Design your letterman jacket.