With fall weather officially here, there’s no better time to talk about one of the biggest trends this season to hit across the globe.
Americana style has been a huge influence for a while now, but collegiate preppy looks – especially varsity looks – have really taken over.
So if you’re looking to rep something new in your fall wear, we’ve got fifteen fantastic varsity-inspired pieces for you that you’ll definitely want on your wardrobe team.
VARSITY JACKETS
At the top of the list, and one could argue that it’s pretty much it’s own trend at this point, is the varsity jacket. This uniform style, patch-emblazoned jacket has symbolized American athletic culture for nearly a hundred years. That pedigree hasn’t gone unnoticed by designers this season, who are having a ball (pun intended) rolling out their own, tongue-in-cheek versions. Here are five that caught our Editors’ eyes for all the right reasons.
Starting with one of the progenitors of the trend, Off-White. Virgil Abloh, who passed in 2021, was designing playful versions of his varsity jacket well before the surge of 2022. This woolen twill version is a bit more restrained than others out there, but for the man looking to stock his wardrobe with a classic, minimal take on the varsity, this is an icon of beauty.
Off-White, Logo Patch Varsity Jacket $1,425
Speaking of progenitors, let’s talk about one of the OGs. Back as far as the 90s, Tommy Hilfiger was one of the first designers to take the Americana prep and mix it with streetwear. No surprise then, that his new season varsity jackets have a true, old skool look to them. If you’re a traditionalist, this is the jacket you want to take with you down the field.
Tommy Hilfiger, Wool Blend Varsity Jacket $696
Looking for Americana with a European twist? Karl has you covered. This wool and leather version takes the classic, boxy frame of the varsity jacket and turns it into a trimmer silhouette. Perfect for the man who loves the varsity jacket look, but not all the bulk.
Karl Lagerfeld, Wool and Leather Blend Varsity Jacket $395
No lack for color and patches here! This limited edition collab between Stadium Goods and Chicago based artist Rello features an embroidered patch of Rello’s signature ‘Ozzy the Bad Mouse’ character on the left chest, along with collection-exclusive patches on the cream leather sleeves and an oversized chenille ‘Ozzy’ patch stitched onto the back. The heavyweight, premium wool build gives plenty for warmth and comfort. For the collector and those whose fall weather usually leans well into the cold, this jacket is for you.
Stadium Goods x Rello, Varsity Jacket $525
This rendition from Billionaire Boys Club is giving us varsity with a touch of military. And of course, their signature astronaut motif on full display in the front and back.
Billionaire Boys Club, Astro Varsity Bomber Jacket $552 (on Sale NOW from $788)
Finally, for the guy with great taste but maybe not the biggest bank account. This gray and white, cotton blend version of the varsity is part of the AAPE line from *A BATHING APE. It has all the bells and whistles you’d want from a classic varsity, at a more affordable price point than others. Fair warning though, this fellow is on the lighter weight side, so just be aware that additional layering may be required.
AAPE by *A BATHING APE, Logo Patch Varsity Jacket $174
VARSITY SWEATERS
Running a close second to the varsity jacket are collegiate-inspired varsity sweaters. Like the jackets, designers have taken the classic silhouette (i.e. boxy size, colorful stripes and athletic fonts) and added their own spin by incorporating fashion logos in lieu of team names. Our editors pulled together five of their favorites that are sure to be yours as well.
Parisian fashion brand, The Kooples, goes all in with their slightly cropped, trim version. The supersoft fleece is lighter weight than your standard sweatshirt fare, allowing you to easily layer this fellow underneath and over top.
The Kooples, Sweatshirt w/Logo $86
(on Sale NOW from $215)
Soft alpaca wool and stripes come together in colorful harmony with Opening Ceremony’s take on the varsity sweater. Roomy enough for plenty of layering, this sweater will look amazing with your favorite, baggy jeans.
Opening Ceremony, Patch Striped Alpaca Blend Sweater $249.90 (on Sale NOW from $415)
Proving varsity and minimalism can peacefully co-exist, we’re loving rag & bone’s straightforward take on the varsity sweater. Made from their quality, inhouse mix of alpaca and other wools, this fellow allows you to rep without too much fanfare.
rag & bone, Varsity Intarsia Crew $495
On the maximalistic side, VTMNTS doesn’t disappoint. There’s plenty of collegiate-inspired logo on display with this varsity sweater from the Italian brand.
VTMNTS, Varsity Logo Crewneck Sweater $1,134
And for fans of the pre-distressed looks, this flocked logo sweater from Andersson Bell will fit the bill, without crushing the pocketbook.
Andersson Bell, Flocked Logo Varsity Sweater $283
Finally, this 100% wool, dark burgundy from Dsquared2 new season is the perfect fall wardrobe add-on.
Dsquared2, Caten Sweater $855
VARSITY HOODIES
Rounding out our group are the varsity hoodies. More casual than their varsity companions, these cotton/fleece pullovers are grounded solidly in street, and will be a welcome addition to your off-duty looks.
All the playful action from this First Row hoodie shows what happens when you masterfully mix varsity with classic doodle tattoo style. As busy as it is, you’ll want to keep the rest of your look toned done to keep this fellow the star of the show.
First Row, Bird Pullover Hoodie $85
Classic, streamlined and iconic. This varsity hoodie from True Religion will look right at home with your favorite weekend joggers or spruced up with some dark wash jeans for a night out with your squad.
True Religion, Logo Zip Hoodie $69
(on Sale NOW from $129)
And finally, inject some color punch into your moody fall fits with this marvelous mustard, varsity pullover from Baracuta’s new season.
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