New Yorkers Are Flocking Toward This Easy Staple—27 Varsity Jackets They Want
If you like people-watching as much as I do, allow me to indulge you in my latest fashion sighting while living in NYC. New Yorkers are embracing a vintage classic with open arms—yup, the varsity jacket. These iconic jackets, once reserved for high school athletes, have cycled in and out of my life as a fashion person.
When I was in my first-ever high school musical, Grease, the very cool main characters wore varsity jackets, and so did I. In college, I also had a period of time when all I wanted to wear was a vintage varsity jacket. The bouncer in our college town surprisingly thought I was of age because my jacket had graduation years that were just a bit older than my own. With all of the memories that come along with the idea of wearing a variety jacket, I'm quite excited about its return to the fashion world.
What's driving this sudden surge in varsity-jacket popularity? It's not just about staying warm during the brisk East Coast winters; it's about expressing individuality and a sense of unity with the city. New Yorkers are known for their unique sense of style, and these jackets provide the perfect canvas for personalization. From vintage-inspired designs to modern, sleek silhouettes, there's a varsity jacket for every taste. Make your own memories with one of the options that I've sourced below.
I wore this last fashion week, and the fact that it's still in stock is truly a treat. The colors are so cool.
The leather on the sleeves takes this one to the next level.
I'm loving the leather sleeves.
Sporty & Rich might just make the best vintage jacket I've ever seen.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Sierra Mayhew is a fashion editor at Who What Wear, bringing a decade of industry experience to the editorial team. Since joining in 2021, she has made her mark by blending luxury and accessible fashion, decoding runway trends, and curating must-have shopping lists. Before joining Who What Wear, Sierra sharpened her skills at Harper's Bazaar and Elle, with bylines in Bazaar.com and collaborated with iconic brands such as Gucci and Ferragamo. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sierra translates editorial expertise into viral social content, making fashion engaging for a new generation. Her unique perspective is rooted in her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration.
-
These 30 Incredibly Chic Picks From the Nordstrom Winter Sale Scream Cool Girl
Time to up your fashion game.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Take a Break, Blazers—This Is the Spring Jacket Trend Chic People Will Wear With Jeans Instead
As seen on Hollywood's new It girl.
By Allyson Payer
-
Scandi Girls Are All About These 6 Minimalist Coat Trends This Winter
Even in subzero temps.
By Ana Escalante
-
The "So Wrong It's Right" Way to Wear Sporty Jackets in 2025
Give it a try.
By Eliza Huber
-
5 Affordable Outerwear Trends Fashion People Are Wearing in 2025
Including trench coats buttoned to the top.
By Ana Escalante
-
Chloë Sevigny Is Already on Board With 2025's Coolest Jacket Trend
Who's buying one with me?
By Eliza Huber
-
Jennifer Lawrence Just Wore the Jacket Trend French and Italian Women Swear By to Look Elegant
It works every time.
By Eliza Huber
-
J.Lo Just Wore the Only Jacket Trend Fashion People Are Wearing More Than Suede RN
It's 2025's top buy.
By Eliza Huber