Wool vs Leather: The Classic Varsity Jacket Combo Explained

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Tradition You Can Wear

Think back to the iconic American high school look—letterman jackets, school colors, embroidered patches, and bold varsity vibes. Most of those jackets share one key feature: a wool body and leather sleeves. It’s not just a random design choice. This combo was built with purpose, and decades later, it’s still the gold standard. At Jacket Authority, we honor that tradition while giving you full control over how it looks and feels.

Wool: Where Warmth Meets Elegance

Let’s start with the wool body. It’s the soul of the varsity jacket. Wool is warm, soft, and naturally breathable. Unlike many synthetic fabrics, it allows air to circulate, which keeps you cozy without overheating. That’s a win when you’re wearing the jacket for hours, whether outdoors or in a stadium.
But wool is more than just functional. It gives structure to the jacket, helping it maintain its crisp, athletic shape. No floppy fit here. Our premium wool blends ensure your jacket feels solid yet flexible—built to hold its shape for years to come.

Leather: A Statement in Strength

Leather sleeves are what give the varsity jacket its iconic edge. They’re sleek, strong, and undeniably cool. More importantly, they’re durable. Whether you’re slinging a backpack, leaning on your elbows, or out in the cold, leather sleeves take the brunt without breaking down.
The bonus? They age beautifully. With every wear, leather sleeves gain character—a worn-in look that’s unique to you. We also offer vegan leather options at Jacket Authority that deliver the same style and strength, giving you the freedom to choose what fits your values.

A Combo That Pops

The magic of this combo isn’t just about materials—it’s about contrast. The soft, textured wool paired with the smooth shine of leather creates visual depth that makes everything else stand out. School emblems, mascot patches, player names—every detail pops.
That’s why designers and teams love this base. It’s timeless, yes—but it’s also a blank canvas for creativity. Whether you’re designing for a sports team, dance crew, or just your personal brand, this combination elevates the entire design.

Designed for Real Life

A varsity jacket isn’t just about looks—it’s about performance. The wool body keeps your core warm during chilly weather. The leather sleeves block wind and add an extra layer of protection. And together? They make a jacket you can wear comfortably all season long.
Jacket Authority varsity jackets are built with lining, reinforced seams, and customizable features that work for both casual wear and athletic use. We don’t believe in “just good enough.” Our jackets are made to be worn, used, and admired—over and over again.

Classic Meets Custom

We get it—tradition matters. But so does personal style. That’s why we offer full customization options at Jacket Authority. You choose the colors, sleeve type (genuine or vegan leather), wool shade, rib-knit collar, buttons, patches—you name it.
Want to stick with tradition? Go for a navy wool body and cream leather sleeves with chenille letters. Want something modern? Try bold color blocking, matte finishes, or a cropped cut. It’s your jacket. We’re just here to build it to your vision.

Design a Piece of Tradition Today

Some things never go out of style—and for good reason. The wool and leather varsity jacket is more than outerwear. It’s a symbol of identity, pride, and timeless cool. With Jacket Authority, you can customize every inch and create something that’s 100% you.