New Yorkers Are Flocking Toward This Easy Staple—29 Varsity Jackets They Want

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(Image credit: @_sierramayhew)

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.

Associate Editor

Sierra Mayhew was always destined to work in fashion, but she didn't know it at first. Growing up with no choice but to wear a rotation of school uniforms and activewear, her love for fashion really blossomed when she moved away for college and was able to finally define her very own personal style. Shortly thereafter, she interned at Elle magazine and instantly knew that editorial was for her. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame, she worked for ShopBazaar, contributing regularly to Bazaar.com, and finally made her way to Who What Wear, where she is an associate editor. When she’s not working, you can catch her always trying to catch a flight, rollerblading through New York City traffic, or exploring the latest luxury vintage boutique.