Laura Scholz
News + Trends

Laura's Likes: 7 college jackets for the transitional period

Laura Scholz
10.9.2025
Translation: machine translated

It's coming, the transitional jacket season - and with it a trend that's reminiscent of teen films.

The school crush, captain of some sports team, a full head of hair, a whole entourage in tow, over the broad shoulders: a college jacket. These factors are among the basic building blocks of every successful teen comedy. From «One Like No Other» to «Glee» to «Sex Education». But the distinctive garment with the patches and leather sleeves is also popular outside of high school buildings. Michael Jackson wore them in «Thriller», Eddie Murphy in «Beverly Hills Cop», Mel Gibson in «Lethal Weapon».

Although it may seem like it up to this point, the college jacket is of course not just reserved for men. Large and voluminous, this autumn it will be worn by anyone with a penchant for trends.

Casual with streetwear ...
Casual with streetwear ...
Source: Spotlight/Launchmetrics
... or preppy for a nice occasion.
... or preppy for a nice occasion.
Source: Spotlight/Launchmetrics

Last but not least, a few little facts: The jacket actually has its origins in the college and university context. It is also known as the «Varsity Jacket», a short form for University Jacket that originated in the 1840s. The name «Letterman Jacket» also describes the same garment. This is because wearing the large, sewn-on initials of the school (letter = letter) was considered an honour and recognition for the most successful athletes in the student body, the so-called lettermen.

La Redoute Collections College style jacket
Jackets
CHF64.95

La Redoute Collections College style jacket

Sixth June Two-tone varsity jacket
Jackets

Sixth June Two-tone varsity jacket

Superdry College Patched Bomber Jacket
Jackets
CHF115.–

Superdry College Patched Bomber Jacket

Urban Classics Big U College Jacket
Jackets

Urban Classics Big U College Jacket

New Era Varsity College Jacke - NBA Los Angeles Lakers - S (S)
Jackets

New Era Varsity College Jacke - NBA Los Angeles Lakers - S

S

Mitchell & Ness M&N Varsity Corduroy Sherpa College Jacket - Chicago Bulls - S
Jackets

Mitchell & Ness M&N Varsity Corduroy Sherpa College Jacket - Chicago Bulls - S

Mitchell & Ness M&N Vintage Varsity Wool Jacke - NHL Boston Bruins - L
Jackets
CHF339.90

Mitchell & Ness M&N Vintage Varsity Wool Jacke - NHL Boston Bruins - L

Header image: Laura Scholz

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