Varsity and Letterman Jackets

What are they?

• "Letterman" jackets trace their history back to Harvard in 1865, when the baseball team began wearing sweaters with a big block H on them.  The football team followed suit 10 years later. According to historydaily.org, "This was to be a way to acknowledge the hard work and athletic ability of key players on the team. By making the Letterman an exclusive club, other players worked hard to join."

• While the traditions vary, by the end of the 20th century, Varsity Jackets are worn to signify making and participating in a varsity sport - commonly referred to as "lettering." Your jacket shows school pride and personal achievement!

Where do I get patches?

• These days, you can design really cool custom patches

• All varsity athletes may have a chenille varsity block B free of cost (either at your banquet or just come to J207)

• The basics can be found in the AD office (J207) for low prices

• CLICK HERE TO SEE PATCHES AND PRICES

Where do I get the Jacket?

• Locally, we recommend Mary and Joe's on San Pablo near the base of Solano Avenue in Albany, CA (911 San Pablo Ave, Albany, CA 94706, (510) 525-1597)

• There are lots of online options that range in price and quality:

  • • NEFF: https://www.neffjacketshop.com/BrowseCatalogs.asp?VPath=1140|1145|1683

    • JOSTENS: https://www.jostens.com/apparel/jackets-and-patches/letter-jackets

    • AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/CE0794B9-EFE5-4E73-9EBB-BAE758045E0D?ingress=2&visitId=9fd5278a-1760-4b41-bdf9-33ff2d903ca1&ref_=ast_bln

    • VARSITY BASE: https://varsitybase.com/

    • AUGUSTA SPORTSWEAR: https://www.augustasportswear.com/varsity-jacket

    • UNITED SPORTS APPAREL: https://www.unitedsportapparel.com/design-your-jacket

Email athleticdirector@berkeley.net to find a good time to come by the office and get your patches (cash or check)