Varsity look hot for fall
Schoolyard nostalgia trend plays out with athletic apparel
Sporting one of fall’s popular trends feels a bit like flipping through an old yearbook.
Varsity jackets are an outerwear classic. This season, however, they’re making a bigger statement, popping up on stars such as Rihanna, Elle Fanning, Taylor Swift and Drake.
Following suit are other school-sports-team styles, such as bomber jackets and tees featuring jersey numbers, team logos and baseball sleeves.
Shaan Chahal of Sonia’s Runway in Edmonton says the look harkens back to the days of cheering on your basketball team or flirting at football games, invoking a sense of nostalgia just like other retro styles.
“(Varsity style) is starting to get bigger,” Chahal says. “This year what I’m noticing is more women are looking for more casual wear. The mom who has three kids wants to dress fashionable but she also wants to be comfortable, and that’s where the sports-inspired wear comes in. …”
Some items Chahal’s seen on the rise include varsity tees with NYU emblems, as well as baseball-style shirts and sweaters in luxe fabrics such as cashmere and fleece.
For women, they tend to mix in other contemporary trends such as leather panelling or colour-blocked sleeves, which adds a feminine feel to a traditionally masculine look.
Also making a comeback are sweatpants and track pants with tight elastic foot holes.
“Athletes are also celebrities,” Chahal says. “What are these athletes wearing? How can we connect with these athletes? Athletes have more of a sporty figure. They’re more full-figured and they have muscles and they have a butt and shoulders. People connect to that.”
Canadian retailer Roots is one of the most famous varsity jacket retailers for men and women.
Co-founder Michael Budman says varsity jackets and varsitystyle clothing have grown especially popular over the past two or three years thanks to hip-hop culture.
Budman says the jackets exude youthfulness and athleticism, but when it comes down to it, the customizable coats — often made of wool, leather and chenille cresting — are just plain practical in Canada’s climate for 10 months out of the year.
Budman says varsity style can be worn by any demographic. There’s something for everyone — including pink and baby blue varsity jackets for newborns.
When styling varsity items, Budman likes to keep things simple with jeans, khakis or sweatpants. Casual may be cool, but Chahal says you can also dress it up. Slip a jacket over a cute dress, or rock an emblem tee with some funky baubles.