Letterman Jackets are a sign of achievement.
Dating back decades of tradition.
A memory that will last a lifetime.
Letterman jackets date back to the 1860’s, beginning with Harvard University baseball players sewed old English “H” on the center of their uniforms. Before becoming a jacket, the letterman was a thick, knitted pullover.
The players who succeeded were the only ones permitted to keep their jackets after the season concluded. They became a symbol of school pride.
After the football team adopted the letterman sweaters, cardigans took over the sweaters, and letters were shifted to the left of the uniforms.
By the 1930s, the cardigan transformed into the familiar letter jacket, with leather sleeves and wool inside. These jackets became the jock uniform of America.
Letterman Jackets gained major popularity during the 1980s and 1990s. The jackets were seen in movies, shows, and throughout high school hallways. They became a statement piece.
Today, students can letter in almost any organization, from football to choir to FFA to journalism. Each program has different letterman requirements.
“I had to earn 65 letterman points, which were earned throughout choir this year,” senior Shelby Dotson said. “I also had to be a part of choir for 2 years.”
Letterman’s allow students to showcase their successes and the activities that they are proud of.
“I have accomplished a goal of earning a letterman that I have been working towards since I was in elementary school,” senior Madison Thomas said. “I am excited to continue my journey of excelling in my sports.”
Students can put almost anything on their lettermans. The most personal aspect of the jacket is the nickname on the back.
“The nickname I have underneath my letterman is the one I have had for the past 5 years, ‘Slebus’ ,” Dotson said. “It’s become a name that everyone in my life calls me.”
Lettermans overall represent each individual in their talents, interests, and accomplishments.
“My letterman definitely represents me,” Thomas said. “Underneath all that bling and shine is just a girl trying to be the best version of herself.”
