Varsity Jacket Care Guide

A varsity jacket is more than outerwear – with the right care, it holds its structure, color, and premium feel for years. Varsity Jackets Pro jackets are built from melton wool, genuine or vegan leather, and silky satin; each material has its own care needs, covered below by product and by material.

Why Care Matters

Wool, leather, vegan leather, and satin all respond differently to washing, heat, and moisture. Proper care protects the stitching, the chenille or felt lettering, and the jacket’s overall structure – and most of it takes only a few minutes.

Caring for Your Varsity Letterman Jacket

Wool Body

Brush regularly with a soft suede or lint brush before hanging to remove dirt, soil, and debris
Avoid frequent washing – wool letterman jackets need professional dry cleaning, typically once or twice a year for normal wear
Avoid ironing. If it’s unavoidable, place a sheet or pillowcase over the jacket to protect it from the iron’s direct surface and use steam rather than dry heat
If the wool starts to pill with wear, a fabric shaver removes pills without damaging the fibers
For long-term storage, add mothballs, cedar chips, or another natural moth repellent inside a breathable garment bag

Leather Sleeves

Wipe with a clean, dry cloth to remove surface dirt before treating
Condition sleeves and trim monthly or semi-monthly with a leather conditioner, working it in with small circular motions, then buff with a clean cloth
A small amount of petroleum jelly can also restore shine and suppleness to worn or scuffed leather – if you try this, test it on a hidden area first, since it isn’t the right choice for every leather finish
Avoid exposing leather sleeves to excessive moisture or direct heat, which can cause cracking
Take leather jackets to a dry cleaning professional experienced with leather roughly once or twice a year

Inner Lining

Clean gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth or a baby wipe, and avoid harsh chemicals

Caring for Your Satin Bomber Jacket

Satin bomber jackets are easier to care for than wool-and-leather jackets and can typically be machine washed and dried.

Machine wash on the permanent press cycle with warm water
Dry on low heat, or hang it on a clothesline to air dry in warmer weather
Remove from the dryer promptly and hang it to avoid unwanted creases
Ironing usually isn’t necessary; if needed, turn the jacket inside out and use a warm iron

Caring for Vegan Leather Sleeves

Vegan leather sleeves are the easiest sleeve option to maintain.

Fill a bowl with warm water and a small amount of gentle liquid soap
Dip a soft-bristled brush in the solution and gently brush the sleeves
Rinse with a clean, damp cloth, then dry with a soft cloth
For light cleaning between washes, a damp cloth alone is usually enough – vegan leather wipes clean easily

Handling Stains

For small stains, spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent, using a gentle dabbing motion rather than scrubbing
Always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first
For large or stubborn stains, don’t attempt to remove them yourself – improper cleaning can worsen a stain or damage the jacket
Take it to a professional cleaner experienced with wool and leather garments, and tell them what materials the jacket is made of and which areas need attention

Seasonal Care

Warm Weather

Store your jacket in a cool, dry place during warmer months. If you’re wearing it, keep an eye out for sweat stains, especially on wool, and spot clean promptly before a stain has a chance to set.

Cold & Wet Weather

If your jacket gets caught in rain or snow, let it air dry naturally away from direct heat – never use a hairdryer or another direct heat source, which can damage both wool and leather. A water-repellent spray designed for your jacket’s materials can help protect it before its next exposure to the weather.

Storing Your Jacket

Use a sturdy, wide hanger to maintain the jacket’s shape; if hanging isn’t possible, roll the jacket starting from the neckline down rather than folding it
Avoid folding for long periods, which can create permanent creases
Store in a cool, dry space with good air ventilation, away from direct sunlight – avoid attics and basements, which are prone to moisture, mold, and mildew
Use a breathable garment bag rather than a sealed plastic bag
Empty the pockets and close any zips or snaps before hanging the jacket after each wear, and avoid overstuffing pockets, which can distort the jacket’s shape over time
Keep perfume, cologne, and other chemical sprays away from the jacket, especially the leather

Everyday Habits That Extend a Jacket’s Life

Rotate your jacket with other outerwear rather than wearing the same one every day – giving it a break helps it hold its shape and color longer
Inspect it regularly for loose threads, minor stains, or early signs of wear – catching small issues early prevents bigger repairs later
For a small tear, a fabric patch or a simple needle-and-thread repair usually does the job; a lost button or snap can be sewn back on or replaced with a matching one

Jacket Care FAQ

How often should I clean my varsity jacket?

Professional cleaning once or twice a year is enough for most wool and leather jackets under normal wear. Spot clean stains as they happen rather than waiting.

Can I wash my varsity jacket in a washing machine?

Not the wool-and-leather letterman jacket – machine washing can warp the wool body and damage the leather sleeves. Satin bomber jackets are the exception and can be machine washed on a permanent press cycle.

How do I care for leather sleeves on a varsity jacket?

Wipe clean with a dry cloth, then condition monthly or semi-monthly with a leather conditioner. Avoid excessive moisture and direct heat, and have it professionally cleaned about once a year.

Can I use Vaseline on my leather sleeves?

A small amount of petroleum jelly can restore shine and suppleness to worn or scuffed leather, but a dedicated leather conditioner is the safer first choice – test any product on a hidden area first.

How do I clean vegan leather sleeves?

Brush gently with warm water and a little liquid soap, rinse with a damp cloth, then dry. For light cleaning between washes, a damp cloth alone is usually enough.

How do I care for a satin bomber jacket?

Machine wash on the permanent press cycle with warm water, then tumble dry on low heat or air dry, and hang it promptly to avoid creases.

Can I iron my varsity jacket?

Avoid it if possible. If ironing is unavoidable, place a protective cloth over the jacket and use steam rather than direct dry heat.

What if my wool jacket starts pilling?

A fabric shaver removes pills from the wool body without damaging the fibers underneath.

How do I protect my jacket from moths during storage?

Add mothballs, cedar chips, or another natural repellent inside a breathable garment bag before long-term storage.

What if my jacket gets caught in the rain or snow?

Let it air dry naturally away from direct heat – never use a hairdryer or heater. A water-repellent spray made for wool and leather can help protect it before your next time in the weather.

How should varsity jackets be stored?

On a wide hanger, unfolded, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight, inside a breathable garment bag rather than plastic.

Should I wear the same varsity jacket every day?

We’d recommend rotating it with other outerwear when you can – a break between wears helps any jacket hold its shape and color longer.

What should I do about a small tear or a missing button/snap?

A fabric patch or simple needle-and-thread repair usually handles a small tear; a lost button or snap can be sewn back on or replaced with a matching one.

Keep Your Varsity Jacket Looking Its Best

Proper cleaning, seasonal awareness, and correct storage are what let a wool-and-leather jacket last for years rather than one season. Follow these guidelines and your Varsity Jackets Pro jacket will stay ready to wear – see How It Works and Fabric & Colors for more on how each jacket is built.

Still have a care question we didn’t cover? Email info@varsityjacketspro.com.