An Ultimate Guide On How to Clean a Varsity Jacket

Varsity jackets have been a staple of comfort and style for decades. With signature colored stripes, varsity jackets have been popular since they came into the limelight. Worn by the baseball team of Harvard University in the year 1865, the varsity jackets were first launched as sweaters with big letters imprinted on the chest. With their trend growing back again in 2024, and since you will be wearing them anyhow, it is important to learn how to clean a varsity jacket like a pro! Learning its maintenance and caring method will help you increase the longevity of the jacket in your wardrobe. 

With more than $5 million in revenue, a varsity jacket is one of the most wonderful and meaningful garments that you should preserve. Celebrities like Kendall Jennar and Justin Bieber have also increased the hype of this garment. People love to wear them up with basic clothing items like pants, cargo jeans, and skirts as well. And if you own a varsity jacket in your wardrobe then you must learn how to protect a varsity jacket? Since they are made traditionally from wool and leather, you must have to be very careful while cleaning them up!

So, for those who are searching for a guide on how to clean a varsity jacket with leather sleeves or a simple varsity made of wool, we have brought them a complete guide. From our proven tips and hacks, you can now easily learn to clean a varsity jacket in no time. 

What Is the Importance of Cleaning A Varsity Jacket? 

Wondering the best way to clean a jacket? You are at the right place. Petersign understands the concerns of the owners who have a varsity jacket in their capacity and are unable to clean the garment properly. Since a varsity is one of the most classic and lovely garments, it is recommended to keep it in a top notch condition. And for that purpose, the below mentioned ways will help you. 

A leather varsity jacket basically started as a trend to showcase the achievements of the wearer. With the passage of time, it evolved into a timeless piece of clothing that is now popular among all age groups of men and women. It has a very youthful, colorful, and very energetic appeal, providing the wearer with a complete casual appearance. 

In order to learn how to clean a varsity jacket, you need to learn the importance of proper washing for it. Since they showcase the memories, the identity, and the achievements, it is important to wash them while preserving their stories back in them. These jackets symbolize the commitment and their patches, colors, and stitching tell a unique story. And by washing them properly, you increase their wardrobe life along with honoring the experience that these jackets represent. However, if not washed and maintained properly, it will erase the entire history that the jacket holds. 

Shop Your Varsity Jacket Today!

Petersign is a reliable and trusted store for all types of varsity jackets. From catering to a wide range of styles and sizes, we also deal in tailor-made custom varsity jackets. Check out our collection today and place your order for a personalized jacket. Also, you can discuss all your concerns with our customer support representative before placing the order. Talk now! 

How to Clean A Letterman Jacket Without Ruining It? Solid Ways to Try!

Learn About the Material & Read Care Label 

Now, before getting started with the cleaning, first understand what fabric is used for varsity jackets? Like, a varsity is usually made up of wool and leather, so make sure to learn about the fabric of your garment. Moreover, to start cleaning a womens or mens varsity jacket, you need to first check the care instructions that are usually given on the jacket. It will give you an idea on how to start cleaning it up. However, if you are not sure about taking up the lead, consider trying out a professional to clean your varsity since they are trained to clean such materials. 

Conduct a Spot Test

Before going with complete cleaning, first conduct a spot test on your varsity. For instance, if you own a black varsity jacket and want to clean the dirt on it, make a mixture of mild detergent and water. Then dab a small leather portion with a damp cloth. Avoid rubbing the cloth on the jacket or else there will be a lot of stains in those rubbing directions. Now hang the jacket to let it dry when you are done with dabbing the stained area. Moreover, if the detergent mixture does not work then try rubbing the alcohol on smaller stains. Also, for the oil stains, use cornstarch so that it can absorb the oil and remove it with the fingers. 

Clean the Wool Area 

Wool section on a varsity jacket is super delicate. To clean it up, use soft cloth usually damped in cold water and detergent mixture. You can also use a mixture of 1 part vinegar mixed with 8 part water. While cleaning the wool sections, remember that rubbing will create damage and will cause wool to pill. However, with a soft and gentle dabbing over the stained area, the wool will stay in place with its original texture and color. 

Move to the Leather Section

If you have a varsity jacket with leather sleeves then understand the fact that leather is also very crucial to tackle. Use a dry sponge with a mild detergent mix to clean this area of your jacket. Dab in gentle order to lift the dirt and grime from the leather. Also, once you have cleaned the jacket, ensure to apply some drops of leather conditioner. This will keep the leather soft and will prevent it from drying out. Moreover, for the faux sleeves, use cotton swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol. All these methods are proven and tested to provide your jacket with a sleek and elegant appeal. 

Shopping Alert! 

Are you looking for some excellent quality womens or mens leather varsity jackets? If yes then Petersign has got you covered with an incredible variety of varsity jackets specifically made to meet your style requirements. Browse through our collection today and shop now! 

Get Rid of Smells 

Keeping the jacket inside the wardrobe sometimes leaves it with a very strange odor since wool and leather, both are obtained from animal hide. To overcome that smell, try to hand clean the jacket. For this purpose, use laundry detergent with a liter of water. Mix the elements, dip a cloth in it and wipe down the lining of the jacket with the solution. Ensure to focus on the areas like armpits and collar to remove the smell completely. Now, use a clean cloth with water to rinse off the lining of your varsity jacket. 

Wash the Jacket

A lot of you may wonder, is varsity jacket washable? Well, yes! A varsity jacket is easy to wash in case it is not getting cleaned with the mentioned ways. However, it should be your last option. To wash it, buttoned the jacket with the inside out and put it in a mesh bag. It will help you in keeping leather protected from washing machines. While using the washing machine, set the washer to cold and use the gentle cycle. Also, we recommend you wash the jacket by hand if possible. It will help you in maintaining the texture and warmth of the jacket. Moreover, air dry the jacket to maintain its soft touch. Once dried, hang the jacket in a cool and dry place. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Cleaning a Varsity Jacket 

There are a few things that you must avoid while cleaning a leather varsity jacket. 

1. Never use hot water to wash or damp the stained area as it can shrink the wool and cause leather to fade. 
2. Machine washing is totally a big no until and unless all the methods have failed. It should be your last resort as the agitation could ruin the materials. 
3. Never use harsh detergent to clean a jacket. Always go with mild ones or mild soaps to avoid damaging the fabric of the jacket. 
4. Avoid storing the jacket in folding form as it will ruin the structural appeal of the garment.

Over to You With the Varsity Cleaning Tips!