In this guide, you will learn what types of jackets schools pick, how to design custom high school jackets, and how to order for seniors, teams, and clubs.
Why High School Jackets Are So Popular Now
High school jackets used to live only on the field or in team photos. Now they show up everywhere. You see students wearing them with jeans, hoodies, and sneakers. You see seniors using them in grad photos and on social feeds.
There are a few reasons for this:
- Everyday style: Varsity jackets and hoodies now work for school, weekends, and travel.
- School spirit: Jackets show colors, mascots, and class years in a clear way.
- Unisex fit: One design can fit girls, boys, and non-binary students from XS to 6XL.
- Custom details: Names, numbers, and patches make each jacket feel personal.
Clothoo makes it easy to match these trends with real custom pieces. You can start from ready styles on the varsity jackets page or build a design from scratch in the design your own varsity jacket builder.
Types of Custom High School Jackets
Most schools do not use just one jacket style. They mix different types for sports, seniors, and spirit wear. Here are the most common options.
Varsity and Letterman Jackets
Varsity and letterman jackets are the classic choice for athletes and seniors. They usually have a wool body, leather or faux leather sleeves, and big chenille letters.
Best uses:
- Team jackets for football, basketball, baseball, band, and cheer.
- Senior jackets with class year and name on the back.
- Alumni gifts for former players and student leaders.
You can see full styles on the varsity jacket collection, or plan special layouts on the custom varsity jackets page.
Fleece Hoodies and Hooded Jackets
Some schools prefer hoodies instead of heavy jackets, especially in warmer states. Custom fleece hoodies are lighter in weight and easier to wear year-round.
Best uses:
- Travel layers for teams on buses and planes.
- Spirit wear for school stores and fundraisers.
- Class hoodies for seniors and leavers.
You can see ready fleece styles on the fleece hoodies page, or build custom prints and colors in the design your own hoodie tool.
Coach, Bomber, and Puffer Jackets
Some schools add other jacket types for coaches, staff, and cold games. These still count as custom high school jackets, just in different shells.
Popular picks include:
- Coach jackets for sidelines and staff.
- Bomber jackets for campus style and club jackets.
- Puffer jackets for schools in cold and snowy areas.
Many schools mix one core varsity jacket with one lighter option like a hoodie or coach jacket so students can pick what they like best.
How to Design Custom High School Jackets
Designing custom high school jackets can feel big at first, but you can break it into clear steps. This helps parents, coaches, and admins stay on track.
1. Pick the Jacket Type
First, choose what kind of jacket fits your area and your season. In cold states, wool and leather varsity jackets work well. In warmer states, fleece hoodies or lighter shells are easier to wear.
Browse:
- Varsity jackets for classic teams and seniors.
- Fleece hoodies for spirit wear.
- Coach jackets for staff and sidelines.
2. Choose Colors and Materials
Next, set your body, sleeve, and trim colors. Try to match the main school colors first. Then use a third color as a small accent on cuffs or patches.
To see all fabric and trim shades in one place, open the materials and colors guide. This page explains wool, leather, faux leather, fleece, satin, and more.
3. Plan Patches and Embroidery
This is where the jacket becomes personal. Decide what will go on the chest, back, and sleeves. Most schools use:
- A large chenille letter on the chest for the school.
- Mascot or logo patch on the back or sleeve.
- Name and class year for seniors.
You can see patch and embroidery options on the patches and embroidery page and then list what your school needs.
4. Check Sizes and Fit
Before you place a full order, make sure the size plan is clear. Clothoo uses unisex sizes from XS to 6XL, so one design can fit most students and staff.
Use the size guide to match chest, height, and sleeve length. Many schools pick a regular fit for most students and one size up for players who layer hoodies under their jackets.
5. Place a Sample or Group Order
Once your design is ready, you can:
- Build a sample in the design your own varsity jacket tool.
- Or send your roster and logo through the wholesale jackets page.
Many schools start with one or two samples to check color and fit in person. Then they confirm final numbers and place the full order for the team or class.
Outfit Ideas with High School Jackets
Custom high school jackets work with simple outfits. You do not need to dress up around them. The jacket is already the main piece.
Game Days and Spirit Week
For game days and spirit week, students often wear full school colors. Think of:
Varsity jacket, school tee, jeans, and sneakers. Or fleece hoodie, joggers, and running shoes for bus rides. Add a beanie or cap in school colors for extra spirit.
Everyday School and Weekends
For normal school days, many students now wear jackets with more relaxed looks. Jackets pair well with plain tees, wide-leg jeans, leggings, and simple shoes.
Examples:
- Letterman jacket, striped tee, straight jeans, and canvas shoes.
- Fleece hoodie, leggings, and slip-on sneakers for busy days with clubs and practice.
This mix keeps the look easy while still showing school colors and logos.
How Schools Use Custom High School Jackets
Custom high school jackets do more than keep students warm. Schools use them in a few smart ways:
- Seniors: Class jackets with year and names for photos and events.
- Teams: Player jackets for game days, travel, and awards.
- Clubs: Jackets for band, choir, debate, robotics, and more.
- Staff: Coach and staff jackets for games and field trips.
- Fundraising: Spirit wear sold through the school store.
If you plan to sell jackets to raise money for trips or events, you can mix sizes and styles in one plan and still keep the same logo and color story.
When you are ready to move from ideas to a real order, you can use the
wholesale jackets page to get pricing and timelines for your school.
FAQs: Custom High School Jackets
What is the best type of jacket for high school students?
There is no single best type. Varsity jackets are great for cold areas and formal team looks. Fleece hoodies work better in warm states or for travel. Many schools use both, so students can pick what feels right for them.
How long does it take to get custom high school jackets?
Timing depends on design and order size, but custom jackets take longer than simple shirts. It is smart to plan weeks or months ahead of big events like homecoming or graduation. You can ask for current lead times when you request a quote on the wholesale page.
Can each student have a different name and number?
Yes. Most teams and classes choose one shared design, then change the name and number for each student. You send the full list with sizes and details so the factory can get every jacket right.
Do high school jackets have to be wool and leather?
No. Wool and leather are the classic combo, but many schools use faux leather sleeves, fleece bodies, satin shells, or coach jacket shells. The materials and colors guide shows all options.How can we keep sizing simple for a big group?
Use the size chart and collect chest and height for each student if you can. Some schools let students try a size set at school before placing orders. Others tell students, “If you want to wear a hoodie under your jacket, choose one size up.” This keeps most people happy with their fit.
