The short answer to do schools still give out varsity jackets is yes, but the way schools handle it has changed.
Most programs now use custom varsity jackets that are either fully awarded, partly funded, or bought by families.
Short answer: how varsity jacket programs work now
Years ago, some schools paid for every jacket and handed them out at a big ceremony. Today, most programs use a mix of models. Some students still earn a jacket that the school or booster club pays for. Others earn the right to buy a jacket once they meet clear letter rules.
In many districts, the school gives the letter and any official pins. Families then decide whether to place a jacket order. A few schools run full “award jackets” for key groups such as first-team seniors, state qualifiers, or long-time band members. There is no single national rule, so each school shapes its own plan.
Awarded vs purchased jackets in modern schools
Most programs now separate two ideas. First is the honor of earning a letter. Second is the jacket itself. That separation helps schools keep traditions alive even when budgets are tight.
In an “awarded jacket” setup, the school or booster group buys the full jacket for students who meet a clear milestone. That might be a varsity letter plus a set number of seasons, or a major achievement such as a state title. In a “purchased jacket” setup, students earn the letter, then pay for the jacket while still taking part in the ceremony.
Some schools mix the two. They may cover part of the cost for low-income families, offer a discount through a team store, or pay for jackets only in senior year. Flexible systems like this keep the ceremony strong while still giving families choice on timing and budget. To see different build options that work for both award and purchase models, you can browse core varsity jacket styles and then layer your own rules on top.
Who usually pays for school jackets today?
Every community handles money a little differently, but the same players show up in most stories. The school, the booster club, and families share the load.
- School-funded: The school covers jackets for a small group, such as first varsity letter winners or all-state performers.
- Booster-funded: Parent groups pay full or partial cost using concession money, dues, or events.
- Family-funded: Families pay most or all of the bill, often through a group order rate from a supplier.
- Mixed model: The school or boosters pay for the base jacket while families add extra patches later.
District policies, free and reduced lunch rates, and local fundraising all shape which model fits best. When you plan costs, it helps to have a clear bulk quote. The tools and contact options in the wholesale jacket section make it easier to estimate a full year or season at once.
How to structure a jacket program for many sports and activities
Modern schools want more than one team in the spotlight. Football, basketball, band, cheer, track, robotics, and other groups often share the same gym or field. A good jacket plan gives them one shared base design and clear rules for who earns what.
Many schools start with a single jacket body that matches their main colors. Then they use chest letters, sleeve marks, and back patches to show the sport or activity. A runner might have a track symbol on one sleeve. A trumpet player wears a small music note. Everyone keeps the same school letter on the chest.
For rules, keep things simple and written down. You might say that students need one full season on varsity or a set number of points, games, or performances. You can publish these rules in the same place you list lettering standards for each program. A short section on your athletics or fine arts page, plus a link to general jacket questions and answers, gives families one place to check details.
Technical details that matter when planning a jacket order
Materials, fit, and sizing for school jackets
Even the best program rules fall flat if the jackets do not fit well or hold up. That is why material and sizing choices matter as much as funding plans. Most schools still lean toward wool bodies with leather or faux leather sleeves for long-term wear. This build handles bus rides, bleachers, and daily hall traffic without sagging.
Fit matters because jacket programs are almost always unisex. A straight cut that works over hoodies and sweatshirts helps both smaller and larger students feel comfortable. When you measure, ask students if they plan to layer heavy tops under the jacket. Those who do should size up. A detailed size guide with chest and length charts makes this step easier for coaches and parents.
Common mistakes to avoid with jacket programs
Many schools run into the same snags year after year. One common mistake is unclear rules about who earns a jacket. When policies vary by coach or change mid-season, families feel confused and sometimes upset. Fix this by writing one short standard for each sport or activity and sharing it at the start of the year.
Another mistake is ordering too late. If you start the process after the last game, jackets may show up months after the season. That delay takes the energy out of the tradition. Start sizing and design talks mid-season instead. That way jackets can arrive in time for a banquet, pep rally, or spring awards night.
Using fundraising and booster clubs to support jacket costs
Booster-club funded jackets are a big part of varsity jacket traditions today. Parent groups can take pressure off the school budget and still keep the moment special. Simple fundraisers such as concession stands, spirit wear sales, or car washes can add up when they run all year.
Some boosters choose to cover part of every jacket. Others fully sponsor a few jackets for students who need help or hit major milestones. Clear communication matters here as well. Let families know early how much help is available and how decisions are made.
It also helps to keep one trusted vendor for repeat orders. That makes it easier to match colors, materials, and patches over many years. The bulk pricing tools in the group order section can support both sports teams and band or club programs using the same base jacket.
Simple steps to start or update your school’s jacket tradition
If your school has not offered jackets for a while, you do not need a complex plan to begin. Start by picking a clean base design that fits your colors and climate. The custom jacket options let you test body colors, sleeve materials, and trim until the look feels right.
Next, meet with coaches and activity leaders to agree on lettering rules. Keep them short and fair so students understand what they are working toward. Choose one or two big moments each year for ceremonies. That might be a winter pep rally, a spring band concert, or a combined awards night.
Finally, set a clear schedule. Decide when you will size students, when families must confirm orders, and when you want jackets to arrive. A simple shared calendar and one main contact person can keep the whole process smooth from first meeting to handout day.
FAQs about varsity jacket traditions today
Do schools still give out varsity jackets to students?
Yes. Many schools still give jackets, but the model has changed. Some programs award the full jacket. Others award only the letter and let families buy the jacket through a group order with set rules.
Do schools still award jackets, or do families buy them now?
Both options are common. In some places, the school or booster club pays for jackets when students meet a major goal. In others, students earn the right to order a jacket and families cover most or all of the cost.
Who usually funds varsity jackets: school, booster club, or families?
Funding is often shared. Schools may pay for a few jackets or cover the letter and basic patches. Booster groups add support through fundraising. Families usually handle any remaining cost, especially for extra patches or upgraded materials.
How can schools run a jacket program for many sports and activities?
Use one base jacket for the whole school and change only the patches. Set simple lettering rules for each sport and activity. Then run one or two group orders each year so football, band, cheer, and clubs all use the same core design.
What are common rules for earning a letter and a jacket?
Typical standards include one full varsity season, a set number of points or games, or steady participation across several years. Schools often tie jackets to first letters, senior year, or special honors such as all-state teams or major music awards.
