How to Clean a Varsity Jacket – Easy 8-Step Care Guide

Keep the Memories, Not the Stains
Simple 8-Step Care Guide for Every Type

Your varsity jacket tells your story. It carries your school pride, your wins, and every late practice you pushed through. Each patch and stripe marks a moment you earned.

Over time, dust, sweat, and weather can fade that story. Wool can shrink, leather can crack, and satin can wrinkle. Many people toss their jackets into the washing machine, thinking it will help. That mistake ruins the fabric and color.

The good news is you can clean your varsity jacket safely at home. This easy 8-step guide from Clothoo USA shows how to care for every type of jacket. You will learn what products to use, when to call a cleaner, and how to keep your jacket looking new for years.

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Step 1: Know Your Jacket’s Material

Before cleaning, check the inside label. Each fabric needs special care. Wool and leather cannot handle heat or strong soap, while fleece and cotton are easier to wash.

Learn About Varsity Jacket Materials & Colors

Step 2: Clean Wool Jackets Gently

Wool jackets are strong but sensitive. Avoid soaking or scrubbing them.

How to clean:

1. Use a lint roller or soft brush to remove dust.
2. Mix cold water with a small drop of mild detergent.
3. Dip a clean cloth and gently dab stains.
4. Hang the jacket on a wide hanger to air dry. Keep it out of sunlight.

U.S. wool cleaners:

• Hallak Cleaners – New York, NY
• Lapels Dry Cleaning – Boston, MA
• Prestige Cleaners – Scottsdale, AZ

Shop Wool Varsity Jackets

Step 3: Treat Leather the Right Way

Leather gives a varsity jacket its classic look. To keep it soft and shiny, clean it with care.

How to clean:

1. Wipe the leather with a damp cloth.
2. Use a leather conditioner such as Lexol or Bickmore Bick 4.
3. Buff lightly with a dry towel.
4. Let it air dry away from heat.

Condition the leather two or three times a year to prevent cracks.

Wool + Leather Varsity Jackets   All Leather Varsity Jackets

Step 4: Care for Faux Leather and Satin Jackets

Faux leather and satin look great but need gentle cleaning.

For Faux Leather:

• Wipe with a cloth dipped in mild soapy water.
• Dry gently with a towel.
• Use a vinyl protector once each season.

For Polyester Satin:

• Hand wash in cold water with gentle soap.
• Lay flat on a towel to dry.
• Never twist or wring the fabric.

Faux Leather Varsity Jackets   Satin Varsity Jackets

Step 5: Machine-Wash Fleece or Cotton Jackets

Fleece and cotton jackets are the easiest to clean and perfect for daily wear.

How to clean:

1. Turn the jacket inside out.
2. Use cold water and a gentle cycle.
3. Add mild detergent only.
4. Tumble dry on low or hang dry.
5. Iron on low heat if needed.

Fleece Varsity Jackets   Cotton Twill Varsity Jackets

Step 6: Clean the Details – Patches and Hoods

Small parts matter too. Take care of patches, embroidery, and hoods.

• Chenille patches: Dab lightly with a damp cloth.
• Embroidery: Brush with a soft toothbrush.
• Hoods: If removable, wash separately in cold water.

Hooded Varsity Jackets   Retro Varsity Jackets

Step 7: When to Use a Professional Cleaner

If your jacket has mixed materials, heavy stains, or old patches, use a professional cleaner. Ask them:

“Do you clean varsity or letterman jackets?”

They will use gentle products that protect both wool and leather.

Typical price: $25 to $60 depending on jacket type.

Trusted U.S. cleaners:

• Dependable Cleaners – Denver, CO
• Rave Fabricare – Scottsdale, AZ
• The Leather Spa – New York, NY

Step 8: Store It the Right Way

After cleaning, store your jacket properly so it stays in good shape.

Storage tips:

• Use a padded hanger to keep shoulders firm.
• Store in a cool, dry closet.
• Avoid plastic covers.
• For leather, apply conditioner every few months.
• Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Take Care of What You Earned

A varsity jacket is more than clothing. It shows effort, teamwork, and pride.
Clean it carefully, store it well, and it will last for many years.
With the right care, the colors will stay bright and the leather smooth.

Design Your Own Varsity Jacket

Why Does My New Varsity Jacket Have a Leather Smell?

A light scent from the Full grain cowhide, sheepskin, goat suede leather or faux leather sleeves is completely normal. Fresh full-grain cowhide is treated with oil-based pigments, a thin lacquer, water-protectant coating, and a small amount of bonding material to seal seams and protect the surface. These coatings create a new-leather aroma when the jacket comes from the stock room.

To reduce the smell, hang your jacket in a well-ventilated area for a few days and avoid sealed bags or closets. The scent will fade naturally as the materials breathe.

Each Clothoo jacket includes a sewn-in label with detailed care and cleaning instructions to help keep it fresh and long-lasting.