The Iconic Kelly Green Varsity Jacket's History and Style

The Iconic Kelly Green Varsity Jacket

Varsity jackets have been a staple of American high school and college culture for generations. Their classic wool body, leather sleeves, and letter patches carry an air of nostalgia and school spirit. Of all the jacket colorways out there, few are as iconic as the Kelly green varsity jacket.

The History of Kelly Green Jackets

Kelly green first rose to popularity in the 1960s. The bright, emerald hue was embraced across fashion and culture, making its way onto everything from sports uniforms to clothing to furnishings. The Philadelphia Eagles professional football franchise adopted matching Kelly green uniforms in 1954, cementing the color’s association with sports and competition. As varsity jackets surged in popularity among high school athletes in the 1960s, kelly green became one of the era’s most popular jacket colors.

Why Kelly Green Stands Out

There are several reasons why the Kelly green varsity jacket remains so popular decades after it first emerged:

• It's a vibrant, eye-catching color that makes a statement
• The color has a strong connection to sports, competition, and school spirit
• Kelly green flatters a wide range of skin tones
• It's a versatile color that can be dressed up or down

On a varsity jacket, the rich Kelly green pops against the neutral wool body and against most lettering colors. It’s brighter than forest green and lime green, making it instantly recognizable even from afar.

Kelly Green Jacket Style

A major appeal of the varsity jacket is its versatility to work with any personal style. The kelly green varsity jacket is no exception. Here are some popular ways to wear it:

• Athleisure - Kelly green varsity jackets have an instant sporty look. Pair with joggers, sneakers, and a tee for a relaxed fit.
• Streetwear - Combine with black jeans, statement shoes, and a graphic tee for a streetwear vibe.
• For a smarter look, style with trousers, a button-down, and loafers.

Part of what makes the kelly green jacket so versatile is its ability to be the statement piece anchoring more subtle garments. But a monochrome Kelly green outfit can also pack a serious punch.

Customizing Your Kelly Green Varsity Jacket

Another major appeal of varsity jackets is the tradition of customization through chenille patches. These felt letter and symbol patches historically indicate things like:

• School name
• Graduation year
• Sports team membership
• Clubs/extracurricular activities

Custom varsity jackets allow you to share stories about your background. With a kelly green jacket, customizable elements like glow-in-the-dark chenille and metallic patches or piping can make your jacket pop even more.

Caring for Your Kelly Green Jacket

With some care, a quality kelly green varsity jacket can last for years. Here’s how to care for it:

• Storage - Store on a wide, sturdy hanger to retain shape. Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
• Cleaning - Dry clean only to protect leather sleeves. Spot clean wool body as needed.
• Patches - Sew patches tightly so they don’t loosen or fall off. Replace loose stitches promptly.
• Repairs - Patch small damaged spots. For significant damage, work with a leather and/or apparel repair specialist.

The Kelly Green Varsity Jacket Is a Timeless Classic

With roots dating back over half a century, vibrant Kelly green varsity jackets remain iconic today. Their eye-catching color, customizability, and sporty vibe keep school spirit alive for generation after generation. With versatile styling potential and proper care, these jackets become cherished keepsakes full of memories.

FAQs

When did kelly green varsity jackets become popular?

Kelly green rose to popularity in the 1960s and was adopted as a varsity jacket color in high schools across America during that decade.

Why choose a kelly green varsity jacket?

Kelly green varsity jackets stand out with their bright, eye-catching color. The color also has strong associations with sports and competition.

What are some ways to style a kelly green varsity jacket?

Kelly green varsity jackets can be styled in athleisure outfits, with streetwear, or in a smarter semi-formal look. Their versatility is part of their appeal.

How can I customize my kelly green varsity jacket?

Custom varsity jackets often feature chenille patches indicating information like graduation year, sports teams, and clubs. These allow you to add personal flair.

How do I care for my kelly green jacket?

Properly store, dry clean, sew patches tightly, and repair damage promptly to maintain your kelly green varsity jacket so it lasts for years.