How to Clean a Letter Jacket (Varsity Jacket Care Guide)

Why letterman jackets need special care

A custom letterman or varsity jacket combines wool or wool-blend body fabric, leather or faux-leather sleeves, knit ribbing at the cuffs and hem, and chenille or embroidered patches. Each material reacts differently to water, heat, and friction, so a gentle routine protects your investment.

Before you clean

• Read the manufacturer care label inside the jacket
• Test any cleaner on a hidden area (inside hem or pocket bag) first
• Work on a clean, flat surface with light-colored towels underneath

When in doubt, spot-clean only and avoid machine washing finished jackets with leather sleeves or heavy chenille, because agitation can shrink wool, crack coatings, and lift patch edges.

Wool body: brushing and spot treatment

For the wool body, use a soft clothes brush after wear to remove dust. Treat small stains with a slightly damp microfiber cloth and a tiny amount of wool-safe detergent, blotting from the outside of the stain inward. Never scrub in circles, which can fuzz the melton surface.

Leather and faux-leather sleeves

Leather and high-quality faux-leather sleeves should be wiped with a dry or barely damp cloth. If the sleeve picks up salt or sweat marks, use a cleaner formulated specifically for that material, applied to the cloth first—not directly on the jacket.

Patches, ribs, drying, and storage

Chenille letters and large tackle-twill patches are stitched through the body lining. Avoid soaking those areas. If a thread loosens, stop pulling and have it reinforced so the patch does not ripple.

Rib knit cuffs, collar, and waistband can hold body oils. A short steam session from a handheld steamer (without pressing the iron plate onto the rib) refreshes the fibers. Keep the steamer head moving so you do not overheat elastic content.

Air-dry the jacket on a wide, padded hanger in a ventilated room. Never tumble dry. When you are not wearing it, store it in a breathable garment bag away from direct sunlight so colors stay true.

When to call a professional

If you need a deep clean or restoration, use a specialist cleaner experienced with award jackets. For new custom designs, production teams at Clothaa can also advise on fabric combinations that match how you plan to wear the jacket.