A common fashion trend amongst American teens in the late 1950s, the letterman has been around for years and has maintained a timeless style. While they were officially introduced as sweaters by Harvard as a sign for its top-tier athletes in the 1860s, it was not until the early 1900s that the letterman became popularized through the varsity jackets, we see today. Initially the letterman was created to reward top performers on an athletic team and its motivated players to strive for a letterman of their own. Today, the meaning and symbolism behind a letterman has evolved into so much more.

The varsity jacket, once only available to athletes, has evolved and now includes a wide range of non- athletic groups. Traditional sports are no longer the only way to earn the coveted varsity letter. Many schools now offer letters to a multitude of extracurricular activities. From marching bands to drama clubs and even robotics and video gamers, the varsity letter has expanded to recognize excellence an individual has demonstrated in their field of choice.

The letterman jacket has grown into a term to exemplify the extracurricular and academic excellence of any individual. With the qualifications to earn a letter ever expanding, United Sport Apparel carries a wide variety of emblems to suit your accolades and achievements. Whether you earn your letter through athletics, academics or extracurriculars, let the letter you receive be a mark of your own personal success and growth.