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 your jacket has a wool and leather build, keep an eye on both fabrics separately since they age differently. If you need a deep clean or restoration, use a specialist cleaner experienced with award jackets.