By Private Label Leather · Published · 5 min read
Most varsity jackets combine materials that need different care: a wool body, leather or vinyl (PU) sleeves, rib-knit trims and chenille letters. That is why the care label on most letterman jackets says dry clean only, and why you should never put a wool-and-leather jacket in a washing machine.
Can you wash a letterman jacket?
Not in a washing machine if it has a wool body or leather sleeves: wool shrinks and felts, leather stiffens and cracks, and chenille letters can fray. Spot-cleaning at home and occasional professional cleaning are the safe options. Fully fabric jackets (polyester or fleece bodies with fabric sleeves) may be machine washable; follow the care label.
How to clean a letterman jacket at home
- Brush the wool. Use a soft clothes brush, working downward, to lift dust and lint.
- Spot-clean stains. Mix a little wool detergent into cold water. Dab (don't rub) with a white cloth, then dab with clean water.
- Clean the sleeves. For leather, wipe with a barely damp cloth and use a leather cleaner. For vinyl, wipe with mild soapy water and dry.
- Protect the chenille. Dab around letters, never scrub them. A lint roller lifts fluff from chenille.
- Dry flat or on a wide hanger, away from heat and direct sunlight.
How to clean a varsity jacket with leather sleeves
Condition leather sleeves once or twice a year with a leather conditioner to stop them drying out and cracking. Test any product on the inside cuff first. Keep water away from the seam where leather meets wool, as it can mark both.
How to keep vinyl sleeves in good condition
Wipe vinyl (PU) sleeves clean and apply a vinyl protectant occasionally to slow cracking. Avoid solvent cleaners and heat, which make vinyl brittle.
Should you dry clean a varsity jacket?
Yes, for a deep clean. Choose a cleaner experienced with leather, because a standard dry-cleaning process can damage leather sleeves. Ask them to treat the sleeves separately.
How to wash a bomber jacket
Nylon bombers (such as the MA-1) can usually be hand washed or machine washed on a cold, gentle cycle, zipped up and turned inside out; check the label. Leather bombers should be wiped clean and conditioned like leather sleeves, never machine washed.
Storing your jacket
Hang it on a wide, padded hanger in a breathable garment bag, not plastic. Keep it away from damp and moths, as wool is a favourite of clothes moths.
Making jackets for your brand or team? Choosing the right materials makes care easier for your customers. See varsity jacket materials and custom varsity jackets.