The History of Varsity Style

The first letterman sweater was worn by baseball athletes attending Harvard in 1865 with a large ‘H’ sewn onto the front. Ten years later, it was adopted for the Harvard football team. Those athletes who played in important games were able to keep their jerseys, while those who didn’t would return their uniform at the end of the season. The traditions surrounding the letter uniform is a legacy of pride, prestige, athleticism, reputation, teamwork, and timeless style. 150 years later the classic look remains in fashion, although it has been recreated through the modern-day trend of bold logos and symbols to represent the culture that the wearer associates with.

Historically the letters sewn onto the articles of clothing were earned based on merit, skill, and leadership on the team. Being “lettered” is an achievement and a symbol of the hard work and dedication needed to be awarded the prestigious patch. Colleges, Universities and High Schools across America have adopted the fashion and tradition thus making the Varsity look a piece of classic American style.  

By the 1980’s professional sports leagues began to create merchandise for their fans, and it penetrated the bubble of pop culture once Michael Jackson wore the red varsity jacket in his infamous music video, “Thriller”. Since then, celebrities such as Run-D.M.C., sports fans, and athletes have rocked the Varsity Style off the playing field as a symbol of pride, teamwork, and camaraderie.

As we launch our first clothing collection, appropriately named ‘The Varsity Collection’, we invite you to join the Recreational Habits team. As a brand that aims to change the visual language associated with “classic America,” we’re thrilled to be able to dress the next widely diverse generation. The RH symbol represents community, inclusivity, and timeless style.  

We hope you enjoy our first collection as much as we do and see yourself reflected in the RH letters. If you are here and reading this, it means you are already a part of our family and we thank you for your support. This is only the beginning, welcome to the Varsity team.