Every few years, fashion circles back to its roots but with a bold new spin. In Fall 2027, one classic piece is reclaiming the spotlight: theleather varsity jacket. Once associated with high school athletes and campus cool, this staple outerwear item is making a fierce return but this time, it’s all grown up, reimagined formodern workwear, streetwear, and luxury fashion scenes.
Whether you’re into retro Americana, sleek minimalism, or edgy street style, there’s a varsity jacket waiting to slot seamlessly into your fall wardrobe. With bold tailoring, unique textures, and unexpected colors, 2027’s leather varsity jackets are more versatile and more essential than ever before.
In this fashion forecast, we’ll break down the top men’s leather varsity jacket styles to try this season, how to wear them, and why they’re the perfect outerwear choice for Fall 2027.
Why Leather Varsity Jackets Are Trending Again
Before we explore the styles, let’s answer the big question: why now?
✅ Vintage is stronger than ever
The ‘90s and early 2000s continue to inspire menswear. Varsity jackets bring that nostalgic vibe but have been updated with premium materials and clean cuts.
✅ They balance casual and structured
Varsity jackets walk the line between laid-back and polished. The leather makes them sophisticated; the silhouette keeps them cool.
✅ Layering made easy
As temperatures drop, a varsity jacket is perfect for layering over hoodies, tees, sweaters, or even shirts and ties.
✅ Unisex and inclusive appeal
Designers are leaning into genderless silhouettes, making varsity jackets flattering across body types and personal styles.
Trend #1: The Vintage Revival Varsity
Let’s start with the origin story. Old-school letterman style—think bold patches, striped ribbing, and college colors is back with refined finishes and slimmer cuts.
Features:
Boxy cut with cropped waist
Large chenille or embroidered patches
Wool body + leather sleeves (sometimes vegan leather)
Striped cuffs and waistband
Classic colors: burgundy, navy, forest green
How to Style It:
Pair with straight-leg denim and high-top sneakers
Layer over a crewneck sweater or mock-neck tee
Top with a beanie or five-panel cap for a retro nod
Pro Tip: Skip the oversized logos let the patches do the talking.
Trend #2: The Luxe Leather Monochrome
2027 is embracing texture over print, and nowhere is that more obvious than in the all-leather varsity jacket trend. These jackets use monochrome panels of premium leather for a luxurious, minimal look.
Features:
Full leather construction (body and sleeves)
Matte or glossy finish
Minimal branding or tonal embroidery
Slim, modern silhouette
Colors: black, charcoal, mocha, deep olive
How to Style It:
Wear with tailored trousers and Chelsea boots
Add a turtleneck or slim knit
Finish with a sleek leather belt or chain accessory
Vibe: Bold and modern. Like varsity, but grown-up.
Trend #3: The Techwear-Inspired Varsity
Blending functionality with fashion, this version leans into futuristic textures and detailing. Great for those who love utilitarian style with streetwear influence.
Features:
Nylon, neoprene, or coated canvas accents
Leather mixed with synthetic panels
Zippered arm or chest pockets
Adjustable cuffs and hem toggles
Reflective logos or trims
How to Style It:
Pair with cargo joggers or zip-cuff trousers
Add tech sneakers or hiking-inspired boots
Accessorize with a sling bag and silver rings
Why It Works: It’s made for movement, but styled for city life.
Trend #4: Colorblock Statement Varsity
Tired of neutrals? Fall 2027’s bolder crowd is embracing colorblock varsity jackets designed to stand out with contrasting sleeves, cuffs, and body colors.
Features:
Dual-tone panels (e.g., navy + cream, black + red)
Oversized sleeves
Embroidered graphics or script-style text
Retro ‘80s or ‘90s vibes
How to Style It:
Balance with neutral pants (e.g., black or tan)
Layer a white hoodie or tee underneath
Finish with sneakers in complementary tones
Wear It When: You want to turn heads without going overboard.
Trend #5: The Workwear Hybrid Varsity
Workwear meets varsity in a blend of utility and structure. These jackets come in tough materials like duck canvas or distressed leather, often with minimalist finishes.
Features:
Leather + canvas or denim mix
Neutral shades (camel, khaki, black)
Utility pockets and reinforced seams
Boxier cut for layering
Corduroy or suede collar detail
How to Style It:
Pair with carpenter jeans or raw denim
Layer over a heavyweight henley or flannel
Wear with boots (moc toe, Chelsea, or desert)
Pro Tip: This is a great transitional piece between fall and winter. Layer wisely.
Trend #6: Cropped and Slim Varsity for Smart Casual
Perfect for those who want to sharpen their silhouette while still channeling casual cool. These versions are refined, often made from lambskin leather or suede with minimal logos.
Features:
Cropped just at the waist
Slim sleeves and narrow shoulders
Clean design, subtle seams
Available in luxe neutrals: stone, smoke, olive grey
How to Style It:
Pair with pleated trousers or slim black jeans
Layer a mock neck or merino wool tee underneath
Add loafers or leather sneakers
Great For: Dinner dates, fashion events, or upgrading casual Fridays.
Trend #7: Oversized Grunge Revival Varsity
Influenced by the ongoing popularity of grunge and post-punk aesthetics, this jacket leans heavily on a lived-in, oversized silhouette.
Features:
Dropped shoulders
Soft, worn-in leather or vintage wash finishes
Oversized patches or distressed edges
Boxy fit
How to Style It:
Layer over a band tee and long thermal
Wear with ripped denim or loose-fit cargos
Add beanies, combat boots, or chains
The Vibe: You didn’t try too hard but you still killed it.
Styling Tips: How to Wear Your Leather Varsity Jacket in 2027
Choosing a jacket is one thing styling it right is another. Here are key tips for getting the most out of your leather varsity this fall:
🔹Layer Smarter
Avoid thick hoodies under slim jackets. Instead:
Go for lightweight knits
Layer a button-up under a crewneck
Try a roll neck with a minimalist varsity
🔹Match the Mood
If your jacket is bold and patch-heavy, keep the rest simple. If your varsity is minimal, you can play with patterns or color in your base layers.
🔹Footwear Makes or Breaks It
Your jacket sets the tone, but your shoes complete the vibe. Choose from:
Classic sneakers (for retro appeal)
Chelsea or combat boots (for edge)
Loafers or Derbies (for smart-casual)
Trail runners (for techwear vibes)
🔹Don’t Forget Accessories
Varsity jackets pair beautifully with:
Knit beanies
Statement watches
Slim crossbody or shoulder bags
Aviator sunglasses
Avoid: Bulky backpacks or overly formal accessories that clash with the jacket’s casual structure.
Best Places to Shop Varsity Jackets in 2027
| Luxury | Streetwear/Modern | Vintage/Heritage |
|---|---|---|
| Saint Laurent | Aime Leon Dore | Levi’s |
| Off-White | Represent | Schott NYC |
| AMI Paris | Fear of God ESSENTIALS | Todd Snyder |
| Gucci | Stüssy | Carhartt WIP |
Final Thoughts: Own the Look, Own the Season
Fall 2027 is shaping up to be one of the most expressive seasons in menswear yet and at the heart of it is therevival of the leather varsity jacket. Whether you're embracing the retro roots or exploring futuristic interpretations, there's no wrong way to wear it as long as it feels like you.
So this fall, zip it up, throw it over your shoulders, or leave it open with confidence. Let your varsity jacket speak for your style. Because in a world chasing trends, the right jacket can make you look timeless.
