Ivy-Style Holiday Buying Guide Chapter One

Somebody in the comments a few weeks back lamented that Ivy Style will eventually die because “nothing lasts forever.” Every once in a while we get into the weeds about whether Ivy existed pre-HeyDay.

I give you the Letterman Jacket. Born in 1865 at Harvard, this iconic piece has not only survived for, like, ever. It’s current iteration (wool with leather sleeves) began in 1930, but the resurgence to the forefront is currently led by none other than our own J. Press. But first –

K, it’s an excuse to post Julia Roberts.

Here, a little history:

1865 Harvard and I think the guy
in the middle is David Schwimmer.

Here’s a link to all of J. Press’ Varsity Jackets. But then I am gonna show you my favorite and tell you why.

The Pennant Label Varsity Jacket

K, it is true, you can eventually age out of wearing your alma mater’s swag. Maybe. But since I will never graduate and move on from J. Press, this works.

Now the real skinny. If you dress Ivy (I just read this great quote but I can’t remember from where – dress like you are going someplace better next) you are going to get comments about being well dressed and dressed up because by comparison –

But it is, at least in my case, rare to get comments about individual pieces. Like a white oxford. UNTIL THIS JACKET. I hear about this jacket nearly every time I wear it. It is three seasons, it is contemporary enough a 25 year old wants it and traditional enough that even a man of my years can pull it off.

Do yourself a favor. Leave your laptop open to this page and walk away when whoever buys you holiday presents comes in the room.

8 Comments on "Ivy-Style Holiday Buying Guide Chapter One"

  1. JB,
    I think the quote has been attributed to the late columnist and ivy icon George Frasier.

  2. Ok – a couple of questions…

    1. How does one go about earning the JPress letter for their jacket?
    2. If you don’t have to earn it, then…..isn’t it just kind of a large logo on your jacket?
    3. If it is … well, maybe … just kind of a large logo on your jacket, then isn’t it just that? A Jacket with a large Logo.

    Not criticizing, just kinda, sorta…and without any disrespect or intent to appear snarky, because my mother says I often have a snarky tongue when I’m pointing out things that kinda, well… you know…might be something different than what they actually are – ya know?

    Oh, and by the way, the great baseball movie (Money Ball) has a JPress tie in the first one-one scene with Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill. I know it because I own it.

  3. It would be impossible for me to look Julia Roberts in the eye without folding up like a cheap accordion.

  4. At Yale you’re awarded a letter sweater. But I have never seen a letter jacket on the Yale campus or for that fact the Princeton campus (they Lso are awarded letter sweaters).
    I look at letter jackets as more if a high school item.
    My opinion only!
    I think the Big 10 school athletes wear letter jackets.

  5. Ted Christensen | November 26, 2023 at 11:32 am |

    Sorry but that huge J Press monogram is really too much.

  6. Fred Johnson | November 27, 2023 at 1:40 pm |

    I agree, it’s just a jacket with a huge logo..

  7. The item description says “wool blend”. That’s melton wool, which is most often a blend, and melton is underutilized, imo. Leather sleeves. Great!, but they need to be cared for, i.e., gently cleaned and conditioned occasionally. White leather is painted, not dyed, so one needs to be a little careful when cleaning. A damp wash-cloth and a fingernail will do the trick. (Cheap, imitation leather, vinyl, will crack as soon as the temperatures get cool enough to wear a jacket.) A letterman jacket is cool as can be, if legit. I “lettered” in band, in high school. That was a bad, cringe-worthy-bad idea. We all thought so.

  8. Fredrick Fitzgerald | December 2, 2023 at 12:05 pm |

    Dear John,

    I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation and admiration for the incredible work you’ve done with the Ivy-Style website. Your efforts have undeniably played a significant role in the resurgence of Ivy Style fashion, and it’s truly commendable.

    What sets your contribution apart is the genuine passion you bring to the subject. It’s evident that you’ve not only reinvigorated the website but also sparked a renewed interest in Ivy Style among fashion enthusiasts. The way you seamlessly blend tradition with modern sensibilities has resonated with a broad audience, contributing to the wider appreciation of this classic and sophisticated fashion aesthetic.

    Your dedication to fostering a community around Ivy Style is equally praiseworthy. The discussions, insights, and shared enthusiasm on the platform have created a vibrant space for individuals who share a love for this distinctive style. It’s heartening to witness the impact of your work extending beyond aesthetics, shaping a community that appreciates the cultural significance and craftsmanship embedded in Ivy Style fashion.

    In a world that often seems fixated on fleeting trends, your commitment to revitalizing and preserving the essence of Ivy Style is a breath of fresh air. Thank you for being a driving force in the resurgence of this timeless fashion, and for your invaluable contributions to the Ivy-Style website. I eagerly anticipate the continued evolution of this platform under your guidance.

    Wishing you continued success and looking forward to the exciting developments ahead.

    Warm regards,

    FF

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