When the weather changes, your favorite letterman jacket may spend several months hanging in the closet. However, simply putting it away is not enough. Poor storage can lead to wrinkles, moisture buildup, unpleasant odors, fading, leather damage, and loss of shape.
Whether you own a classic wool varsity jacket, a leather-sleeve letterman jacket, a satin style, or a hooded design, proper offseason storage can help keep it looking its best for the next season.
In this guide, you'll learn how to store a letterman jacket between seasons, how to prepare it before storage, which hanger and garment bag to use, and what mistakes to avoid.
Why Proper Letterman Jacket Storage Matters
A quality letterman jacket can be worn for years, but its condition depends heavily on how it is maintained when you're not wearing it.
Wool, leather, satin, fleece, patches, embroidery, and rib-knit details can all react differently to moisture, heat, pressure, and prolonged sunlight. For example, wool can lose its shape when stored incorrectly, while leather can become dry or damaged when exposed to excessive heat or moisture.
Before putting your jacket away, make sure it is completely clean and dry. If you own a wool-and-leather design, our guide on how to clean leather sleeves on a varsity jacket explains why leather requires different care from the wool body.
Proper storage is especially important for men's letterman jackets because many traditional styles use heavier wool bodies and leather sleeves.
1. Clean Your Letterman Jacket Before Storage
One of the biggest mistakes is storing a jacket immediately after wearing it.
Even if the jacket looks clean, it can contain body oils, dust, sweat, food particles, and outdoor odors. Leaving these on the jacket for several months can make stains and odors harder to remove.
Before seasonal storage:
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Remove visible dust and dirt.
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Spot-clean minor marks according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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Check the cuffs, collar, pockets, and sleeves.
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Empty all pockets.
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Make sure there are no food wrappers or other objects inside.
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Allow the jacket to dry completely before storing it.
For wool designs, avoid unnecessary washing. A wool varsity jacket generally benefits from careful spot cleaning and proper storage rather than aggressive cleaning.
If your jacket has leather sleeves, avoid soaking them or using ordinary household cleaners.
2. Make Sure the Jacket Is Completely Dry
Moisture is one of the biggest problems when storing clothing for an extended period.
Never put a damp or recently cleaned letterman jacket directly into a closet, box, or garment bag. Trapped moisture can contribute to unpleasant odors, mildew, and material damage.
After cleaning, hang the jacket in a cool, well-ventilated area and allow it to dry naturally.
Avoid using:
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Hair dryers
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Radiators
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Clothes dryers
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Direct heaters
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Excessive direct sunlight
This is particularly important for leather sleeves. Our leather-sleeve cleaning guide recommends natural air drying rather than applying direct heat to leather.
The same principle applies when storing women's letterman jackets. Always make sure the jacket is completely dry before putting it away for the season.
3. Use a Wide, Padded Hanger
The hanger you choose can make a noticeable difference during long-term storage.
Avoid thin wire hangers because they can place unnecessary pressure on the shoulders and potentially cause the jacket to lose its shape.
Instead, use a wide, sturdy, padded hanger that supports the shoulders properly.
This is particularly useful for heavier wool-and-leather varsity jackets. A properly supported jacket is less likely to develop shoulder dents or unwanted creases.
If your jacket has a hood, such as one from the Hooded Varsity Jackets collection, make sure the hood is positioned naturally rather than being compressed behind the jacket.
4. Choose a Breathable Garment Bag
For seasonal storage, a breathable garment bag is generally preferable to an airtight plastic bag.
A breathable cover helps protect the jacket from dust while allowing some air circulation. Avoid sealing a potentially damp jacket inside plastic because moisture can become trapped.
Your storage setup should provide:
Protection from dust + airflow + low humidity + limited light
Don't tightly compress the jacket into a small container simply to save closet space. Heavy pressure can flatten rib-knit details and create unnecessary creasing.
For a lightweight option, satin jackets require their own care considerations. The site's satin varsity jacket guidance also recommends storing satin on a padded hanger to help prevent creasing.
5. Store the Jacket in a Cool, Dry Place
Where you store the jacket is just as important as how you store it.
Choose a location that is:
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Cool
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Dry
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Well ventilated
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Away from direct sunlight
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Away from heaters
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Away from areas with frequent temperature changes
Avoid storing your jacket in places where humidity can fluctuate significantly, such as damp basements or poorly ventilated areas.
Direct sunlight can also gradually affect colors and materials. Keeping your jacket away from prolonged sunlight helps preserve its appearance.
If you own an all-wool varsity jacket, a cool, dry closet with enough space for the jacket to hang naturally is a practical storage choice.
6. Give Patches and Embroidery Some Attention
Letterman jackets often contain chenille letters, embroidered names, numbers, school logos, mascots, and achievement patches.
Before storage, inspect these areas carefully.
Check for:
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Loose threads
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Loose patches
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Dirt around embroidery
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Stains
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Peeling or damaged details
Don't aggressively brush or scrub embroidered areas. Instead, follow the recommended care method for the specific material.
This is especially important for personalized jackets. If you are planning to create another custom design, you can explore Custom Letterman Jackets for personalized colors, patches, embroidery, lettering, and other design options.
7. Don't Overcrowd Your Closet
Your jacket needs enough space to hang naturally.
If several heavy coats are packed tightly together, your letterman jacket may become crushed between other garments. This can create wrinkles and put pressure on patches, sleeves, collars, and shoulders.
Give the jacket enough room so that:
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The shoulders remain supported.
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The sleeves aren't folded awkwardly.
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The front isn't compressed.
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The patches aren't rubbing against other garments.
If you're storing multiple jackets, rotate their positions occasionally and check them during the offseason.
8. Store Different Jacket Materials Correctly
Not every varsity jacket should be treated exactly the same way.
Wool Letterman Jackets
Wool jackets should be kept clean, dry, and properly supported on a sturdy hanger. Avoid unnecessary washing and excessive moisture.
For traditional wool styles, check out the Men's Wool Varsity Jackets collection.
Leather-Sleeve Letterman Jackets
Leather should be protected from excessive moisture and heat. Never store wet leather inside an airtight bag.
If necessary, clean the leather according to the manufacturer's recommendations and use an appropriate leather conditioner.
Satin Varsity Jackets
Satin has a smooth surface that can crease or become damaged by harsh cleaning. Gentle spot cleaning and proper hanging are important.
The Men's Satin Jackets collection includes lightweight satin varsity styles designed for a different look and feel from traditional wool jackets.
Hooded Varsity Jackets
Hooded designs can require a little more space because of the additional fabric around the neck and hood.
Don't fold the hood tightly behind the jacket for months. Let it rest naturally while the jacket hangs.
9. Check Your Jacket During the Offseason
Seasonal storage doesn't mean forgetting about your jacket until winter.
Every few weeks or once a month, take a quick look at it.
Check for:
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Moisture
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Unusual odors
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Dust
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Wrinkles
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Loose patches
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Signs of material damage
If you notice moisture or an unusual smell, remove the jacket from the storage area and allow it to air out in a dry, ventilated room.
Regular checks can help you identify a problem before it becomes more difficult to fix.
10. What Not to Do When Storing a Letterman Jacket
Avoid these common storage mistakes:
Don't Put It Away Dirty
Food stains, sweat, and dirt can become more difficult to remove after sitting for months.
Don't Store It While Damp
Moisture trapped inside a garment bag or closet can create unpleasant odors and potentially damage materials.
Don't Use a Wire Hanger
Thin hangers may not provide enough support for a heavier varsity jacket.
Don't Use Direct Heat
High heat can negatively affect leather, wool, satin, and other materials.
Don't Leave It in Direct Sunlight
Prolonged exposure to sunlight can affect the appearance of fabrics and colors.
Don't Compress It Under Heavy Clothing
Avoid placing heavy objects on top of the jacket or squeezing it into an overcrowded storage container.
These simple precautions can make a major difference in maintaining a jacket between seasons.
How to Prepare Your Letterman Jacket for the Next Season
When colder weather returns, don't immediately wear your jacket straight from storage.
First, remove it from the garment bag and let it air out.
Then:
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Inspect the jacket for stains or damage.
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Check the collar and cuffs.
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Look at the sleeves and seams.
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Inspect patches and embroidery.
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Check the pockets.
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Make sure the jacket still fits comfortably.
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Air it out before wearing it.
If you're considering a new jacket for the upcoming season, you can also browse Men's Letterman Jackets or Women's Letterman Jackets to compare different varsity styles and materials.
Can You Store a Letterman Jacket in a Plastic Bag?
It is better to avoid storing a letterman jacket in a completely airtight plastic bag for long periods.
Plastic can trap moisture, particularly if the jacket wasn't completely dry when stored. A breathable garment bag is generally a better choice for seasonal storage because it provides dust protection without completely restricting airflow.
For leather-sleeve jackets, this is especially important because leather needs protection from excessive moisture and heat.
How Long Can a Letterman Jacket Stay in Storage?
A letterman jacket can remain stored for several months during an offseason as long as it is properly cleaned, completely dry, supported on a suitable hanger, and kept in a cool, dry environment.
The exact storage conditions matter more than the number of months.
For example, storing a clean wool-and-leather jacket in a dry, ventilated closet is very different from leaving a damp jacket compressed inside a plastic container.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How should I store a letterman jacket between seasons?
Clean the jacket, make sure it is completely dry, place it on a wide padded hanger, and store it in a breathable garment bag in a cool, dry, well-ventilated closet.
2. Can I store my letterman jacket in a plastic bag?
It is better to avoid airtight plastic bags for long-term storage because they can trap moisture. A breathable garment bag is a better option for seasonal storage.
3. Should I wash my letterman jacket before storing it?
Yes, remove dirt, stains, and odors before storage. However, always follow the care instructions for the jacket, especially when it contains wool or leather.
4. What is the best hanger for a varsity jacket?
A wide, sturdy, padded hanger is ideal because it supports the jacket's shoulders and helps maintain its shape during long-term storage.
5. How do I store a leather-sleeve letterman jacket?
Keep it clean and completely dry, hang it on a sturdy padded hanger, and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.
