Custom Varsity Hoodies: The College Look Done Properly

Varsity hoodies borrow the look of American college sportswear: arched lettering, a big number, a crest, two contrasting colours. It's been popular on UK high streets for years and it's especially strong for universities, sixth forms, sports clubs and brands chasing a retro feel. It's also easy to make it look like a cheap costume. Here's how to avoid that.

It's all in the typography

The collegiate look lives or dies on the font. Classic slab serif block letters, sometimes with an outline, are the signature. A heavy script across the chest is the other classic. Avoid generic system fonts. Your design will look like it was made in five minutes, even if it wasn't.

• Arch the main word across the chest. A gentle curve reads as varsity instantly.
• Add a second smaller line underneath: a year founded, a city, a subject or a sport.
• Use an outline or a drop shadow in a second colour for depth.
• Keep spacing generous. Crammed letters kill the look.

Pick a two-colour palette

Real college kit uses two strong colours. Navy and gold. Burgundy and cream. Forest green and white. Grey marl with navy lettering is the most classic of all. If your organisation already has colours, use them. If not, pick two with strong contrast and stick to them.

Decoration options

Traditional varsity wear uses chenille or felt appliqué patches. For most orders, these options get the look at a sensible price:

• Puff print: raised lettering that mimics the texture of appliqué. Very popular right now.
• Screen print with a slightly distressed finish, for a vintage college look.
• Embroidery for a smaller crest or the year number on a sleeve.
• A combination: puff printed arch across the chest, embroidered crest on the sleeve.

Universities and schools: check the crest

If you're a student society or sports club, don't assume you can use the official university crest or name. Many universities control how their marks appear on merchandise and have approved supplier arrangements. Ask the students' union first. A society name in varsity lettering without the official crest is usually a safe, good-looking alternative.

For brands: don't copy real colleges

Invent your own. A made-up athletic department, a founding year, your town's name. Real American university names and logos are trademarks, and using them on clothing you sell is asking for trouble.

Matching sets and layers

The collegiate look works across more than hoodies. A varsity crewneck, joggers with a small matching mark, and a cap make a coordinated range for clubs and brands. Keep typography and colours identical across items so they read as one collection.

Sizing mixed groups

Varsity hoodies are popular with mixed groups like sixth forms and societies. Offer a relaxed unisex fit, share measurements in centimetres, and collect sizes individually. Our minimum is 50 per design with sizes mixed.

Fit and fabric

Varsity hoodies look best in a relaxed fit and a mid to heavy fabric, around 330 GSM and above. Grey marl shows off coloured lettering beautifully. A matching jogger turns it into a set, which works well for sports clubs; see tracksuits.

Design your varsity layout in the design studio, then choose a hoodie from our custom hoodies range. Minimum 50 per design, sizes mixed, 10 to 15 working days after artwork approval.