A letterman jacket (or varsity jacket) is a traditional American wool-and-leather jacket worn by high school or college students to showcase athletic or academic achievements. These jackets are very important to some students, but how exactly can you get one of these jackets? 

You can qualify for a free letter jacket one of three ways. From athletics, Fine arts to Academics.   What comes free is the actual letter jacket with the Sachse “S” on the front pocket with your letter either Athletics, Fine Arts, or Academics.

For athletics, You need to be in a varsity team to be able to qualify for a letterman. That’s as early as sophomore year! 

For Fine arts, you will also have to be at a varsity level depending on your fine arts for the program. For example, Band students must have 60 points in order to be eligible. Some of the points you get are making the All Region Band or playing at state for solo and ensemble. The automatic reward for a letterman is making TMEA. 

The last way to be eligible to get your letterman for free is Academics. Students that receive an academic patch Freshmen and sophomore year are eligible for it. You must have a 3..5 GPA in order to be eligible. 

If you are not in any of these categories, getting your letterman may be more expensive. Students who are eligible for a letterman base still have to pay around $230. For other students, the base will cost 800 or more. 

Photo source: Amy Matthews Photography