How to Wear a Men’s Designer Varsity Jacket This Music Festivals

The music festival season is more than just a gathering for great tunes it's a high-energy fashion runway in the open air. From Coachella to Rolling Loud, and from Lollapalooza to Glastonbury, festival grounds have become the unofficial stomping grounds for bold, expressive, and often celebrity-inspired style. And at the center of that style wave? The men’s designer varsity jacket.

Equal parts nostalgic and on-trend, varsity jackets bring a vibe that’s sporty, street-smart, and rooted in youthful rebellion. Whether it’s the embroidered logos, leather sleeves, or bold school-inspired designs, this jacket has come a long way from the high school locker room. Today, it's a favorite of fashion-forward celebrities often seen rocked by the likes of Pharrell Williams, A$AP Rocky, Justin Bieber, Harry Styles, and Travis Scott.

So, if you’re heading to a festival and wondering how to turn heads while staying comfortable, here’s your ultimate guide to rocking the men’s designer varsity jacket, celebrity-style.

The Celebrity Effect: Why the Varsity Jacket Rules Festival Season

Take one look at the festival street style galleries and you'll spot it a crowd of effortlessly cool guys layered in varsity jackets. But this isn’t accidental. Celebrities have reclaimed this piece and given it new life. When Kanye West wore a custom Yeezy varsity jacket at a Sunday Service event, it sparked a wave of streetwear energy. When Shawn Mendes showed up at the iHeartRadio Music Festival in a retro varsity over a tank top, fans took note. It’s a look that says, “I know fashion, but I’m not trying too hard.”

What makes the varsity jacket perfect for festivals is that it walks a fine line: it’s bold but not over-the-top, laid-back but sharp, and warm enough for chilly evening sets without being too heavy for daytime vibes.

1. Start With the Fit: Relaxed but Intentional

Let’s talk fit. Celebrities like Timothée Chalamet and Anwar Hadid know how to wear relaxed silhouettes without looking sloppy. Varsity jackets should fit your shoulders well and offer a bit of room through the body think somewhere between tailored and streetwear.

Avoid anything too oversized unless you’re going for a bold street-style aesthetic. For a classic festival-ready look, aim for a slightly roomy varsity jacket layered over a graphic tee or mesh tank, giving you flexibility for temperature shifts without sacrificing style.

2. Embrace Bold Colors and Graphics

Festivals are not the time to play it safe. Designer varsity jackets today come in a variety of rich tones burnt orange, royal blue, forest green with striking embroidered logos, patches, or slogans. Think of Tyler, The Creator’s pastel Golf Le Fleur jackets or Jaden Smith’s custom varsity pieces with metaphysical art.

For this season, look for statement graphics or embroidered slogans that resonate with you. Whether it’s a vintage college crest or a custom message, the back of your varsity jacket is prime real estate for self-expression.

Pair bold jackets with neutral pants to ground the look black cargos, light denim, or even fitted joggers.

3. Layer Like a Pro

Let’s take a page from Travis Scott the king of layers. His festival looks often combine structured outerwear with loose, layered basics underneath. The varsity jacket can be a perfect top layer, especially over:

• Longline tees that peek beneath the hem
• Oversized flannel shirts for an added grunge vibe
• Light hoodies for cooler nights
• Mesh tanks or sleeveless shirts for breathability

Bonus points if you mix in textures think wool varsity jacket over a vintage band tee, or faux leather sleeves over cotton tanks. Mixing materials creates depth and adds subtle intrigue.

4. Keep the Bottoms Casual-Cool

Now, what to wear with that statement jacket?

If you’re going for the A$AP Rocky-level of drip, opt for relaxed but tailored trousers, printed pants, or baggy jeans with clean lines. On the other hand, Kendrick Lamar often favors utility pants or straight-cut cargos for that laid-back look that still feels smart.

For maximum comfort, especially when you’re standing all day and dancing all night, ripped jeans, cargo shorts, or even track pants with side stripes work well. Just keep your silhouette cohesive baggy on top should pair with streamlined bottoms, and vice versa.

5. Sneakers Matter

A varsity jacket demands good footwear. Music festivals are heavy on walking, standing, and dancing so your kicks must be equal parts functional and fresh.

Celebs typically opt for statement sneakers to round out their varsity looks. Think:

• Retro Nike Air Jordans
• Chunky New Balance 990s
• Adidas Sambas or Forums
• High-top Converse with custom artwork
• Even designer boots like Rick Owens for an edge

Stick to something comfortable but eye-catching. Clean white sneakers also work as a fresh base if your outfit is more colorful on top.

6. Accessorize Like the Stars

Look at how Bad Bunny tops off his fits with tinted sunglasses and bucket hats—or how Harry Styles adds pearl necklaces and rings to even casual looks. A varsity jacket isn’t complete without a few key accessories to elevate the vibe.

For a music festival, try:

• Tinted shades (blue, amber, rose-tinted)
• Crossbody utility bags or belt bags
• Baseball caps or beanies
• Layered chains and earrings
• Bandanas, scarves, or pins attached to the jacket

Just don’t overdo it pick 2 or 3 pieces that feel authentic to you. Remember, confidence sells the look.

7. Day to Night Transition Made Easy

One of the biggest benefits of a varsity jacket is its versatility across day to night. During the daytime, drape it over your shoulders or tie it around your waist for a casual look. As the sun sets and the headliners take the stage, zip it up or wear it over your hoodie to stay warm.

Celebrities like Drake often use their varsity jacket as a mood shift daytime concert-goer to evening VIP guest, all in one move.

Carry a compact drawstring bag to stash it if the heat picks up or wear it open with sleeves rolled for a cool transition look.

8. Go Monochrome or Color Block

For those inspired by sleek, minimal celebs like Zayn Malik, a monochrome varsity outfit can be fire. Black-on-black or navy-on-navy creates a clean, sophisticated vibe that still works at a loud festival. Add interest with material contrast leather sleeves on a wool body, suede sneakers, and matte sunglasses.

On the flip side, take inspiration from Pharrell, who’s never afraid of a color block moment. Pair a red varsity with yellow shorts, a green tee, and multi-colored kicks for that fun, art-student-in-the-wild energy.

9. Sustainability and Customization Are In

A rising trend among fashion-forward celebrities is sustainable fashion and custom pieces. Instead of buying fast fashion jackets, many opt for:

• Upcycled vintage varsity jackets
• Thrifted and customized pieces
• Local designer collabs

If you’re handy with DIY, add your own patches, pins, or even hand-painted designs to a thrift store varsity. Festival fashion is all about making your piece tell your story—and nothing does that better than one-of-one flair.

10. Most Importantly: Wear It With Confidence

No matter how well-styled your look is, the key ingredient is always confidence. Celebrities don’t just wear clothes they own them. Their style works because they walk into a room like they belong.

So whether you’re rocking a bold varsity jacket with rainbow embroidery, or a classic black-and-white number with leather sleeves, own the moment. Smile, dance, sing, pose for pictures—your vibe is the final layer to your festival outfit.

Conclusion: Varsity Jackets Are the Festival MVP

At their core, men’s designer varsity jackets are rooted in heritage but reimagined by modern fashion icons into something streetwise, nostalgic, and magnetic. Music festivals are the ultimate stage to show off this energy.

So take your cues from the celebrities who’ve turned varsity jackets into runway staples. Think bold, be creative, stay comfortable, and most importantly be yourself.

This festival season, let your jacket do more than just keep you warm let it tell your story.