Custom Jackets Guide: Varsity, Bomber, Windbreaker, Denim or Leather?
Varsity, bomber, windbreaker, denim or leather: how each custom jacket style compares and which suits your brand, team or merch drop.
A jacket is often the hero piece of a collection, the item people remember and keep for years. This custom jackets guide compares the five most popular styles.
Varsity jackets
custom varsity jackets combine a wool body with leather or faux leather sleeves, striped ribbed trims and chenille letters or patches. They are ideal for statement streetwear pieces, sports teams, societies and leavers’ jackets.
Bomber jackets
custom bomber jackets come in nylon, satin or wool with ribbed collars and cuffs. Their large back panel suits big embroidered or printed graphics, which makes them popular for crew, tour and staff jackets.
Windbreaker jackets
custom windbreaker jackets are lightweight and packable, in full-zip, half-zip or pullover styles. Colour-block designs are a favourite for retro sportswear brands, and you can complete the look with windbreaker tracksuits.
Denim jackets
custom denim jackets suit almost every brand. Choose the wash and fit, then add embroidery, back patches and branded buttons. Pair them with custom jeans for a matching denim set.
Leather jackets
custom leather jackets in genuine or faux leather, in biker, bomber, racer or trucker styles, command premium prices and add depth to a collection.
Side-by-side comparison
| Style | Best for | Signature decoration |
|---|---|---|
| Varsity | Teams, societies, statement pieces | Chenille letters and patches |
| Bomber | Crew, tour, staff jackets | Large back embroidery |
| Windbreaker | Sportswear, spring drops | Colour blocking, reflective prints |
| Denim | Everyday streetwear | Washes, back patches |
| Leather | Premium collections | Embossed patches, hardware |
Details that make a jacket
- Custom linings: quilted, satin, mesh or printed with your pattern.
- Branded zips, poppers and pullers.
- Woven neck labels and hang tags.
- Names and numbers for teams.
Packaging jackets
Jackets deserve premium packaging. Larger luxury mailer boxes or collapsible rigid boxes make the unboxing feel as good as the jacket. See our packaging for clothing brands guide.
Browse custom outerwear or get a free apparel quote.
How to choose the right jacket for your brand
Start with your customer and your season. Spring drops suit windbreakers and denim, autumn suits bombers and varsity jackets, and winter suits heavier quilted bombers and leather. Streetwear brands often launch one statement jacket per season alongside tees and hoodies.
Decoration options compared
| Decoration | Best on |
|---|---|
| Chenille patches | Varsity jackets |
| Embroidery | Bombers, denim, varsity |
| Screen print | Windbreakers, bombers |
| Embossing | Leather and faux leather |
| Washes and distressing | Denim |
Sizing outerwear
Jackets are worn over other clothes, so customers often size up. Publish a size chart with chest and length measurements, and order a sample in your best-selling size to check the fit with a hoodie underneath.
Building a capsule collection
Pair your jacket with matching pieces: a varsity jacket with custom crewneck sweatshirts, a denim jacket with custom jeans, or a windbreaker jacket with matching trousers. Our custom merch ideas guide covers what to launch first.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum order for custom jackets?
20 pieces per style, with sizes mixed.
Can varsity jackets have names and numbers?
Yes. Personalised names and numbers can be added to individual jackets.
Do you offer faux leather?
Yes. Leather jackets and varsity sleeves are available in genuine or faux leather.
Can I choose the lining?
Yes. Quilted, satin, mesh and printed linings are all available.
Which custom jacket is most popular?
Varsity and bomber jackets are the most popular for brands and teams, with windbreakers popular for sportswear.
Can I order different jacket styles in one order?
Yes, as long as each style meets the 20-piece minimum.
