The varsity jackets we hunt for, the polos we pair with anything, that classic American knitwear—our love for the college aesthetic isn't an accident. It's a legacy, shaped by the pop culture we absorbed and the iconic movie characters who became our style mentors. In this post, we're taking a deep dive into the films that built the foundation of vintage collegiate style and continue to inspire how we dress today.
1. ANIMAL HOUSE - 1978
Beyond the sheer madness of the film, this was my introduction to the mighty Varsity Jacket—and it's been a love affair ever since. What gives it such a powerful legacy? It has to be the bold, unapologetic designs. This isn't just a piece of clothing; it's an aura you wear, a true evergreen that you simply can't go wrong with.
Picture the perfect fit: a pair of baggy Carhartt pants, some crisp Air Force 1s to keep the look clean, and a basic white t-shirt. The rest of the outfit is quiet because it’s all about her—the queen.
You can feel that timeless, Made in USA quality standing strong in the detailed embroidery and the classic leather sleeves. It’s more than a jacket. It’s a feeling. The kind of piece that makes you think, 'Yeah, today, I'm him.'
2. GOOD WILL HUNTING - 1997
What's there to say about this movie... pure nostalgia, and easily in my top 5 of all time. More than that, this film taught me a crucial lesson: that authentic workwear is a precious asset in any style arsenal. It was the gateway that led me to discover the worlds of Carhartt, Timberland, and Dickies.
What was astonishing was that these pieces had an impeccable style that also carried incredible structure and quality. As a kid on a strict 'one-or-two-new-pants-a-year' rule, this was a game-changer. I wore my first pair of Carhartts for five years straight; they saw everything, from first fist fights to first dates.
The true power of workwear is its versatility. You can lean into that raw streetwear look by throwing on some Timbs and an oversized hoodie, or you can shake things up for a classier vibe with a simple Tommy Hilfiger shirt or a vintage Burberry cardigan.
4. HOW HIGH - 2001
Now, this movie right here is the real deal for me. The swag, the audacity… and that's without even getting into the mind-blowing energy that Method Man and the Wu-Tang Clan brought to the table. But what I really want to talk about is how this film single-handedly kicked off my own 'swaggy' era.
It wasn't a great look in the beginning—I'm talking 5XL tees and saggy pants—but I have to give that time the credit it deserves, because it created the wide playground of style I still get to play in today.
My love for the garments from that era can't be overstated. It was the golden age of Fubu, DADA, and Ecko Unltd. It was defined by iconic Pelle Pelle and Avirex jackets, and I can go on with Jay-Z's Rocawear, Nelly's Vokal, or Diddy's Sean John. Damn, I love that raw, from-the-streets Y2K vibe, and I don't think I ever will stop.
5. COACH CARTER - 2005
Coach Carter... what a movie. I still find myself watching it whenever I'm having a bad week. I had to put it on this list for the vibes it gives me—that powerful sense of discipline and hard work. It’s a constant reminder that we're running a marathon, not a sprint.
The NBA and college basketball style from that era has always been a huge inspiration, and this movie captures it perfectly. It’s all about classic, functional sportswear that makes a statement.
I have several different heavy-hitters from our archive that fit this exact aesthetic, so I guess you'll just have to stay tuned for future drops.
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