The Varsity Revival: Inside Gen Z’s Smart-Casual Evolution

Varsity fashion never really disappears; it just waits for the right time to return. That resurgence hit when Kendrick Lamar stepped onto the 2025 Super Bowl stage in a letterman jacket and jeans – no sequins, no theatrics, just proof that simple still hits hardest. 

For most of us, varsity style first appeared in Hollywood’s high-school films: the jock, the sports captain, the swagger with jacket slung over one shoulder. It looked cool then, and it still does. Now India’s Gen Z has picked up the baton and rewritten the story. 

Pop culture is driving the comeback. BTS wore varsity jackets on tour. Timothée Chalamet made lettered knits cinematic. Zendaya’s Challengers turned preppy minimalism into a cultural moment. Closer home, Khushi Kapoor and Ibrahim Ali Khan channel the same energy in Nadaaniyan, while Ishaan Khatter and Vedang Raina give the trend their own twist. Think bombers, hoodies, and knits on and off duty. 

Scroll through Instagram and you will see it everywhere: bright tones, vintage lettering, soft light, and that distinct confidence that feels lived-in, not styled. From letterman jackets to boxy polos, the new varsity code is about form, comfort, and attitude.  

Crew by XYXX sits in this space, influenced by the rise of athleisure and an active lifestyle that defines how we dress today.  

The varsity jacket remains the core of this trend. Once a symbol of team glory, it’s now the go-to for stylists, creators, and anyone who understands the power of a good fit. The 2025 version is smarter: cropped, boxier, and stripped of loud patches in favour of deeper, richer tones like forest green, navy, and maroon. 

Homegrown labels have picked up on the shift, turning a classic American symbol into an Indian athleisure essential. Try pairing the varsity jacket with a wide-leg denim and finish with classic sneakers. 

The backbone of varsity style has always been the sweatshirts and crewnecks, the laid-back essentials that work for every part of the day. The CREW sweatshirts bring the revival with premium fleece, knit trims, and a weight that works year-round. 

Their vibrant tones like red, green, and yellow, slot easily into any rotation. Pair them with trackpants and a baseball cap for a laid-back look or wear one with shorts for a paddle game outing. The trick is in the mix: clean lines and minimal fuss. 

The preppy polo is back, but it’s grown up. Rugby polos have replaced the stiff collared shirt as a structured staple: neat, composed, and nostalgic. The CREW Rugby Polo Shirt takes cues from the classic, using breathable jersey fabric and a relaxed fit that layers well or stands on its own. 

And then there’s the hoodie, the universal off-duty piece. The CREW Zip Hoodie gets every detail right: drop shoulders, kangaroo pockets, and a double-layer hood that works with almost anything. To keep it fresh, play with contrast. Pair the hoodie with tailored trousers or a rugby polo with loose shorts. The varsity look is defined by this conflict between smart and easy.

The varsity comeback continues below the waist. Shorts, trackpants, and sweatpants have transformed from casual daytime wear to style staples. The CREW Trackpants land right between structure and flow, cut in a relaxed silhouette with side zippers and subtle branding. The CREW Shorts follow the same logic: soft stretch cotton, neat hems, and striking colours that work anywhere. 

Style them with classic white sneakers and a tee or sweatshirt. Add a bomber for travel, impromptu plans, or casual evenings. It’s relaxed dressing that still looks put-together. 

Accessories complete the new varsity uniform. The baseball cap adds a collegiate mastery that offsets sharper layers, while a sturdy tote bag grounds the look. The goal is to maintain that same confidence going forward, not to relive college life.

The varsity revival is a reflection of a larger way of thinking: nostalgia without copying, comfort without sacrificing quality. XYXX’s CREW sits right in that space, built for the pre and the post-game flex and made for anyone who wants to look sharp even if they’re off the clock.  

If 2025 had a dress code, this is it. Step into the CREW and set your pace. And if 2026 tries to top it, you’re already dressed for that too.