Materials
Chenille vs. embroidery vs. tackle twill vs. felt
Walk past any trophy case and you'll see all four methods on the same jacket. Each has a job: chenille for the letter you earned, embroidery for names, tackle twill for bold team lettering, felt for layered borders and classic patches.
Chenille
Chenille is the thick, looped-yarn surface on a classic varsity letter, sewn onto a felt backing that shows as a border. It's the most traditional and most expensive method, and it's what people mean by 'earning your letter.'
Best for: the school letter on the chest, sleeve numbers, back lettering and sport patches.
Embroidery
Thread stitched directly into the jacket. It's flat, crisp and precise — ideal for script names and fine detail — and the least expensive way to decorate.
Best for: names on the chest, class years, small logos and pocket details.
Tackle twill
Cut fabric letters sewn down with a satin-stitch edge — the look of a game jersey. It's bold and durable, and reads clearly from across a gym.
Best for: school names arched across the back, sport names and large numbers.
Felt
Layered felt cut into letters or shapes. It's the backing under chenille and is also used on its own for classic, flat patches and bars.
Common questions
- What is a chenille letter?
- A letter made of looped, fuzzy yarn on a felt backing — the traditional award for earning a varsity letter.
- Which is more durable, chenille or embroidery?
- Both last for years with proper care. Embroidery is flatter and resists snagging; chenille is thicker and can fuzz with heavy wear, which many people love as character.
Design yours in about ten minutes.
Your school's colors and letter load automatically. See it in 3D before you order.
Find your schoolKeep reading