Indianapolis Colts Jacket Guide: Best Styles for Men, Women & Collectors
You don’t just wear an Indianapolis Colts jacket. You claim it.
Whether you’re braving a freezing Lucas Oil Stadium in December, tailgating with friends, or just want something rugged and unmistakably yours for winter runs to the pub or weekend errands — the right Colts outerwear does more than keep you warm. It tells people where your loyalty lies. No hashtags. No filters. Just pride stitched into the lining.
But here’s the problem: not all Indianapolis Colts jackets are built the same.
Walk into any sports shop or scroll through endless online listings, and you’ll see everything from flimsy windbreakers that quit after one season to heavyweight varsity pieces that cost more than your ticket. And if you’ve ever bought one that looked right but sagged at the shoulders or faded after two washes? You know how frustrating it is to invest in fan gear that doesn’t last.
So what actually makes a good Colts jacket?
Let’s cut through the noise.
What Kind of Indianapolis Colts Jacket Do You Really Need?
Before you click “add to cart,” ask yourself: What’s this jacket for?
Too many fans buy based on looks alone — only to find out too late it’s not warm enough, too stiff to move in, or doesn’t fit right under the arms. Match your jacket to your use case:
| Cold-weather games (below 40°F) | Fleece-lined bomber, full-zip winter jacket | Traps heat, blocks wind, layers well |
| Tailgating & outdoor events | Varsity or mashup letterman jacket | Bold style, durable wool blend, stands out |
| Everyday wear / casual | Lightweight windbreaker, hoodie jacket | Comfortable, easy to pack, breathable |
| Collecting / gifting | Retro or sideline-style coach’s jacket | Authentic details, vintage appeal, higher resale value |
| Travel / layering | Slim-fit zip-up or quarter-zip pullover | Packs small, works under coats, low bulk |
If you’re layering over hoodies or sweaters, go up a size — especially with Indianapolis Colts starter jackets or varsity styles, which often run snug.
Breaking Down the Types: From Sideline to Street
1. Indianapolis Colts Varsity Jacket (a.k.a. Letterman Jacket)
Classic. Timeless. Built like armor.
- Made from wool-blend body with genuine or synthetic leather sleeves
- Often features chenille “C” patch, player name/number customization
- Ideal for collectors, alumni, or fans who want that old-school college-football vibe
- Heavy-duty stitching; some models include inner quilted lining
2. Indianapolis Colts Bomber Jacket
Military-inspired, sleek, functional.
- Usually nylon or polyester shell with quilted interior
- Stand-up collar with snap closure, zip front
- Great for sudden downpours or windy afternoons at the stadium
- Popular sideline look — mimics what coaches wear
3. Fleece & Full-Zip Jackets
The workhorse of cold-weather comfort.
- Soft interior, brushed fleece traps body heat
- Often labeled as “Indianapolis Colts pullover jacket” or “full-zip fan jacket”
- Lightweight but effective down to ~35°F
- Some include zip-off hoods or kangaroo pockets
Perfect for layering under heavier coats when temps drop.
4. Windbreakers & Lightweight Coaches Jackets
Speed over strength.
- Think: Indianapolis Colts windbreaker, sideline-inspired designs
- Water-resistant shell, packable into pocket
- Best for spring/fall games or unpredictable Indiana weather
- Not for deep winter — but unbeatable for sudden showers
5. Mashup & Retro Styles
For fans who care about design, not just fandom.
- Combine vintage Colts logos with modern cuts
- Often seen in Indianapolis Colts mashup varsity jackets — blending NFL branding with streetwear aesthetics
- Limited runs; popular on fan forums and resale sites
- Higher price, but often better materials and attention to detail
Where to Buy — And Where Not To
You can find Indianapolis Colts jackets everywhere — but not all sellers are equal.
| Official NFL Shop (nflshop.com) | Authentic licensing, size guides, return policy | Pricier; frequent markup during playoffs |
| Amazon | Fast shipping, user reviews, deals during Prime Day | Watch for third-party sellers with fake merch |
| Fanatics / Dick’s Sporting Goods | Reliable stock, frequent sales (especially post-season) | Sizes sell out fast after big wins |
| eBay / Mercari | Vintage finds, rare retro models, used bargains | Risk of counterfeit; check seller ratings |
| Local Sports Stores (Indianapolis area) | Try before you buy, support small biz | Limited selection outside football season |
Stick to verified sellers. Check the label: authentic gear says “Licensed by NFL” and includes a hologram tag.
Fit, Sizing & Real-World Wear Tips
Getting the right fit matters — especially if you plan to wear layers.
- Men’s fit: Most Indianapolis Colts mens jackets follow standard U.S. sizing. If you’re between sizes, size up if layering.
- Women’s fit: Often slimmer cut; check if it’s unisex or tailored. Some Colts jacket for women options run small.
- Youth/kids: Available in most styles, but limited in colder-weather variants. Look for grow-with-me cuffs.
- Hooded versions: Great for drizzle, but bulky under helmets or hats.
Use the Indianapolis Colts jacket size guide on the product page — don’t assume your usual size fits across brands.
And one thing no chart tells you: shoulder room. Try it on with a hoodie. If the fabric pulls when you raise your arms, it’s too tight.
Cold Weather? Here’s the Best Indianapolis Colts Jacket for That
If you’re standing outside for three hours in January, you need more than team spirit.
Top picks for freezing conditions:
- Fleece-Lined Full-Zip Bomber – Double defense: wind-resistant shell + warm inner layer
- Heavyweight Varsity Jacket with Quilted Lining – Wool body holds heat even when damp
- NFL Sideline-Style Coach Jacket – Designed for real sideline use; often insulated
- Waterproof Hybrid Winter Jacket – Rare, but some third-party brands make weather-ready versions
Avoid cotton-heavy blends. They absorb moisture and lose insulation fast.
FAQs: Real Questions. Straight Answers.
Q: Where can I buy an authentic Indianapolis Colts jacket near me?
Start with Dick’s Sporting Goods or Academy Sports in Indiana. For vintage or specialty styles, check fan expos or authorized online retailers like NFLShop. Use “store locator” tools on official sites — many brick-and-mortar stores offer in-store pickup even if it’s shipped from a warehouse.
Q: What’s the difference between a letterman jacket and a varsity jacket?
They’re the same thing. “Letterman” comes from high school/college tradition (awarded for earning a letter in sports). “Varsity” refers to team level. In Colts gear, both terms describe the wool-and-leather style with chenille patches.
Q: Are Indianapolis Colts starter jackets worth it?
Depends. The original Starter brand from the ’90s was premium. Today, the name is licensed out — some are solid, others feel cheap. Look for reinforced stitching, thick fabric, and real leather (or high-grade synthetic). Read reviews before buying.
Q: Can I wear a Colts jacket casually, not just to games?
Absolutely. Bomber and windbreaker styles blend into streetwear easily. Pair a navy Indianapolis Colts bomber jacket with jeans and boots — it’s subtle enough for errands, bold enough for game day.
Q: How do I clean my Indianapolis Colts jacket?
- Fleece/zip-up: Machine wash cold, gentle cycle, hang dry
- Varsity/wool-blend: Spot clean only or professional dry cleaning
- Leather sleeves: Wipe with damp cloth; condition periodically
Never put a chenille-letter jacket in the washer — it’ll ruin the patch.
Q: Is there a difference between men’s and women’s Colts jackets?
Yes. Men’s are cut broader through chest and shoulders. Women’s versions taper at the waist and shorten the torso. Some unisex styles work for both — check the fit notes.
Q: Are there Indianapolis Colts jackets with hoods?
Yes — especially fleece pullovers and hybrid windbreakers. Traditional varsity or letterman jackets rarely include hoods (they break the classic look), but some modern mashup designs do.
Final Call: Choose Pride, Not Just Price
A good Indianapolis Colts jacket isn’t just about showing support. It’s about having something that lasts — through seasons, washes, and countless “remember that game?” stories.
Don’t settle for flimsy fabric or fake leather just because it’s on sale. Look for:
- Reinforced stitching at stress points
- Quality zippers (YKK preferred)
- Official NFL licensing
- Real customer photos (not just studio shots)
Whether you go retro, rugged, or ready-for-anything, your jacket should feel like it belongs to you — not just the team.
Because when the wind cuts across the parking lot and the crowd roars, you shouldn’t be thinking about how cold you are.
You should be thinking about the next play.
And wearing your pride like it was made to last.