So you’re planning to order custom letterman jackets. For your team. Your school. Your brand. Maybe just for yourself.
And the first question you’re asking is: how long is this going to take?
Fair question. Let’s answer it straight.
Short answer: 6 to 8 weeks for bulk production. Plus 7 to 10 days if you want a sample first.
But there’s more to it. Let me break down the whole timeline so you know exactly what to expect.
The Full Timeline (Step by Step)
Here’s how it works from start to finish.
Step 1: Design & Digital Mockup — 24 to 48 Hours
You send us your design. Your logo. Your colors. Your size breakdown. Whatever you have.
We take that and turn it into a digital mockup. This shows you exactly how the jacket will look. Colors. Materials. Patch placement. Embroidery details.
You review it. You request changes. We revise it.
This usually takes 1 to 2 business days.
Step 2: Sample Development — 7 to 10 Days
This step is optional. But I recommend it.
For $225, we produce one physical sample jacket. It’s built to your exact specs. You get to see it. Touch it. Try it on.
If something’s wrong, we fix it. Before we produce 500 of them.
Sample development takes 7 to 10 days. Plus shipping time.
If you want to see what our samples look like, check out our Our Work page.
Step 3: Bulk Production — 6 to 8 Weeks
Once you approve the sample, we start production.
This includes:
- Cutting the fabric
- Stitching the jacket
- Applying chenille patches
- Completing embroidery work
- Quality control checks
For a 25-piece order, this might take 6 weeks. For a 500-piece order, it might take 8 weeks. It depends on the size and complexity.
If you’re ordering for a team, check out our custom team varsity jackets page.
Step 4: Quality Control & Shipping — 3 to 7 Days
Every jacket gets inspected before it leaves our floor. We check stitch density. Patch placement. Overall quality.
Then we ship. We use DDP shipping. That means shipping, customs, and taxes are all included in your quote. You don’t have to deal with customs paperwork.
Delivery takes 3 to 7 days depending on your location.
So How Long Total?
If you order a sample first:
7 to 10 days (sample) + 6 to 8 weeks (bulk) + 3 to 7 days (shipping) = 8 to 11 weeks total
If you skip the sample:
6 to 8 weeks (bulk) + 3 to 7 days (shipping) = 7 to 9 weeks total
If you need it faster:
Contact us. Rush production is sometimes available for an extra fee.
What Can Delay Your Order?
A few things can slow things down. Here’s what to watch out for.
Late approvals. Every day you take to approve the mockup or sample adds a day to the timeline. Respond quickly.
Complex designs. Full back artwork. Intricate chenille patches. Custom linings. These take longer than standard designs. To learn more about chenille, check out the Wikipedia page on chenille fabric.
Large order quantities. A 500-piece order takes longer than a 25-piece order. That’s just math.
Material shortages. Uncommon colors or specialty fabrics might take extra time to source.
Shipping delays. Customs clearance in peak seasons — like October to December — can add a few days.
How to Speed Up Your Order
Want your jackets faster? Here’s what you can do.
- Send vector files. AI, EPS, or PDF. Not a screenshot.
- Approve mockups quickly. Within 24 hours if possible.
- Order a sample first. This avoids costly mistakes later.
- Provide a clear size breakdown. 10 Small, 20 Medium, 15 Large. Be specific.
- Order early. If you need jackets for a specific event, start 3 months in advance.
What About Rush Orders?
Sometimes you need jackets fast. For a last-minute event. A sudden team order. Whatever the reason.
We can sometimes do rush production. It costs extra. But it’s possible.
Contact us before placing your order. Tell us your deadline. We’ll tell you if we can meet it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a custom letterman jacket take to make?
6 to 8 weeks for bulk production. Add 7 to 10 days if you want a sample first. Add 3 to 7 days for shipping.
Can I get my order faster than 6 weeks?
Sometimes. Rush production is available for an extra fee. Contact us to discuss your deadline.
What is the minimum order for custom letterman jackets?
25 pieces per style. If you only need one, we offer a sample development service for $225.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. We ship DDP worldwide. Shipping, customs, and taxes are all included.
What happens if I don’t like the sample?
We work with you to revise it until it’s right. Your satisfaction is the priority.
What is a letterman jacket?
A letterman jacket is a varsity jacket worn to represent school achievements. The Wikipedia page on varsity jackets has a full history.
Ready to Start Your Order?
Whether you need 25 jackets or 500, we manufacture to your exact specifications.
Request a Quote or Start Your Design.
We’ll send a digital mockup and full pricing within one business day.
For wholesale pricing and bulk details, visit our wholesale letterman jackets page.