1970s | Bristol Products | Letterman Award Cardigan | Black - Made in USA - L

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Description:

Item: Button-through acrylic letterman cardigan in black with a V-neck, five black buttons, two lower patch pockets, and a chenille award patch to the chest — an open book motif in gold and white with a gothic red "M" and red star, applied in the classic American varsity style. A structured, close-fitting cut typical of award sweaters of the period.

Era: 1970s

Brand: Bristol Products

Condition: Very good vintage condition.

A note on the fabric: 100% acrylic, made in USA. American award sweater acrylics of this era were produced to a high standard — dense, well-structured, and built to hold their shape through years of use.

Provenance Note: Bristol Products were one of the principal manufacturers of official American award and letterman sweaters through the mid-twentieth century, supplying schools, colleges, and athletic programmes across the country. The chenille patch here — open book with gothic lettering, a classic academic institution motif — gives this cardigan a specific and genuine provenance: this was earned, not bought off a rack. American letterman cardigans in black with original patches are among the most wearable pieces to come out of the varsity tradition, and this is a clean, well-preserved example.

Measurements:

Size on garment: N/A

Our modern sizing estimate: L                                                                                                        

Shoulder to shoulder: 21"

Pit to pit: 22"

Inner sleeve to cuff: 22"

Under collar to lower back: 27"

Condition Notes:

Please be aware. All our true vintage items come with a history, and minor signs of age, wear, or character should be expected. Any notable marks, damage, or repairs will always be clearly mentioned. This natural wear is part of what gives genuine vintage its individuality and authenticity. True vintage should not be confused with modern second-hand clothing

We photograph all garments using a professional, studio-grade imaging system designed to show colour, texture, and shape as accurately as possible. This setup was built specifically to give a true representation of each piece and avoid misleading presentation; however, we do not take photos of inside the garment. While we take great care in inspecting every piece, with true vintage it is always possible that a minor detail may be missed.

Sizing Notes:

Please compare these measurements to a similar item you already own, laid flat (rather than measuring your body). Start with pit-to-pit (chest), then check length. Vintage pieces can be cut boxier and shorter than modern equivalents, so the measurements listed are the best guide to fit.

Our modern sizing estimates are based on chest measurements using the following tee / shirt sizing scale:

31–34″ = XXS
35–36″ = XS
37–38″ = S
39–40″ = M
41–42″ = L
43–44″ = XL
45–46″ = XXL
47–48″ = 3XL

For jackets, knitwear, heavier shirts, and padded outerwear, we grade one size down from the tee scale to allow for structure, lining, bulk, or layering.

Buying true vintage clothing:

When buying true vintage clothing, you are buying a piece of clothing as an investment. We believe most of our true vintage items will hold or increase in value in years to come. We hope you will cherish your purchase.

Returns:

We are an independent micro business, and return postage costs are the responsibility of the buyer.

For UK orders, you have 14 days from delivery to exercise your right to return, and a further 14 days to send the item back. For Europe and International orders, returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery.

Please see our returns policy page for full details.