The other day, I was looking at my varsity jacket, and it just crossed my mind, “Should I put a labubu doll on it?” This was so random, but let’s be real, this labubu trend has us all in a chokehold.
If you’ve missed the memo: Labubu is a collectible designer toy from POP MART – a mischief-filled, wide-eyed gremlin that’s equal parts cute and creepy. It’s blown up online, from TikToks and Insta reels to themed cakes and gold-plated dolls. And yes, even here in Australia, Labubu’s making its way into cafes, custom merch, and outfit inspo boards.
So, I’m doing it. But… would you?
Here are some reasons why trendy patches or pins like the Labubu dolls are a total YES to customise your varsity jackets in 2025. Read along and decide if you’ll hop on the bandwagon or pass this time.
5 Reasons Your Varsity Jacket Should Have Labubu
Varsity jackets are a versatile outerwear. You can customise and style them just the way you want. From the materials to colours and design elements, the options are endless. Let’s say you’re still skeptical whether mixing this weird trend with your prized outerwear is GENIUS OR UNHINGED. Fair. But here are five SOLID reasons why this might just be the fashion move of the year:
- It’s Peak Chaos-Core Aesthetic
Varsity jackets are clean, classic, and structured. Labubu patches? Chaotic, wide-eyed mischief in an embroidered form. Combining the two is peak contrast is a fashion flex that says you’re not afraid to mix high school jock energy with deranged fairy gremlin vibes. Well, some may call it unhinged, but that doesn’t mean it’s not ICONIC.
- It Makes Your Jacket One of One
Let’s be real: everyone and their cousin owns a varsity jacket these days. But not everyone has a custom chenille patch of a gremlin-toothed doll on theirs. So, having one will surely make your custom varsity jacket stand out. Whether a subtle embroidered patch or a full-on plush Labubu keychain swinging off your pocket, it will make your jacket a walking trend.
- It’s an Absolute Conversation Starter
“Wait… is that a Labubu on your jacket?” This will be an instant icebreaker. Some will admire it, some will be confused, and some will hate it, but they will all talk about it. You’re now the person who dared to stitch a designer toy into fashion, and people will have something or the other to say about it.
- Because Fashion Should Be Fun
Not everything needs to be sleek, neutral, and serious. Sometimes, you just want to wear something weird and wonderful because it makes you happy. Labubu is weird; is it a conspiracy? Well, if you like it, it is wonderful, and you should totally get it. You shouldn’t overthink every little fad that comes and goes, just enjoy it because you want to.
- Because You Have Free Will
At the end of the day, who’s going to stop you? The fashion police? The toy purists? Your inner minimalist? No. This is your varsity jacket, your taste, your unhinged little style decisions. Unless there’s a school dress code restriction, you can style your jacket just the way you want. If slapping a chaotic gremlin on classic Americana makes your soul feel alive, do it. Because you can.
Varsity Jacket Patch Placement Guide – Labubu Edition
So, you’ve decided to Labubu your varsity jacket. But now comes the real design question: where do you actually put the patch or pin? When it comes to customising your varsity jacket, placement is everything. Here’s your guide to choosing the perfect spot to let Labubu shine (or lurk).
- Sleeves
Sleeves of your varsity jacket are a fun, safe yet unexpected spot for experimentation. You can go for a Labubu patch climbing up the arm or an enamel pin near the cuff. It’ll add a little mischief to your fit. And here’s a bonus perk: sleeve placement draws attention when your arms move. So, Labubu on varsity sleeves is a dynamic fashion choice
- Back Panel
The back is usually where people like to put a quote, name of their organization or so. You can go big and go extra. A full-size embroidered Labubu, or even a DIY plushie sewn onto the back like a wearable art piece, will turn heads. It’s in fact a perfect choice for your streetstyle oversized varsity jackets.
- Front Chest Panel
The left chest is the prime location and is traditionally for initials or logos. But a mini Labubu peeking out from there would look really trendy. It’s subtle, yet instantly eye-catching. Whether it’s a small chenille patch or enamel pin, placing Labubu here makes it feel like an official part of the jacket’s legacy, just a lot weirder.
- Right Chest
The right chest is where you break the rules. This area is usually for logos, a special name, a special symbol, or initial. Since it’s less expected, placing a Labubu here feels more playful and personal. You can say it’ll feel like an inside joke stitched right onto your chest. It’s great for asymmetry lovers or anyone who wants a visual counterbalance to standard jacket layouts.
- Pockets & Lower Corners
Low-key placements like pockets or bottom hem corners are ideal if you want to be playful without going full Labubu maximalist. A tiny patch peeking from the edge or a pin near your pocket adds charm without overwhelming the look. It’s the fashion equivalent of an inside joke only the cool people get.
- Collar & Shoulder Area
For true statement-makers: add a Labubu right on or near the collarbone or shoulder. It feels editorial, like something you’d see in a high-fashion collab. A patch here plays with proportions and unexpected design flow. It says: “Yes, this varsity jacket has a weird fashion energy, and I meant every stitch of it.”
| Varsity Jacket Patch Placement Guide | ||
| Placement Area | Traditional Use | Labubu Twist |
| Left Chest | School logo, initials, varsity letters | Small Labubu patch replaces tradition with mischief |
| Right Chest | Name, sport/activity, graduation year | Labubu as your identity or secret mascot |
| Sleeves | Sport patches, stripes, team logos | A small Labubu patch or enamel pin hanging around the cuff. |
| Back Panel | Team name, mascot, large design | Full-size embroidered or chenille Labubu. |
| Pockets/Bottom Corners | Rarely decorated | Sneaky Labubu peeking out – subtle yet iconic |
| Shoulder/Collar Area | Rare, high-fashion customisation | Put a Labubu here for editorial energy |
So, are you getting your varsity jacket Labubu-fied?
Varsity jacket and Labubus are such a mismatched duo: one is an evergreen outerwear and the other is the most random trend of 2025. But they are both FASHION, and when done right, this combo can be a success too. I’ve listed so many reasons and so many ways to do it, but the final choice is YOURS. After all, it’s your custom letterman jacket and you can design it in any way. Add a scary little doll, a quote you like, your nickname, your achievements, victories, or anything you want to. Make it yours, in every aspect you wish to.