Buying a Vintage Starter Jacket: The Complete Guide

The Starter jacket is one of the most iconic pieces of 90s streetwear. The black satin material, the large team logos, and the unmistakable Starter star on the label – owning a true vintage Starter jacket means owning a piece of sports history. This guide will show you everything you need to know.

The History of Starter

Starter was founded in Connecticut in 1971 and became the official licensing partner of the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NCAA in the 80s and 90s. The brand produced official team jackets, jerseys, and caps – becoming a symbol of American sports of that era.

In the early 90s, Starter jackets also became popular in the hip-hop scene. The coveted satin material and large team logos made them a status symbol. Especially in urban communities in the USA, a Starter jacket was a must-have.

The Most Popular Starter Jackets

• Satin Starter Jackets (Pullover) - The classic Starter jacket without a zipper, made of shiny satin material. The absolute most iconic piece from the brand.
• Starter Snap-Button Jackets - With snap fasteners instead of a zipper, often two-tone and with large team logos.
• Starter Windbreakers - Lighter nylon jackets with team logos and Starter branding.
• Starter Parkas - Lined winter jackets with large team patches. Warm, robust, and very rare.

The Most Sought-After Teams on Starter Jackets

Not all Starter jackets are equally sought after. These teams fetch the highest prices:

• Chicago Bulls - Michael Jordan's team is timelessly coveted
• Oakland Raiders - The black and silver design is a streetwear classic
• New York Yankees - The NY logo always works
• Charlotte Hornets - The teal-purple color scheme is unmistakable
• San Jose Sharks - Rare team, coveted design

How to Recognize a Genuine Vintage Starter Jacket

1. The Starter Label - Inside you'll find the characteristic Starter label with the star and the "Starter" lettering, as well as the official team license tag.
2. The Material - Real satin feels smooth and slightly shiny. Modern reproductions often have a different, cheaper material.
3. The Embroidery - Team logos and lettering on genuine Starter jackets are always embroidered, high-quality, and detailed.
4. The Sizing - Old Starter jackets are often cut slightly smaller than modern jackets. A 90s "XL" often corresponds to a modern "L".

Vintage Starter Jackets at Double Double Vintage

In our Vintage Starter Collection, you'll find handpicked Starter jackets from the 90s. Satin jackets, snap-button styles, and windbreakers from the most popular teams – all checked, all with measurements. Also check out our Vintage Jackets Collection for more handpicked pieces.