1950s/1960s Wight’s Sporting Goods Red Varsity Letterman Cardigan – Modern Men’s M/L, 40/42 Chest

Description

A true vintage red varsity letterman cardigan from Wight’s Sporting Goods of Bangor, Maine, with the kind of heavy collegiate presence that makes vintage athletic knitwear so good. The cardigan features a deep red knit body, cream double stripes at the upper sleeves, a large chenille “B” patch at the front, and a classic V-neck button-front shape.

The silhouette is substantial but wearable, with front patch pockets, ribbed cuffs, ribbed hem, and large tonal red buttons. The knit appears to be wool or a wool-blend, though no fiber tag is visible in the provided photos, so fabric is listed as estimated.

Wight’s Sporting Goods was a local Bangor, Maine sporting goods label, and pieces like this sit in that great American varsity lane: athletic, collegiate, preppy, and very graphic without feeling costume-y.

No marked size is visible in the provided photos. Based on Dean’s measurements and the visible fit, this best fits modern men’s M/L, approximately 40/42 chest, depending on desired fit. On Dean, it fits cleanly through the chest and shoulders with comfortable ease and a classic vintage cardigan shape.

Shown on Dean layered over a collared shirt with trousers. Listing is for the cardigan only.

Details

Brand: Wight’s Sporting Goods
Label Location: Bangor, Maine
Era: Estimated 1950s/1960s
Marked Size: No visible size tag
Estimated Modern Size: Men’s M/L, approx 40/42 chest
Size Basis: Dean’s measurements, visible model fit, vintage varsity cardigan construction, and mid-century athletic knitwear sizing context
Model: Dean
Model Measurements: 6’2”, 170 lb, 15.5” neck, men’s Medium shirt, 36” sleeve, 40” chest, 40L slim-fit suit, 31/32” waist, 33” inseam, size 12 shoe
Model Fit Reference: Fits Dean cleanly through the shoulders and chest with comfortable ease
Color: Deep red / burgundy red with cream sleeve stripes
Material: Appears to be wool or wool-blend knit; fiber tag not visible
Neckline: V-neck
Closure: Front button closure
Sleeves: Long sleeves with cream double varsity stripes
Pockets: Two front patch pockets
Hem / Cuffs: Ribbed cuffs and hem
PatchLong sleeves with cream double varsity stripes**
Pockets: **Two Detail: Large chenille “B” varsity patch
Condition: Good vintage condition

Fit Notes

No marked size is visible. Estimated modern fit is men’s M/L, approximately 40/42 chest.

Shown on Dean, who is 6’2”, 170 lb, wears a men’s Medium shirt, 40L slim-fit suit, has a 40” chest, 36” sleeve, and 31/32” waist. On Dean, the cardigan fits cleanly through the chest and shoulders with comfortable ease. Best for a modern men’s Medium/Large or a 40/42 chest depending on preferred fit and layering.

The knit has natural give, but the best fit should still be based on chest, shoulder comfort, and sleeve length.

Condition

Good vintage condition with wear consistent with age. The cardigan presents strongly overall with rich color, intact varsity striping, and a bold chenille “B” patch. Light pilling, surface wear, minor knit irregularities, and age-related wear may be present, especially at the ribbing, pocket edges, buttonholes, and patch area. Buttons appear period-appropriate but may not be perfectly matched. No major holes or structural flaws are visible in the provided photos. Please review photos carefully.

Styling Notes

A standout varsity knit that works with pleated trousers, denim, fatigues, loafers, boots, or sneakers. Style it over a collared shirt for a collegiate 1950s/1960s look, with a tee and jeans for casual prep, or layered under a wool coat for a more polished vintage menswear outfit. The red tone pairs well with gray, cream, khaki, denim blue, navy, brown, black, and olive.

Styling / Cross-Sell Note

Styled with a collared shirt, trousers, and jewelry for shoot styling. Listing is for the cardigan only unless otherwise stated.

Curation Note

Selected for its bold red varsity knit, large chenille letter patch, cream sleeve stripes, local Maine sporting goods label, and classic mid-century collegiate silhouette. This is a strong graphic vintage knit with real presence.

Authenticity Note

Interior label reads Wight’s Sporting Goods, Bangor, Maine. Era is estimated based on label design, chenille varsity patch, knit construction, button-front cardigan shape, sleeve striping, and mid-century athletic/collegiate styling.