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

- Link: https://shopquirkla.com/product/vintage-varsity-letterman-cardigan/
- Published: 2026-07-03T08:01:48-07:00
- Author: russ

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 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.

The marked size is not recorded. 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 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.

**Shown with**

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.