Class Jackets

At a University full of traditions, the Class Jacket is a big one!  Do you remember seeing your first reunion and thinking, “how cool will it be when I get to have a 25th jacket?”  “I sure hope our jacket looks great.”   And, “wow – how far away that seems…” Well our time is now here! 

While we get new costumes for each “major” reunion up to the 25th, from here on out, we’ll be wearing our Class Jacket – for the P-Rade, other alumni events, and maybe for those bold enough, out and about when the mood strikes.  (Translation: THIS IS IT).

Read all about sizing - and download size charts and fit guide - here.  

There are two main fit styles, which we’re calling a “men’s cut” and a “women’s cut”. The size chart will give you more detail on the difference between the two.

To ensure you receive the correct size, please have your accurate measurements when you select a size.  Not sure what your measurements are? If appropriate measures and social distance allows, you can visit a tailor/seamstress, dry cleaner, or anyone who does alterations and ask them to take measurements. Take a printed copy of the size chart to mark your measurements, then select the best jacket size.   We’ve also included very specific instructions in the size chart so that you can do this yourself.

If you are uncertain about your jacket size or need to request a special size, please place your order and provide comments and any additional information in the “additional notes” field of the order form.  Please include as much specific information is possible, including your height, weight, and any other relevant information that might be helpful. We will then work with our manufacturer to assist you - including, if it’s necessary, putting you in direct contact with them.

Jackets are final sale; returns and exchanges will be limited to manufacturing defects only.

Repeat: You won’t be able to exchange your jacket later for a different size. So please order carefully!

In order to receive a well-fitting jacket you can wear for years to come, please place your order by January 11, 2021 ** DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JANUARY 25 '21 **.   

Why, you may ask? Since the Class of 96’s 25th Reunion may be partially or fully virtual, this year’s jackets will be shipped directly to you - which adds several weeks to the required production lead time. In order to get jackets in your hands before the Reunion, we need to submit our order on time.

This year’s jacket will cost $325, including shipping and handling. International orders will cost $350, to cover the incremental costs of international shipping.

Unfortunately not - due to the schedule, we’re only able to place one order.  

Class jackets are only for members of the Great Class of 1996. For spouses or children who want to show their Princeton spirit, you’ll have opportunities to purchase other items in the coming months, so please watch your email for more details. 

If you want to order more than one jacket for yourself - think “maximum sizing flexibility” for your 40th Reunion - go for it!  

If you and your spouse are both members of the class, feel free to either place an order for multiple jackets, or place separate orders and indicate in the “additional notes” field that you’d like the jackets to ship together.

This year’s Apparel Committee is Blair Blackwell, Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, Teddy Martin, Sheldon Bernard-Lyke, and James Weiss. The committee has been working on the jacket design for the past several months. 

The jacket will be produced by Michael Duru Clothiers, a third-generation, family-owned business based in New Jersey. They have partnered with several prior Princeton classes quite successfully, and they have great attention to detail.

The jacket is completely free from animal products except for the buttons.

• The jacket shell is 98% cotton / 2% Elastic.
• The jacket lining is 90% Polyester / 10% Acetate.
• The fusings & tapes and shoulder pads are polyester and canvas.

The buttons are made from oysters (mother of pearl). They are made from the inner layer of the shell of the pearl oyster and, like horn buttons, are not an option for those looking for a suit completely free from animal products.

Any classmates who are specifically concerned about the buttons should consider ordering their jacket and changing the buttons to some kind of plastic button, which a local tailor should be able to do quickly and cheaply.

The apparel and other Reunions committees have been brainstorming in this department.   Lead times for these items are shorter than for our jackets so stay tuned on the question of other items and Reunions information.  

Yes! Nearly 100 class members took part in the survey. The insights provided were awesome and have informed the design of the jacket, along with the breadth and design of accessories and partner/kid outfits. The committee will be publishing an overview of the survey results in the coming months.

The Jacket is an important part of the 25th Reunion, and the Class wants as many people as possible to be able to have a Class Jacket.  If you are unable to afford this year’s jacket, please email Allison Slater Tate at allisonstate@gmail.com, and she will reach out to you to help. All emails will be held in confidence. 

For any other questions, please email the Apparel Committee at duds@princeton96.com. (Yes, that’s intentional.) We will do our best to respond as promptly as we can. 

First, thank you for reading this far! Your persistence - grit, no less - clearly marks you as a member of the Great Class of 1996.

Another of the great traditions of the class jacket is that orders are required before the jacket is revealed. Neat tradition, huh?

We’re planning to do the grand reveal once the final jackets are in and ready to ship, likely in April or May.