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 below.

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.

Class Jacket Sizing Instructions

Below are our recommended measurement methods in order of preference. Whichever method you chose, you should print the size chart and circle the measurements you get as you follow the instructions. This will help ensure you order the right size.

1. If you have already have a blazer that fits well, we recommend using garment measurements (see pictures in the size guides below). Note that these photos are of the class of 92 jacket – not ours!
2. If you don’t have a blazer that fits well - and you are able to in a COVID-safe manner - consider visiting a tailor/seamstress and ask them to take your measurements. 
3. To take your own measurements at home, follow On-Body (on-skin) measurement instructions (see diagrams below).
4. If you still don’t know your size and have had a problem buying jackets in the past, please feel free to leave a note in the comments section when you order, and we will help you find your optimal size.  

Whichever measurement method you choose, please keep the following in mind:

• Please do NOT just order a size because it is your normal size. This sizing scale may not be reflective of what you are used to wearing. Do the measurements! (Trust us, it's worth it).
• This is a modern trim fit blazer, so if you want to have a roomy jacket, go up a size for comfort. For example, if you buy a Joseph A. Bank suit in 40 Reg, we might suggest ordering a 41 Reg or 42 Reg for your 25th reunion jacket.
  • Remember, you will have this jacket for a long time, so plan for the future when sizing your jacket. If you're concerned that your size may fluctuate over the years, consider buying 2 different sizes (yes, lots of people do this!). 
• If you plan to tailor your jacket, it is much better to order a larger size and take it in.
  • While there is selvage fabric at the seams inside the jackets - you will be able to let out the jacket on the sides and lengthen the sleeves - but we don’t recommend it.

Please click here to download detailed sizing guides for both women and men.

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!

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

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.

Yes! Nearly 100 class members took part in the survey. The insights provided were awesome and have informed the design of the jacket. 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 [email protected], 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 [email protected]. (Yes, that’s intentional.) We will do our best to respond as promptly as we can.