Description provided by the Class of 1997:

We’ve been raiding the archives, polling fashion mavens, and researching classic American sportswear. At last, your 25th Reunion Jackets Committee is proud to reveal the Best Damn Jacket of All!

The bold, graphic stripe anchoring our class jacket is more than meets the eye. The orange and black stripe motif on the jacket features the stripe from the 25th reunion jacket of our Parent Class, the Great Class of 1972, as a central element. There’s a ’97 Easter egg here – if you count each individual stripe, there’s a total of 9, and if you count the ’72 stripe as a single element, there are 7 stripes in total. This graphic stripe alternates with a stripe comprised of the University’s 250th Anniversary logo – marking our position as Princeton’s 250th graduating class – and our class year in roman numerals. In this way, a simple stripe speaks to our collective history, our place within the greater Princeton community, and celebrates the great Class of 1997 in multiple ways.

The lining is a custom toile artwork featuring hand-drawn vignettes representing essential experiences from our four years at Princeton, culled from interviews and discussion with classmates. These scenes celebrate the story of our class and our history on campus. Within this timeless design, we’ve incorporated uniquely ’97 moments like the first year of fireworks over Palmer Stadium, as well as classic Princeton traditions like Arch Sings at Blair, and surrounded them with recognizable Princetoniana like Dean Hargadon’s “Yes!” letter and a hoagie (from the Haven or the ‘Wa – you decide). Our beloved class beer jacket logo is reimagined as a classic embroidered crest on the patch pocket of the jacket and on the custom enamel buttons.

With bespoke labels, an embroidered message on the under collar, a breathable stretch fabric for comfort and durability, and a contemporary fit, this jacket represents the culmination of the collaborative year-long efforts from a large group of volunteer classmates. We’re so excited to celebrate this 25th Reunion milestone with you, and look forward to seeing you in your class jacket!