Vetements Racing Jacket

Everything You Need to Know Before Investing in This Iconic Streetwear Piece

As an avid fan of streetwear and luxury fashion, I’ve had my eye on the Vetements Racing Jacket for quite some time. This iconic piece from Demna Gvasalia’s game-changing label Vetements has become a grail item for many collectors and hypebeasts. However, the staggering price tag has always given me pause.

After months of research and deliberation, I’ve decided 2022 is the year I finally invest in an authentic Vetements Racing Jacket of my own. But I want to make absolutely sure I’m making the right choice before spending four figures on a single garment.

So I’ve put together this comprehensive buying guide covering everything you need to know before purchasing a Vetements Racing Jacket. Whether you’re a streetwear novice or a seasoned Vetements collector, read on for tips on sizing, quality, styling, and more!

What Exactly is the Vetements Racing Jacket?

For those unfamiliar, the Vetements Racing Jacket first debuted on the Fall/Winter 2016 runway. It takes inspiration from vintage motorsport styles with a boxy silhouette and cotton shell. Signature elements include the oversized Vetements logo on the back and patches featuring various racing insignia.

Made in limited quantities in Italy and France, the jacket instantly became a coveted status symbol. The original retailed for $1,845 but now resells for upwards of $3,000!

The Racing Jacket encapsulates Vetements’ irreverent take on fashion and blurring of high/low style. It’s equal parts nostalgic, tongue-in-cheek, and impeccably crafted.

Where to Buy the Racing Jacket for Resale

Given the tiny production runs, Vetements Racing Jackets are incredibly hard to get brand new these days. The Vetements web store no longer stocks them. Your only option is to scour the resale market.

I recommend checking sites like Grailed, Heroine, Vestiaire Collective, and Farfetch for available pieces. Instagram resellers like @vetementsarchive and @hypevault also frequently post Racing Jackets.

Be prepared to pay at least double or triple the original retail price. But for many collectors, owning this grail is worth the investment. Just be wary of potential fakes! Only buy from reputable sellers who can provide proof of authenticity.

How Should the Vetements Racing Jacket Fit?

The Racing Jacket is designed for a signature oversized Vetements silhouette. Most buyers recommend sizing down at least one full size for the proper baggy fit.

I typically wear a men’s medium but plan to get a small Racing Jacket for that perfect cropped, boxy shape. If oversized isn’t your vibe, consider sticking to your normal size. But the jacket may not look quite as intended.

Some versions have a more cropped body while others are longer, so check measurements carefully. Arm length tends to run fairly long on all variations.

Is the Racing Jacket Worth the High Price Tag?

There’s no doubt the Vetements Racing Jacket comes with a hefty price tag, especially on the resale market. So is it truly worth the investment?

Here are a few factors that help justify the cost for me:

• Impeccable Italian craftsmanship – Vetements may have a streetwear ethos, but the quality rivals luxury fashion houses. These jackets are made to last.
• Iconic collector’s piece – The Racing Jacket is a true grail item and landmark in fashion history. Vintage versions will only increase in value.
• Limited availability – Rarity pushes the price up. And given the short supply, the Racing Jacket likely won’t lose value after purchase.
• Statement-making style – The Vetements Racing Jacket guarantees you’ll stand out from the hypebeast crowd. The bold design makes a real statement.

At the end of the day, you have to decide if the ROI is worth it for you. But in my opinion, the Racing Jacket is a justifiable splurge for serious collectors.

What Sizes Are Available?

Vetements Racing Jackets were produced in a full size range, generally from XS or XXS up to XL. However, sizing and availability varies greatly depending on the specific version.

Women’s versions tend to run from XXS to Medium. Men’s pieces run from XS or Small up to XL.

When buying secondhand, you’re unlikely to find the full size range in one colorway or season. Be prepared to hunt for your size across various resellers.

Italian versions also fit smaller than the French sizing. So the same marked size may vary slightly across different iterations.

Once you find a jacket in your size, be sure to carefully analyze measurements rather than going by the marked size alone. Prices are too high to get the fit wrong!

Fabrics and Materials Used

The classic Racing Jacket features a 100% cotton shell with a cotton twill racing patch on the back. Some versions also utilize leather, wool, poly blends, or velour for accents and patches.

Interiors usually consist of a lightweight cotton, mesh, or quilted lining.

Given the premium price point, Vetements uses only top-tier fabrics from reputable Italian mills. The cotton shell is thick and durable but also soft and breathable.

Certain limited edition Racing Jackets experimented with more luxe materials like leather and velvet. But the standard cotton builds are ideal for achieving that perfect vintage racing look.

Is the Vetements Racing Jacket Weatherproof?

The cotton shell of the Racing Jacket provides decent insulation for cool spring and fall days. But the thin fabric and lack of sealed seams mean this jacket isn’t fully waterproof or winter-ready.

Consider layering a hooded water-resistant shell over top in heavy rain. And throw on an extra insulating mid-layer if temps drop below freezing.

Of course, light water resistance shouldn’t be a deal breaker. The Vetements Racing Jacket is intended as a streetwear statement piece, not technical outerwear. Just don’t expect it to stand up to serious storms!

Examining the Signature Patches and Logos

No Racing Jacket is complete without the signature oversized back patch and assorted racing insignia. These textile patches give the jacket its retro motorsport personality.

The back Vetements logo comes in a tonal cotton twill that matches the shell fabric. It provides an iconic branded element that is subtle yet statement-making.

The sleeve and chest patches feature nods to auto racing like checkered flags and racing car graphics. Each season and version has its own unique patch designs and layout.

When buying secondhand, inspect all logos and patches closely for signs of damage or fading. Intact patches boost the value and collectability of vintage Racing Jackets.

How Durable Is the Racing Jacket Over Time?

Thanks to premium construction and fabrics, the Vetements Racing Jacket can easily last years with proper care. The cotton shell resists pilling and tears while holding its shape nicely.

However, you should still gently hand wash the jacket to avoid damage from machines. Avoid over-wearing as the patches can degrade with excessive abrasion.

With light wear, proper storage, and professional cleaning when needed, an authentic Racing Jacket should serve as a lifelong investment piece.

The only potential issue to watch for is loose stitching around patches. Be sure to snip any loose threads ASAP to avoid bigger tears or holes.

Available Color and Design Options

The Racing Jacket originally launched in a classic black colorway with white logo patches. Soon Vetements offered alternate takes like red/black buffalo check, blue denim, and reversible nylon.

Some of the rarest versions include Velvet Patchwork, Silver Sequin, and Full Leather editions. These premium iterations easily fetch over $5,000!

There were also collaborations with Alpha Industries, Levi’s, and Juicy Couture featuring unique Racing Jacket builds.

Beyond colors, look for rare details like velcro patch fasteners, distressed effects, quilted linings, and custom collar shapes.

No matter your personal style, there’s a Vetements Racing Jacket variation sure to suit your wardrobe. But the black OG colorway remains the most iconic.

Is the Racing Jacket Only for Men?

While many associate the boxy Racing Jacket with a traditionally masculine look, Vetements actually produces cropped women’s versions as well.

The jacket shape still has an oversized, androgynous vibe. But the shorter hem and more fitted sleeves give it a femme edge.

Some collectors even opt to buy men’s versions in smaller sizes for a boyfriend fit. The Racing Jacket truly looks great on all genders.

So women seeking this grail have plenty of options. Don’t be afraid to buy across the size ranges to get your desired look.

Wearing the Racing Jacket for Daily Use

The Racing Jacket isn’t merely a collectible display piece – it’s also an on-trend statement outerwear choice.

Despite its pristine condition, I plan to incorporate my future Vetements Racing Jacket into my everyday wardrobe.

Here are some tips for styling it as part of contemporary streetwear outfits:

• Pair with distressed denim and graphic tees for a casual vibe
• Layer over a hoodie and sweatpants for the quintessential hypebeast look
• For women, style with leggings and crop tops to show the cropped hem
• Add an oversized beanie and sneakers to complete the laidback streetstyle
• In cooler weather, wear over a flannel button-down and turtleneck
• Dress up with leather pants and Chelsea boots for an edgy aesthetic
• Cuff the sleeves for added slouchy nonchalance

The Racing Jacket may be a collector’s piece, but it also makes an eye-catching addition to any streetwear fit once you style it with the right pieces.

Caring for Your Investment Racing Jacket

To maintain the value and condition of my future Racing Jacket, I plan to gently hand wash cold and lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight or heat.

Avoid overly cramming it into your closet – use wide hangers and leave ample space between garments.

When washing, use a mild detergent without bleach or fabric softener. Spot treat stains and patches gently with a soft cloth.

I also plan to store the jacket in a breathable garment bag when not wearing for extended periods. And I’ll bring to a specialty cleaner for occasional professional laundering.

With proper care, your cherished Racing Jacket can stay looking brand new for years to come!

How Does It Compare to Other Luxury Brands?

At its original retail price point, the Vetements Racing Jacket competed with luxury labels like Gucci, Balenciaga, and Saint Laurent.

But even with its 4-figure resale costs, the Racing Jacket offers more value than most designer brands. Why?

• Collector’s appeal – Vetements likely won’t reproduce this icon, making it more exclusive
• Quality on par with luxury houses – Despite the streetwear image, construction is superb
• Cool backstory – The cultural impact adds value beyond the materials
• Eternal relevance – The vintage look won’t go out of style anytime soon

For hypebeasts, owning this piece from Vetements’ groundbreaking early run is a deeper purchase than merely a logo-covered designer jacket with little story behind it.

If you can find a Racing Jacket below $3000, I’d argue it’s a better buy than many overpriced luxury brands.

What’s the Typical Price Range for Resale?

It’s impossible to find a true steal on a Vetements Racing Jacket anymore. But current resale prices span a wide gamut:

• Heavily used – Expect to pay $1200 minimum even for well-worn pieces needing repairs.
• Lightly used – Prices in the $2000-3000 range for jackets with general wear but intact.
• Like new/DS – Near-perfect examples go for $3500 to $5000+. Rare designs cost even more.

Beware of anything under $1000 – it’s likely a very obvious knockoff. Given the insane demand, lowball offers are routinely rejected.

Ideally budget at least $2500-3000 to get a gently worn authentic Racing Jacket in a classic colorway. Or be prepared to spend upwards of $4000+ for a true gem.

Checking Reviews From Other Buyers

Before feeling confident about such a big purchase, I wanted to dig into feedback from others who have bought the Racing Jacket.

Across reddit, forums, and YouTube, most reviews are overwhelmingly positive:

• Owners rave about the premium materials and construction. The jacket lives up to its luxury price in quality.
• The boxy oversized fit runs very true to the intended aesthetic. Size down for the best result.
• Little details like the patches and fabrics create an accurate throwback racing vibe.
• Real-life attention and compliments are unmatched – clear interest even from non-hypebeasts!
• No buyers have reported issues with durability over years of wear.

Negative critiques mostly focus on sizing quirks and the absurd resale prices. But no quality complaints.

Based on customer feedback, the Racing Jacket delivers on expectations if you get the sizing and styling right.

Checking Stockists for New Versions

Even for a determined buyer like me, getting your hands on a new Racing Jacket at retail is sadly unrealistic. They immediately sell out and hit resale sites.

Vetements’ own online shop no longer lists the style. Top luxury retailers like SSENSE, Farfetch, and LuisaViaRoma also currently show it as out of stock.

Your only sliver of hope is randomly coming across a rogue retailer that has leftover old stock. But I wouldn’t count on it.

Sadly, the Racing Jacket’s retail days are clearly over. Resale markets are the lone option for finding this grail.

What Are the Return Policies Like?

Given the strictly secondhand nature of Vetements Racing Jacket shopping, return policies vary between sellers.

When buying on platforms like Grailed and eBay, you may only get 3-5 days for returns if the item isn’t as described.

For pricier marketplaces like Heroine and Vestiaire Collective, verify return windows upfront – likely 7-14 days.

Direct Instagram sellers often have no official return policy. You’ll need to negotiate on a case by case basis if unhappy.

My advice: Thoroughly analyze sizing charts, photos, and measurements before purchasing. And don’t be afraid to ask for extra images to confirm condition and fit.

I know I’ll be sure my Racing Jacket is perfect before removing the tags! Returns are tough for scarce grails.

Styling the Racing Jacket for Streetwear Looks

A huge draw of the Racing Jacket is how it elevates modern streetwear fits. This piece was made to be shown off!

To let your jacket shine, opt for clean, simple base layers underneath:

• Monochrome hoodies and tees in black, white, or grey
• Well-fitting denim in classic indigo or black
• Sleek leather pants or motorcycle jeans
• Oversized graphic crewneck sweatshirts
• Cropped sweatpants for casual cool

Accessories like chunky sneakers, gold jewelry, and retro sunglasses also complement the Racing Jacket’s loud vibes.

Avoid overly messy looks – let the impeccable Vetements piece speak for itself at the center of your outfit!

Is It Warm Enough for Serious Winter?

The Vetements Racing Jacket provides decent insulation with its thick cotton outer shell. But likely not enough for harsh winter weather on its own.

Light rain and 40-50 degree temps are fine. But once the mercury really drops, you’ll want to layer up underneath.

Consider weatherproofing sprays to add some water resistance too.

Here are some tips to make your Racing Jacket winter-ready:

• Wear over a hoodie or wool sweater for extra warmth
• Pop a puffer or overcoat on top in freezing weather
• Add a protective shell in heavy rain or snow
• Wear a thermal base layer for outdoor activities
• Use wool socks and insulated boots to seal out the cold
• Top with beanies, gloves, and scarves as needed
• Stick to quick, outdoor wear rather than prolonged exposure

With the right layers, your Racing Jacket can still get some wear even in the most frigid conditions. Just take proper precautions so this grail piece stays protected.

The Verdict: Is the Vetements Racing Jacket Worth It?

After endless hours of research, I’m ready to pull the trigger on my dream Vetements Racing Jacket.

Yes, the astronomical price tag gives me pause. But the unmatched quality, iconic desirability, and long-term investment value make this a justifiable grail purchase.

Owning a piece of fashion history that will only become more coveted is any collector’s dream. And the Racing Jacket offers endless styling potential for my personal streetwear looks.

Have you owned or tried on an authentic Racing Jacket? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! I’m eager to join the club of this impeccable icon. The hunt is on!