It’s the kind of name that makes you wonder if you’ve wandered into some secret wardrobe club—what exactly is a bunny jacket? If you’re picturing fluffy ears and a white pom-pom tail, you’re way off track. This classic piece has nothing to do with Peter Rabbit or children’s costumes. Instead, it’s a surprise guest straight from 20th-century British subcultures, sports fields, and modern vintage street style. The bunny jacket is having another turn in the limelight, popping up in clubhouses, music videos, and stylish city streets from Liverpool to London. Let’s unpick the story—where it began, why people are obsessed with it again, and how to style it so you nail the look rather than look like you lost a bet.
Where Did the Bunny Jacket Come From?
Don’t let the adorable nickname fool you. The bunny jacket is a sturdy bit of kit with a long, unexpected history. It actually first came onto the scene in the 1950s, and it’s closely tied to working men’s clubs and the National Union of Railwaymen in the North of England. Members wanted something practical but smart to wear, and the bunny jacket was born: a short, boxy jacket, usually made of thick navy wool, with contrasting white or cream sleeves (sometimes leather, sometimes heavy twill). If you picture the classic American varsity jacket, you’re on the right track—but the bunny is more British, more down-to-earth, and miles away from preppy Ivy League.
The name ‘bunny’ is a mystery, but it’s likely a playful local term, possibly connected to club mascots or just regional banter. What’s definitely true is that these jackets became a staple for men in working men’s clubs, miners’ social evenings, and brass band events, mostly around Yorkshire and Lancashire. The white or light sleeves were a nod to sporting uniforms—from rugby to baseball—while the body was thick enough to keep the chill out during pub garden chats. In the 1960s, the bunny jacket made another leap, getting adopted by the Mods. Skinny jeans, winkle-pickers (those pointy shoes!), and a bunny jacket slung on—the look said rebellious but sharp. This was when the Jack the Lad crowd picked them up, bringing an edge to an otherwise simple garment.
Fast-forward to the 2020s, and these jackets have started popping up everywhere again. Vintage shops sell them for steep prices, and high street brands try to copy the style. Designers riff off the original, playing with colours, materials, and silhouettes—but at its heart, the bunny jacket is always a waist-length wool number with those unmistakable light sleeves. It’s not just nostalgia at play. There’s a fresh interest in classic British workwear, and the bunny jacket delivers heritage with a bit of swagger.
What Makes a Bunny Jacket Stand Out?
Let’s get specific. If you’re eyeing something on a rail or a dodgy online listing and wondering if it’s the real deal, check the details. An authentic bunny jacket usually has a navy blue or occasionally bottle green wool-mix body; sleeves are often cream, white, or pale stone, with ribbed cuffs and hem. Buttons, not zips, are traditional. Pockets are vertical and deep enough to hide your hands from the Yorkshire wind. Some have a patch or embroidery—maybe a club’s name, a crest, initials, or even a mascot like a rabbit or bulldog. The lining is usually quilted for a bit of warmth.
Don’t confuse bunny jackets with American bomber or letterman jackets. The shape is boxier, heavier, and the look isn’t about cheerleading squads or college sports tradition. There’s a no-nonsense British practicality in every stitch. The classic bunny jacket was never about flash; it was for standing outside, pints in hand, rain in the forecast. Mods loved them because they set off their smart-but-casual look and made them stand out in a crowd, especially at a scooter rally. There are dozens of stories from club members about swapping jackets, sewing on homemade badges, and patching holes after a heavy night out. The bunny jacket is built to last—the originals are still wearable decades later, which explains why vintage ones fetch a tidy sum.
Details can vary depending on the area or even the club that wore them. Some queued for the bright white sleeves and bright red lining, others went subtle with grey and navy. During the 1970s, a few football teams picked up the style for their supporters—usually in club colours, with initials on the breast. There are anecdotes about the jackets getting banned from some pubs for being too associated with rival crews. It all adds to the legend. These days, fashion houses try to recreate that sense of belonging. You’ll see high-end versions in luxury fabrics, with everything from delicate embroidery to oversized fits, but most people still love the classic version—wool body, white sleeves, ribbed cuffs.
Here’s a table of key features you’ll spot on a traditional bunny jacket compared to other popular jackets:
| Feature | Bunny Jacket | Varsity Jacket | Bomber Jacket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | UK Working Men’s Clubs, 1950s | USA, 1865 (Harvard) | US Air Force, WWII |
| Body Material | Wool-Blend | Wool | Nylon/Polyester |
| Sleeves | Pale (Cream/White), Wool or Leather | Usually Leather | Same as Body |
| Fastening | Buttons | Snaps/Buttons | Zipper |
| Lining | Quilted (Often) | Thin, sometimes lined | Usually lined |
| Fit | Boxy, Waist-Length | Relaxed, Waist-Length | Relaxed, Waist-Length |
| Decorations | Club Patches, Embroidery | Letters/Patches for School Sports | Rare, usually plain |
How to Wear a Bunny Jacket—and Why It’s Loved Again
Bunny jackets aren’t just for sentimental old blokes in York telling you about coal mining strikes, even though you’re likely to spot a few like that on a Sunday afternoon. These jackets are having a moment, not just as retro basics but as statements of style with roots. The appeal is in that odd mix of tough and nostalgic, of club loyalty and individual expression. Pulling one on, you feel connected to generations of outsiders and rule-breakers, and you get bonus style points if you score an original with a story behind it.
If you’re keen to try the look, there are a few approaches. For a classic Mod style, pair your bunny jacket with slim trousers (black or grey), a tucked-in white tee, and loafers or DMs. If you’re more about casual streetwear, layer it over a hoodie with simple jeans and trainers. Bunny jackets also work surprisingly well over dresses or skirts, breaking up a dressy look with something solid and grounded—that’s a tip from women who wear vintage every day in York’s city centre. If you’re after authenticity, check the seams, weight, cuffs, and lining; vintage shops in Leeds and Sheffield still get originals, but they go fast. New versions from independent brands are worth a punt, too; just avoid anything with neon panels or bounce-house padding—you want heritage, not fancy dress.
Caring for a bunny jacket isn’t rocket science, but a few tips help. Always check the care label; pure wool needs gentle washing or dry cleaning. Don’t tumble dry—lay it flat to keep the shape. Store on a broad hanger to avoid weird shoulder lumps. Fix up loose badges or holes with strong thread. If you snag a patch or want to add your club crest, use a bit of iron-on interfacing inside to avoid bulging seams. And if that jacket smells like an old wardrobe? Hang it outside on a windy day—Yorkshire air does wonders.
The bunny jacket stands out because it never really tried to be trendy. It delivered warmth, durability, and a badge of belonging long before that became cool again. It’s that rare thing—a piece of outerwear that tells a story about where you’re from, what you love, and who you want to be seen with. The bunny jacket era might have started with club banter and pints, but now it’s all about owning a bit of wearable history. The next time you spot one, you’ll know exactly what it is—and why so many want to get their hands on it, from York to Soho and everywhere in between.