Samuel Zelig — VARSITY

Samuel Zelig — VARSITY

Hello.
This is Miyachi from Lakewood Clothing.

Our Fall/Winter collection from Samuel Zelig has arrived.

This brand releases items based on various themes every season, but this time, I personally found the “VARSITY” series so exceptional that I decided to focus our selection exclusively on it.

"Samuel Zelig"
Based in Los Angeles and run by Jonathan Levite and Melissa Marsella, Samuel Zelig expresses what they call “Dream Vintage”—a vision shaped by their deep knowledge of vintage garments—using contemporary techniques.

Every design element, down to the patches and embroidery, is an original creation by the designers. The unique artwork on each piece makes it look as though it has been passed down through generations and customized by its various owners over time.

VARSITY
Reimagining classic American varsity style is a theme Samuel Zelig has been exploring for years.
This season, they have focused on team sports iconography, drawing inspiration from vintage senior cords and 1950s yearbooks.

While baseball is the primary reference, several items incorporate details taken from various other school sports teams, representing a broader sporting backdrop across the entire series.



Even when I look at vintage clothing, I’m always drawn to items with embroidery or doodles, and if I see them while buying, I always try my best to acquire them.
I find myself scrutinizing the details, wondering what is depicted or what kind of person wore it.

I feel that same sense of enjoyment in this series.

“VARSITY” is a theme Samuel Zelig has been continuously exploring, delving into classic American school sports style.
This season, they took inspiration from vintage senior cords and 1950s yearbooks.

Senior cords are corduroy pants that American students would decorate with writing and drawings to preserve memories of their student life.
Again, this series features baseball-centered motifs, as well as various other sports themes and lettering reminiscent of autographs, all expressed through embroidery.
These are rare to find in vintage, and the prices for originals are astronomical.
I used to buy them in the early days, but it seems difficult to source them now unless by sheer coincidence at a lucky price.

Amidst all this, Samuel’s corduroy is of an excellent weight and texture, and the color tones are just right.

The slightly relaxed expressions of the figures and the hand-drawn quality of the lines are charming. Each design has its own appeal, and the more you look at them, the more you will come to love this series.

First, I would like to introduce the corduroy “VARSITY PANT”.

“VARSITY PANT”
Color : Charcoal / Khaki
Size : S / M / L
Price : ¥63,800- (tax in)


With embroidery on both the front and back, these are fun to look at from any angle.
Available in two colors, Charcoal and Khaki—both have muted base tones that make them easier to integrate into your everyday wardrobe than you might think.
If you like the authentic feel of senior cords, I recommend the Beige (Khaki); if you aren't fond of outfits with too much contrast, I recommend the Charcoal.
Please choose the one that fits your personal style.

They look great simply paired with a plain sweatshirt or knit.
Just by swapping your regular pants for these, you can add a great accent to your outfit.

I also felt the length on these pants was a bit cleaner than usual.
This is just my impression, but when you actually put them on, the overall balance is excellent. I highly recommend giving them a try.

I am 173cm / 60kg and size M is perfect for me.

We have also received the “VARSITY LETTERMAN JACKET,” made from the same corduroy.
This comes only in one color: Charcoal.

“VARSITY LETTERMAN JACKET”
Color : Charcoal
Size : M / L / XL / XXL
Price : ¥90,200- (tax in)

This piece is striking, not just for the embroidery on the front and sleeves, but for the large design sprawling across the back.
The red lines on the collar, cuffs, and hem ribbing act as a great accent to the muted body.
Last year’s navy version had a slightly sportier feel, but this model offers a more mature impression.
While we only stocked XXL last time, we have expanded the size range this season.
Given the current market for outerwear, isn't this price point quite attractive!?
In the photos, I am wearing an XL.
I also recommend styling it with a bit of room to spare, perhaps paired with slacks.

“VARSITY THERMAL”
Color : Natural
Size : M / L / XL
Price : ¥34,100- (tax in)

For something more casual, there is the “VARSITY THERMAL”.

It features different embroidery on the front and back of the natural-colored thermal.
The front shows a figure holding a pennant, and the back depicts four people in sportswear.

Actually, the silhouette is excellent.
It has a relaxed fit through the body and a raw hem.
It works perfectly on its own, but it’s also great for peeking out from under a shirt or jacket.
Thermals are often viewed strictly as innerwear.
While domestic brands usually prioritize comfort in a way that makes their thermals hard to wear alone, Samuel’s version can be treated as a long-sleeve T-shirt thanks to the embroidery.
By the way, it has a nice weight and is very comfortable to wear.
I am wearing a size L here, at 173cm / 60kg.

“VARSITY HOODIE”
Color : Heather Grey
Size : M / L / XL
Price : ¥68,200- (tax in)

 

“VARSITY SWEATPANT”
Color : Heather Grey
Size : S / M
Price : ¥52,800- (tax in)


For the heather grey sweat collection, we selected two styles: the sweatpants and the hoodie.

The “VARSITY SWEATPANT” is a straight-leg style without ribbed cuffs.
The lettering around the waist and the embroidery of baseball players on both legs stand out beautifully.
Sweatpants have been released before, but this one has a slightly cleaner silhouette.
It feels much easier to wear.


I have paired them with an au CONCOURS leather jacket, and the finish is superb.
I love the balance of pairing sweatpants with slightly refined pieces or items made of substantial materials.
While slick fabrics can look out of place, they blend perfectly with fall/winter materials like wool or suede-like fabrics.
I am wearing a size S at 173cm / 60kg.

The “VARSITY HOODIE” is an impressive piece with embroidery from the chest to the sleeves, back, and even the hood.
Once again, grey is a very grounding color for a hoodie. It makes styling very easy.
There is a large design on the back that resembles a scorecard, with smaller motifs on the hood as well.
Even with this much embroidery, the color scheme of red and navy on grey keeps the overall look cohesive.

I am wearing a size L here.
I hope you will enjoy pairing it with your usual denim or chinos.

And this time, we have also ordered a limited quantity of the “VARSITY TEE”.


“VARSITY TEE”
Color : Slate Blue Ringer
Size : M / L / XL
Price : ¥29,700- (tax in)

Usually, I don't order many T-shirts for the fall/winter season, but the embroidery this time was so good that I couldn't pass it up.


The design on the front combines baseball players, a game scene, and lettering.
It has an off-white body with slate blue collars and embroidery. This color combination is fantastic.
You can wear it as an inner layer during the fall/winter, and on its own once it gets warmer.
If you like this design, I highly recommend this T-shirt. I am wearing a size L.

For those who usually prefer simple clothing, I hope you will try incorporating some Samuel Zelig into your wardrobe.

A plain knit with embroidered pants.
Your go-to slacks paired with an illustrated thermal or hoodie.
A glimpse of T-shirt embroidery under a jacket.

Adding just one piece can make your usual outfits look completely different.

If you’ve grown a little bored of simple styling, please use these as an accent.
Try adding a change to your basic look with your own favorite art and colors.

We aim to have them live on the online store around 19:00 today.

Lakewood Clothing
Miyachi

Lakewood Clothing
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