The "39" in the name often refers to a design effect rather than just a version number. In the garment industry, "39" usually implies a that mimics the look of sewn twill patches.
: STAHLS' offers several stylized versions of the Varsity family, including: Varsity Pinstripe Varsity Fade Varsity Gap Outline
The Varsity font is a workhorse in the custom apparel industry, especially for sports uniforms.
This guide offers a complete exploration of this font, from its technical DNA and proper licensing to its practical applications and ethical alternatives, providing essential insights for designers, decorators, and sports enthusiasts alike.
Because the "Medium" font leaves a small gap between the edge of the letter and the jacket fabric, always use a Teflon sheet or non-stick cover sheet on top of the carrier. This prevents the edges of the "M" or "W" from lifting when you open the press.
: It features the iconic "block" look associated with high school and collegiate sports jerseys. Slab Serif Structure
You will find the Varsity Medium font in three primary real-world applications:
While a home iron might work for small projects, a professional heat press is recommended for consistent pressure and temperature, especially for pre-cut letters.
Here’s a short, engaging piece written to suit the look and tone of Stahls 39 Varsity 2000 Medium — a bold, athletic, retro collegiate font with chunky serifs and strong verticals. The text uses short, punchy lines and crisp rhythm to match that varsity aesthetic.
It features the iconic sharp angles, heavy slab serifs, and geometric construction synonymous with American high school and collegiate sports.
For decorators, learning to use —a heat-applied material that replicates the look of embroidery—is a growing trend. The varsity font is a primary option for this material, offering an embroidered look without an embroidery machine.
The font is a classic display typeface designed to mimic the bold, "worn" look of traditional collegiate athletics. Most frequently used in the custom apparel and sportswear industry, this font captures the timeless aesthetic of high school and university "varsity" designs. The Anatomy of a Classic