A man wearing a John Vavatos grey blazer with black pants

John Varvatos

$$$$
StylePunk / Grunge / GothQuiet luxuryWorkwear / Heritage
Known forBootsFragranceJacketsSuits & blazers
Origin · New York, United StatesMade in · VariousFounded · 1999

John Varvatos is a New York-based American menswear label founded in 1999 by the Detroit-born designer of the same name, who showed his first collection in 2000. Its rock-and-roll wardrobe centers on slim tailoring, washed and distressed leather jackets, boots and Star USA sportswear in muted, weathered palettes. Private equity firm Lion Capital's Lion/Hendrix affiliate took control through a 2020 Chapter 11 sale and Varvatos left the company. Karl Aberg, with the label since 1999, became creative director in 2024 and returned it to New York Fashion Week.

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How John Varvatos fits
CategoryRunsShapeLengthSize adviceConfidence
Trousers & pantsslightly smallslim, low-to-mid rise with a clean taperregular, often intended to break short or stack slightly over bootsConsider one waist size up if you prefer any ease through the seat and thigh.low
Jeans & denimslightly smallslim to slim-straight, with skinnier Star USA washesregular to long inseams meant for cuffing over bootsTake your usual waist if you like a snug denim fit, otherwise go up one for comfort in the thigh.medium
Jacketsruns smallvery slim moto and biker silhouettes with high, tight armholesregular to slightly cropped at the hemSize up at least one in leather jackets, particularly if you want to wear a sweater underneath.medium
T-shirts & graphic teesruns smallslim, fitted through chest and sleeve, often with a narrow neck openingregular to slightly long body, sometimes with a curved or elongated hemSize up one if you want a relaxed drape; keep your size only if you like a body-skimming tee.medium
Hoodies & sweatshirtsslightly smalltrim, close-fitting sweatshirt shape rather than boxy streetwearregularGo up a size if you plan to layer anything under it.low
Shirts & overshirtsruns smallslim through the chest and waist with a tapered bodylong enough to tuck; sleeves often read longSize up if you are between sizes or broader through the chest and shoulders.medium
Does John Varvatos run big or small?

John Varvatos runs small. Most shoppers do best going up one size from their usual, especially in leather outerwear and knits, unless they want a deliberately tight rocker fit. The label is widely described as cutting slim and close to the body, so a sizable share of buyers report needing one size up from their normal US size for a comfortable fit, while slimmer builds often find it true to size.

How does John Varvatos fit?

The label is widely described as cutting slim and close to the body, so a sizable share of buyers report needing one size up from their normal US size for a comfortable fit, while slimmer builds often find it true to size. Overall shape: slim, body-conscious cut through the chest, waist and sleeve.

How do John Varvatos trousers & pants fit?

John Varvatos trousers & pants fits slightly small. Consider one waist size up if you prefer any ease through the seat and thigh. Shape: slim, low-to-mid rise with a clean taper.

How do John Varvatos jeans & denim fit?

John Varvatos jeans & denim fits slightly small. Take your usual waist if you like a snug denim fit, otherwise go up one for comfort in the thigh. Shape: slim to slim-straight, with skinnier Star USA washes.

How do John Varvatos jackets fit?

John Varvatos jackets runs small. Size up at least one in leather jackets, particularly if you want to wear a sweater underneath. Shape: very slim moto and biker silhouettes with high, tight armholes.

Directional fit consensus summarized from public sources with AI — a starting point, not a guarantee. Confirm with the product's own measurements before buying.

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