{"product_id":"pre-owned-bethlehem-sporting-goods-m-58-varsity-patch-letterman-knit-cardigan-with-thumbhole","title":"Vintage 1958 Bethlehem Sporting Goods Varsity Letterman Wool Cardigan","description":"\u003ch1\u003eVintage 1958 Bethlehem Sporting Goods Varsity Letterman Knit Cardigan!\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eA rare survivor from the golden age of American collegiate sportswear. This heavyweight 100% wool varsity letterman cardigan was made by \u003cstrong\u003eBethlehem Sporting Goods for All Athletic Outfitters\u003c\/strong\u003e out of Bethlehem, PA — a storied regional outfitter that dressed athletes and letter-winners across the Lehigh Valley for decades. The bold varsity patch features a fuzzy beige \"M\" alongside the number \u003cstrong\u003e\"58\"\u003c\/strong\u003e — almost certainly denoting the year \u003cstrong\u003e1958\u003c\/strong\u003e — and a classic baseball emblem, making this a true piece of mid-century American athletic history.\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eInside, a hand-sewn name patch reads \u003cem\u003eM. Lonsenderfou\u003c\/em\u003e — the original owner, whose story lives on in every stitch. This is not a reproduction. This is the real thing.\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e~ Product Details:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bethlehem Sporting Goods for All Athletic Outfitters, Bethlehem, PA\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStyle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Varsity Letterman Knit Cardigan\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClosure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Button-down front\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSleeves:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long sleeve with ribbed cuffs and thumbholes\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePockets:\u003c\/strong\u003e Two front slit pockets\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLining:\u003c\/strong\u003e Unlined\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePatch:\u003c\/strong\u003e Beige fuzzy \"M\", navy \"58\", baseball emblem on varsity patch\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInterior:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original owner name patch — M. Lonsenderfou\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100% Wool\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEra:\u003c\/strong\u003e Circa 1958\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e~ Condition:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eThis is a \u003cstrong\u003epre-loved, sold-as-is\u003c\/strong\u003e vintage piece. There are some areas of wear and damage that have been repaired — consistent with a garment that has been genuinely worn and loved over nearly 70 years. No size tag is present; please refer to measurements below. A garment label is intact.\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eSome damages present — repaired\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eNo size tag (measure carefully against the size chart below)\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eOriginal garment label intact\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eInterior name patch: M. Lonsenderfou\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e~ Care Instructions:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eHand wash cold\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eDo not bleach\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eLay flat to dry\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eDo not twist or wring\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e~ Size Chart \u0026amp; Measurements:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e\u003cem\u003eNo size tag present. Please measure carefully and compare to your own garments.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eMeasurement\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eInches\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eModern Size Equivalent\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eChest (full circumference)\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e43\"\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eLarge (fits ~40–42\" body chest)\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eLength (shoulder to hem)\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e24\"\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eStandard for Large\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eShoulder to Shoulder\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e22\"\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eLarge–XL\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eSleeve Length\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e22\"\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eShorter than modern standard*\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModern Size: Large (L)\u003c\/strong\u003e — relaxed fit on a Medium, true fit on a Large.\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e\u003cem\u003e*Note: Sleeve length runs shorter than contemporary standards at 22\" — typical of 1950s menswear cut. Ideal for average to shorter arm lengths. The thumbhole cuffs add a small amount of effective sleeve length.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e~ Who Is This For?\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eThis cardigan is for the man who understands that the best things were made before fast fashion existed. Whether you're drawn to \u003cstrong\u003eAmericana heritage\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003epreppy collegiate aesthetics\u003c\/strong\u003e, or the understated confidence of \u003cstrong\u003equiet luxury\u003c\/strong\u003e, this piece delivers without trying too hard.\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e~ Why You Need It:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eYou won't find this at any retailer. A genuine 1958 varsity letterman cardigan in 100% wool — with provenance, a name patch, and a story — is the kind of piece that anchors a wardrobe and starts conversations. It's wearable history, and there is exactly one.\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e~ Style Tips — Everyday Men\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eLayer over a white or grey crew-neck tee with dark slim jeans and white sneakers for an effortless weekend look\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eWear open over a chambray shirt with chinos and leather boots for a relaxed smart-casual outfit\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003ePair with joggers and a baseball cap for a vintage athleisure moment that feels intentional, not lazy\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e~ Style Tips — Preppy Men\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eButton it fully over a crisp OCBD shirt with khaki trousers and penny loafers — pure Ivy League energy\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eLayer under a camel overcoat with grey flannel trousers and a repp stripe tie for a heritage-forward look\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003ePair with a turtleneck, corduroy trousers, and suede bucks for a 1960s campus aesthetic\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e~ Style Tips — Quiet Luxury Men\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eWear over a fine-gauge cashmere turtleneck in camel or ivory with tailored wool trousers — let the texture do the talking\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eLayer under a structured overcoat in charcoal or navy; the varsity patch becomes an unexpected, understated detail\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003ePair with dark denim, a white poplin shirt, and minimal leather accessories for a look that is effortlessly considered\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e~ Sustainability \u0026amp; Impact:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eChoosing pre-owned is one of the most impactful decisions a consumer can make. By purchasing this vintage cardigan instead of a new equivalent, you are estimated to:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eSave approximately \u003cstrong\u003e1,800 liters of water\u003c\/strong\u003e (the amount needed to produce a new wool garment of this weight)\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003ePrevent approximately \u003cstrong\u003e3–5 kg of CO₂ equivalent\u003c\/strong\u003e emissions from entering the atmosphere\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eDivert a garment from landfill that has already lasted nearly 70 years — and can last 70 more with proper care\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eSupport the \u003cstrong\u003ecircular fashion economy\u003c\/strong\u003e by extending the life cycle of an existing, high-quality natural fiber garment\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e\u003cem\u003eSustainability estimates are based on industry averages for wool garment production (Higg Index \/ Textile Exchange benchmarks) and are provided for informational purposes.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e~ Brand History — Bethlehem Sporting Goods\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eBethlehem Sporting Goods was a regional athletic outfitter based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania — a city synonymous with American industrial pride and the Lehigh Valley's rich sporting culture. Operating during the mid-20th century, the company supplied letterman jackets, cardigans, and athletic apparel to schools, clubs, and teams across the region. Their garments were built to last: heavy wool construction, reinforced stitching, and custom varsity patches that celebrated individual athletic achievement. Today, surviving pieces from Bethlehem Sporting Goods are genuine artifacts of American sporting heritage — rarely found, and increasingly sought after by collectors and vintage enthusiasts alike.\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e~ The Story Behind This Garment:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eSomewhere in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in 1958, a young man earned his letter. He walked into Bethlehem Sporting Goods, chose this cardigan, and had his name — \u003cem\u003eM. Lonsenderfou\u003c\/em\u003e — sewn inside. He wore it to games, to school, perhaps on dates. Over the decades, it passed through hands unknown, survived the era of synthetic fibers and fast fashion, and arrived here — still structurally sound, still 100% wool, still carrying the weight of its original moment. Now it's ready for its next chapter. That chapter is yours.\u003c\/h1\u003e","brand":"Bethlehem Sporting Goods","offers":[{"title":"Navy \/ Large ( Measured 43\" Chest, 24\" Length )","offer_id":49900903629043,"sku":null,"price":98.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0395\/8980\/6246\/files\/IMG-8671.jpg?v=1783722688","url":"https:\/\/thirteenvintage.com\/products\/pre-owned-bethlehem-sporting-goods-m-58-varsity-patch-letterman-knit-cardigan-with-thumbhole","provider":"Thirteen Vintage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}