History of the blue jacket

When people think about the National FFA Organization, the iconic blue corduroy jacket usually comes to mind. As reported by Kacie Hulshof, associated editor of AgDaily, this jacket has been a symbol of the organization for nearly 90 years. The FFA Official Dress includes this blue jacket paired with either a scarf or a tie along with blue pants or a skirt.

According to Hulshof, the FFA Official Dress guidelines have an interesting history. “Since 1933, Official Dress for FFA members has been updated to evolve with the organization, but one thing has remained the same — the blue and gold corduroy jacket.”

Although the blue corduroy jacket may not be considered a fashion statement, it is in fact an iconic piece of fashion. “What other article of clothing has been around for 90 years and worn by millions?” says Hulshof. “Official Dress gives identity and gives a ‘distinctive and recognizable image to the organization and its members.’”

Hulshof says it all started when agriculture educator J.H. (Gus) Lintner from Ohio commissioned a jacket for members of the local FFA chapter to wear to the 1933 National FFA Convention in Kansas City, Missouri, as part of their FFA band uniform. The iconic blue and gold design was so popular that it was adopted as the Official Dress of FFA members.

Since the Official Dress was adopted in 1933, it has changed in a few ways over the years.  In 1969, girls were accepted into the organization, which lead to the addition of a girls fit jacket and the option to wear a dark skirt, and in1988 the wording of the emblem was changed from “Vocational Agriculture” to “Agricultural Education.” The most recent change came in 2016, when dropped the requirement for girls to wear a skirt and gave them the option to wear pants, as well as giving members the right to wear religious attire while in uniform.

“So even though it might be a little stiff or itchy when you first get it, your FFA jacket represents so much more than any other piece of clothing,” says Hulshof. “It represents the local, state, and national organization that so many have come to love and respect. It is not only your journey, but when you have FFA Official Dress on, you represent the millions that came before you and will follow you on this journey.”