5 Reasons Princess Diana’s Eagles Jacket Is The Hottest Fashion Item Of December 2025

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Few items of clothing possess the power to bridge the gap between British royalty, American football, and modern streetwear, but the Philadelphia Eagles varsity jacket worn by Princess Diana is one of them. As of late 2025, this iconic piece is experiencing a massive, viral resurgence, with every limited re-release selling out instantly and a recent charity auction of a replica fetching a staggering $100,000. It’s a sartorial phenomenon that proves Diana’s casual style legacy is more powerful now than ever before.

This deep dive explores the full, updated story of the Kelly Green letterman jacket, detailing its surprising origin, its impact on the Philadelphia community, and why it remains one of the most sought-after fashion replicas in the world, especially following the Mitchell & Ness re-releases in late 2024 and 2025.

The Unexpected Origin Story: From Monaco Funeral to Royal Wardrobe

The story of how the Princess of Wales, a global style icon, came to own a jacket for an American NFL team is one of the most charming and unexpected anecdotes in royal history. It began not in London or Philadelphia, but in Monaco in 1982.

Diana was attending the funeral of Hollywood legend and Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly, when she met Jack Edelstein, the longtime statistician for the Philadelphia Eagles.

During their conversation, Edelstein learned two crucial details about the Princess: she loved American football, and her favorite colors were green and silver.

Upon returning to Philadelphia, Edelstein shared the story with the then-Eagles owner, Leonard Tose. Tose, known for his generous spirit, immediately decided to send Diana a gift: a custom-made Philadelphia Eagles varsity jacket.

The jacket, a classic Kelly Green letterman style, became a staple of Diana’s off-duty wardrobe throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. She was famously photographed wearing it in 1991 while picking up Prince Harry from school and again a few years later at a theme park, cementing its status as an emblem of her rebellious, casual chic.

Diana’s Style Legacy: Oversized Fashion and Athleisure Influence

The Eagles jacket is more than just a piece of sports memorabilia; it's a cornerstone of Princess Diana’s enduring fashion legacy. Her willingness to embrace oversized sportswear challenged the traditional, formal expectations of the British Royal Family.

The jacket perfectly encapsulates Diana's "athleisure" look—a style that is incredibly popular today. She pioneered the trend of pairing baggy, comfortable outerwear with simple, casual clothing.

Key elements of Diana’s casual style seen in the jacket's use include:

  • Oversized Silhouette: The jacket's roomy fit was a deliberate choice, offering comfort and a sense of anonymity from the paparazzi.
  • Sportswear as High Fashion: By wearing an NFL jacket, Diana elevated American sportswear to a global fashion statement, influencing the rise of streetwear.
  • The "Rebel" Look: It signaled a break from the prim, tailored suits expected of the Princess of Wales, projecting an image of independence and individuality.

The Modern Resurgence: Viral Replicas and the $100,000 Auction

The jacket’s popularity has surged dramatically in the last two years, driven by a perfect storm of nostalgia, the enduring appeal of 1990s fashion, and a high-profile charity event.

The Mitchell & Ness Phenomenon (2024-2025)

In a nod to the jacket’s iconic status, the Philadelphia-based sports clothing company Mitchell & Ness released an official replica of the Eagles varsity jacket.

  • Sell-Out Success: The initial and subsequent re-releases, including a major restock in December 2024, have sold out almost instantly, with the replica priced at approximately $400.
  • High Demand: The jacket’s scarcity and cultural cachet have made it a major commodity, reflecting its timeless design and Diana’s continued influence.

The Kylie Kelce Charity Auction

In a major cultural moment that blended royalty, sports, and pop culture, a replica of the jacket became the center of a high-stakes charity auction.

Kylie Kelce, wife of Eagles center Jason Kelce, signed a replica of the jacket, and it was put up for auction to benefit the Eagles Autism Foundation.

The jacket ultimately sold for an astonishing $100,000, with the winning bid placed by the stars of the hit TV show, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, including Rob McElhenney, Kaitlin Olson, Glenn Howerton, and Charlie Day.

This event not only raised a significant amount for charity but also cemented the jacket's status as a valuable piece of contemporary pop culture history, tying Princess Diana’s legacy directly to the modern Philadelphia community.

Topical Authority & Relevant Entities

The Princess Diana Eagles jacket story is enriched by a network of key figures, brands, and concepts that contribute to its lasting legacy:

  • Key Individuals: Princess Diana, Jack Edelstein, Leonard Tose, Grace Kelly, Kylie Kelce, Jason Kelce, Rob McElhenney, Prince Harry, Prince William.
  • Organizations & Brands: Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), Mitchell & Ness, British Royal Family, Eagles Autism Foundation, People Magazine, Fanatics.
  • Fashion & Style Keywords (LSI): Varsity Jacket, Letterman Jacket, Kelly Green, Oversized Fashion, Athleisure, Casual Chic, Streetwear, Royal Fashion, 1990s Fashion, Sartorial Legacy, Preppy Style.
  • Events & Locations: Grace Kelly’s Funeral (1982), Theme Park Outing, School Run (1991), Philadelphia, Monaco, London.

Why the Eagles Jacket is a Timeless Icon

The enduring popularity of the Princess Diana Eagles jacket stems from its unique ability to tell a story about identity, freedom, and unexpected connections. It was a statement piece for a woman navigating intense public scrutiny, using clothing to signal her desire for a normal, casual life outside of the palace walls.

In the 2025 fashion landscape, where oversized hoodies, vintage sportswear, and comfort are paramount, the jacket remains perfectly on-trend. Its constant sell-out success with Mitchell & Ness proves that the desire to own a piece of Diana’s effortless, rebellious chic is as strong as ever, making it a true cross-cultural, timeless fashion icon.

princess diana eagles jacket
princess diana eagles jacket

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