How Balfour Is Redefining Commemorative Fashion For U.S. Universities

As the academic calendar approaches its end, Balfour is garnishing students in the commemorative and commencement fashion that hold memories for each journey. For over a century, Balfour has been a cornerstone of academic celebration across the United States. Best known for its class rings, varsity jackets, caps and gowns, school uniforms, and yearbooks, the company’s legacy runs deep in the emotional fabric of American student life.

Founded in 1913, entrepreneur L.G. Balfour recognized two growing trends; increasing college enrollment and a rise in campus Greek life popularity. Spotting this opportunity, he founded Balfour Company to produce premium fraternity and sorority jewelry for campuses nationwide.

Today, with over 4,000 employees across North America, and under the leadership of CEO Ryan Esko, Balfour is undergoing a stylish transformation while holding tightly to the traditions that define its heritage. “At Balfour, we celebrate student achievements—that’s why our tagline is ‘Celebrating U,’” says Esko. “Our mission is to be the most trusted graduation consumer products company in North America.”

That mission is grounded in more than nostalgia. As students look to honor their educational milestones, Esko and his team have invested in product innovation, elevated design, and personalization for products like varsity jackets, class rings, and other commencement garments, all while keeping tradition front and center.

“While we’ve introduced fresh design options like our new Balfour Band Ring, which has done well in the high school market, and we’ve invested in premium fabrications and modern fits for our uniforms… what we consistently see is that the most enduring demand is for the classics,” says Esko.

Classic items are where Balfour shines as a designer and manufacturer. Whether it’s the iconic college class ring, a tailored letterman jacket, or polished graduation regalia, every product is treated as a symbol of pride and achievement.

Balfour’s class rings remain its signature as designs evolve with student preferences while maintaining an air of academic tradition. “We’ve tested new, modern ring styles, and while there’s a niche audience for them, the overwhelming majority of students still choose the classic, iconic traditional class ring—the one that connects them to decades of graduates and generations before them,” Esko explains.

Customization plays a major role for the Balfour. “Nearly 95% of everything we make is custom for our customer,” he says. That means no two official college class rings are the same. Every detail, from the stone, metal, and side designs to engravings and emblems is tailored to reflect a student’s individual journey.

That same level of craftsmanship extends to varsity jackets, transcending their schoolyard roots to become coveted items in contemporary fashion. Worn by graduating seniors, athletes, and fraternity members, varsity jackets have long been a fashionable choice for bold expression on campus. “The letter jacket has always been a symbol of school pride and achievement. But now it’s also a statement piece in mainstream fashion,” Esko says.

With this cultural crossover, Balfour has embraced premium materials – from leather sleeves to the inner lining – and quality control, all while staying true to the jacket’s original spirit. The design updates may nod to streetwear, but the jackets still carry their iconic look and feel.

While rings and jackets get much of the spotlight, Balfour’s influence stretches across the entire graduation and school apparel space—including uniforms, yearbooks, and graduation photography. The company’s proprietary Balfour Vivid Print system, for instance, produces the highest-resolution yearbooks in the country. Meanwhile, digital tools like GradRoll and GradReel are changing how commencement moments are shared.

“We don’t just deliver products,” Esko emphasizes. “Our goal is to deliver confidence, consistency, and a level of excellence that schools and families count on during some of life’s most meaningful milestones. They may have these products for a lifetime.”

Esko also points to growing collaborations with universities to design one-of-a-kind, institution-specific rings and regalia. “When colleges and alumni associations collaborate on ring designs that are truly unique and recognizable to their institution… it sparks a deeper emotional connection with students and alumni.”

As higher education faces uncertainty and shifting enrollment patterns, Esko remains optimistic. “We’re always mindful of broader trends, but we’re optimistic about the future,” he says. Instead of bracing for change, Balfour is leaning into it. They are investing in digital tools, expanding into Canadian markets, and enhancing offerings like school uniforms, further integrating its presence on campus.

“We’re proud to be the leader in official college class rings, graduation photography, and high-quality yearbooks, and we’re continuing to invest in those categories with innovation, service enhancements, new technology, and experiences that elevate the customer experience.”

Whether it’s through a traditional ring, a monogrammed polo, or a custom varsity jacket, Balfour’s goal remains to make academic memories tangible. “It’s a powerful reminder that while personalization and fashion are very important, tradition is what gives these moments their emotional weight,” says Esko. “Our approach is to offer best-in-class quality while staying rooted in the traditional styles that continue to define school culture generation after generation.”