Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 25, 2025 · Entertainment

Iconic Ferris Bueller Vest Sells for $279,400 at Auction!

Matthew Broderick's vest from his classic 1986 high school comedy Ferris Bueller's Day Off just sold for an eyewatering sum

Ferris Bueller's Day Off Vest Sells for a Ridiculous Sum: The Ultimate 80s Icon is Up for Grabs

Get ready for some serious nostalgia overload! A piece of Hollywood history has just sold for an eye-watering sum, leaving fans of the iconic 1986 film Ferris Bueller's Day Off absolutely stunned. We're talking about Matthew Broderick's legendary vest, which has become synonymous with the movie's rebellious spirit and carefree charm.

The vest, a one-of-a-kind acrylic yarn masterpiece featuring a camel and black geometric design, is more than just a fashion statement – it's a cultural icon that has captured the hearts of generations. Who can forget Ferris (Broderick) rocking this look as he gallivants around Chicago with his best pal Cameron (Alan Ruck) and girlfriend Sloane (Mia Sara)?

Bidding opened on the lot on June 5 and closed this Tuesday, June 24 at around 11am Pacific time when the vest finally sold for its head-spinning sum

According to Sotheby's New York, where the vest was auctioned off, the lot initially expected to fetch between $300,000 to $600,000. But, oh no, this vest had a few tricks up its sleeve! After 11 bids, it finally sold for a whopping $279,400. Yes, you read that right – nearly three-quarters of a million dollars!

So, who's the lucky buyer behind this stunning sum? Well, we can't reveal that just yet, but rest assured it was a serious collector or enthusiast willing to shell out big bucks for a piece of cinematic history.

The vest, which was originally designed as a cardigan by costume designer Marilyn Vance and then modified into a vest to reflect Ferris' rebellious nature, has become an integral part of the movie's identity. It's the ultimate symbol of youthful rebellion, charisma, and a dash of mischief – qualities that have made Ferris Bueller a beloved character for decades.

The film's rollicking plotline follows the title teenager (Matthew) playing truant from high school for a day with his girlfriend (Mia Sara, center) and best pal (Alan Ruck, right)

This sale is more than just a financial transaction; it's a testament to the enduring power of 80s pop culture. The vest has been bundled together with other rare memorabilia, including:

  • A ticket stub from the real Cubs game at Wrigley Field in September 1985 (where the iconic Wrigley Field sequence was filmed)
  • A 1980s National League baseball with a fake Charles Feeney autograph
  • An index card with Matthew Broderick's signature
  • A VHS copy of the film, plus ticket stubs to see it at a Japanese theater and Showcase Cinemas location
  • A ticket stub from a 1985 Chicago Cubs vs. Atlanta game shown being played on TV in the movie
  • And even a Ferris Bueller Bullies trading card!

Sotheby's vice chairman of popular culture, Ralph DeLuca, had this to say: "Few items in film history carry the instant recognition and cultural weight of Ferris Bueller's sweater vest. It's more than just a costume – it's a piece of 1980s Americana that embodies a character, a decade, and a universal sense of youthful rebellion."

Directed by John Hughes, who was famed for 1980s high school comedies like The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles, Ferris Bueller's Day Off was an instant hit

Stay tuned for more updates on this juicy sale as we dish out all the details with our sources at thescholarlynote.com!