Ferris Bueller’s iconic sweater vest hits Sotheby’s auction for the 40th anniversary

One of the most iconic pieces of movie memorabilia from the 1980s is up for grabs. In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Sotheby’s is auctioning off the signature sweater vest worn by Matthew Broderick as Ferris Bueller in the beloved John Hughes comedy.

The online single-lot auction opened Thursday, June 5, and will remain open for bidding through Tuesday, June 24. The screen-used vest, instantly recognizable from scenes including the “Twist and Shout” parade and Wrigley Field, is estimated to sell for between $300,000 and $600,000, according to a Sotheby’s press release. The vest is on public view at Sotheby’s New York galleries through the end of the auction.

“As we look back on Ferris Bueller’s unforgettable adventure 40 years later, the legacy of this iconic film and the sweater vest that helped define Ferris’s style remains as relevant as ever to fans and collectors around the world,” said Ralph DeLuca, Sotheby’s Vice Chairman of Popular Culture in the press release. “In the wise words of Ferris, ‘Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.’ Those words couldn’t be truer in this unprecedented opportunity to own the most iconic artifact from one of the most beloved comedies in American film history.”

The vest comes from the personal collection of Darren Rovell, an Emmy-winning sports business reporter and founder of media company Cllct. He is a longtime memorabilia collector who described the item as a rare Hollywood treasure.

“There are few costumes in Hollywood history that are instantly recognizable, and this is undeniably one of them,” Rovell said in the announcement. “For the discerning collector, it possesses all the hallmarks of greatness: exceptional preservation, iconic status, and unquestionable authenticity. … I feel this is the perfect moment to pass this legendary vest on to another passionate fan and devoted collector.”

The vest’s provenance is strengthened by its photo matching and a personal inspection by Marilyn Vance, the film’s original costume designer. According to the press release, Vance was committed to finding a unique look that communicated Ferris’s charismatic blend of rebellion and charm. She discovered the now-famous camel and chocolate brown sweater at Marshall Field’s and customized it by cutting off the sleeves.

This item also serves as the first major sale for Sotheby’s new Popular Culture department, which launched in March 2025. Led by DeLuca, the department reflects Sotheby’s strategic push into high-value entertainment memorabilia and collectibles, building on decades of experience across art, film, music and television markets.

With its debut marked by such a culturally resonant item, the department’s launch speaks to the growing appetite for pop culture artifacts that defined a generation.

“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” premiered in 1986 and quickly became a touchstone of teen cinema. The film’s lasting appeal is rooted in its playful defiance, Chicago backdrop, and unforgettable style — all embodied in one very famous sweater vest.