11 Stylish Harrington Jackets For Autumn

The mid-century classic is great now and all year-round.

By Chris Contonou 29/04/2021

“Essential” is an overused term in menswear, but it’s apt when discussing with the Harrington jacket. This lightweight, waist-length blouson, traditionally featuring Fraser tartan lining, has been made famous by its association with the many celebrity icons and subcultures who’ve worn it.

Of all the Harrington jackets out there, the most famous has to be Baracuta’s G9—the first and arguably most definitive model. Founded by the Miller brothers in 1930s Manchester, England, Baracuta made its name developing waterproof garments for the likes of Burberry. After the brothers realised that conventional jacket lengths hindered golfers’ game—nice excuse—they introduced the G9 (the “G” stands for golf). The design found success stateside on Hollywood greens during the fifties but became a cultural phenomenon when Steve McQueen, James Dean and Ryan O’ Neal (whose ’60s soap opera character, Rodney Harrington, gave the jacket its popular name) added it to their arsenal. The Harrington’s cool hasn’t wavered much since then.

Baracuta representative Luigi Bucci points to the brand’s new collaboration with Scandinavian designer Byborre as evidence of the jacket’s modern appeal. This version is made in Italy (unlike all other G9s, which are still made in the UK) with 100 per cent recycled plastic. It’s an innovative update for an ever-evolving classic. Whichever example you choose—traditional or techy, nylon, cotton or leather—the Harrington transcends the seasons. Like Daniel Craig in Quantum of Solace or Steve McQueen on track day, it looks smart in the heat, protects on rainy days and, when the weather’s colder out, is versatile enough for layering. There’s a Harrington jacket out there for everyone; here are 11 of the best to buy now.

Baracuta G9 Jacket

Photo: Baracuta

Not much about this classic has changed over the years, but today there is more variety in colour and patterns, with suede and wool examples and a selection of limited-editions like the new Byborre collaboration. For the original, roomier sizing, take a look at their archive selection. The red and mist colourways (the latter is pictured here) remain the celluloid icons, worn by Dean and McQueen respectively.

$600; baracuta.com

Polo Ralph Lauren “Bi-Swing” Jacket

Photo: Ralph Lauren

Harkening to the jacket’s Ivy League influence, Ralph Lauren’s Harrington is our pick if you’re enjoying the current preppy renaissance. Including a throat-tab closure and an understated touch of tattersall, it’s a G9 that will look perfectly at home on the links.

Approx. $230; ralphlauren.com

Grenfell Harrington Jacket

Photo: Grenfell

Grenfell claims its is the true original Harrington, first commissioned by the East London cloth firm in 1931. Whatever the case, this version remains elegant and clean, made in England with the brand’s proprietary water-resistant cloth and house lining and available in both a roomier classic and slim standard fit. There are plenty of colours to choose from, but we’re partial to this burgundy.

Approx. $450; grenfell.com

Tom Ford Garment-Dyed Cotton-Silk Harrington Jacket

The most luxurious Harrington on this list is by none other than Tom Ford. From the piece-dyeing of the cotton-silk-blend poplin to the horn buttons and leather undercollar, it keeps the distinctive Harrington look while adding heaps of sophistication. The black hue ensures it’ll elevate any date night or lunch meeting, however you choose to style it.

$4,529; mrporter.com

King and Tuckfield Linen-Cotton Harrington Jacket

Photo: MyTheresa

King and Tuckfield’s minimalist, gender-neutral designs offer a softer take on classic menswear pieces. This Harrington is made in a woven linen-cotton blend in a summer-ready shade of beige with an elasticated hem. A versatile piece from a rightly hyped brand.

Approx. $770; mytheresa.com

Fred Perry Check Harrington Jacket

Photo: Fred Perry

In the ’80s, Fred Perry’s Harrington jackets came to represent a new era of British youth culture revolving around reggae, ska and life on the football terraces. They remain a cult touchpoint to that era of counter-culture.

$385; fredperry.com

Private White V.C. “The Ventile Harrington 3.0”

Photo: Private White V.C.

Private White V.C.’s version is made using Ventile cotton, commissioned by Winston Churchill and worn on the first Everest Summit expedition in 1953. So, it’s unsurprisingly durable. What might be surprising is that Ventile cotton means this jacket is among the more breathable options for the odd warmer day.

Approx. $850; privatewhitevc.com

Saturdays NYC Leather Harrington Jacket

Photo: Saturdays NYC

Slightly more The Wild One than Rebel Without a Cause, this leather biker jacket is a fitting mashup of the best of Brando and James Dean. A streamlined crossover Harrington in buttery nappa lambskin, this would pair nicely with raw denim.

Approx. $505; saturdaysnyc.com

Dunhill Nylon Harrington Jacket

Photo: Mr Porter

Dunhill’s Harrington has the understated look you’d expect from the English luxury brand, but with a few modern conveniences. It’s made with a drawstring hem, which can be pulled to adjust the fit, in hardwearing nylon without a button in sight.

$1220; mrporter.com

Ami “Ami de Coeur” Zipped Jacket

Photo : Ami

Alexandre Mattuisi’s Ami brings a touch of Parisian cool to this British classic in navy cotton canvas. Go full Parisian BoBo and pair it with a pair of light-wash denim and Adidas Stan Smiths.

$816; amiparis.com

Burberry “Woodside” Harrington Jacket

Photo: Ssense

A mix between a baseball jacket, a quilted country coat and the Harrington, Riccardo Tisci’s gives the classic a dose of street smarts. Made from recycled nylon satin, it includes the brand’s contemporary logo in terry cloth, a corduroy collar and two-way zip closure.

$1345; ssense.com

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