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“Essential” is an overused term in menswear, but it’s apt when discussing 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 realized 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 in the ’50s 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.
Now, practically every brand has its own variation on the time-tested style, from traditional to techy. Whichever example you choose, 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 18 of the best to buy now.
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Polo Ralph Lauren Bi-Swing Jacket
Image Credit: Polo Ralph Lauren Harkening to the jacket’s Ivy League influence, Ralph Lauren’s Harrington is our pick for 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.
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Baracuta G9 Jacket
Image Credit: Huckberry Not much about this classic has changed over the years, but today there is more variety in color 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 colorways (the former is pictured here) remain the celluloid icons, worn by Dean and McQueen respectively.
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Fred Perry Harrington Jacket
In the ’80s, Fred Perry’s Harrington jackets represented 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.
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Dunhill Lightweight Silk Harrington Jacket
Dunhill’s Harrington—with two side pockets with zip closures and a classic collar—has the understated look you’d expect from the English luxury brand, but with unexpected updates. It’s made out of silk that, get this, is also water-resistant.
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J.Crew Cotton Twill Harrington Jacket
Many of the options on this list are pretty durable—living up to the Harringtons origins—but if you’re in the market for something really heavy-duty, look no further than the J.Crew’s jacket. It’s made of 10-ounce cotton and washed for a lived-in feel, which means it could take a good beating if need be.
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Kiton Suede Harrington Jacket
Kiton never fails to offer the sleekest styles made of the finest materials, and its Harrington is certainly no exception. The incredibly luxurious texture and color of this suede jacket, sharply cut to flatter (those with broad shoulders should take the next size up), automatically imbues elegance and refinement.
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Bonobos The Harrington Jacket
Bonobos may have started out the gate with pants, near-perfecting trousers for work and play, but over the years, the brand has proven to be equally adept in creating other styles. A prime example is this Harrington jacket. With its sharp silhouette and details that include raglan sleeves, interior patch pocket and checkered lining, this is the kind of topper that’ll take you from the office to happy hour with no fuss.
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Pangaia Organic Cotton Harrington Jacket
Pangaia is celebrated for its sleek, eco-friendly styles. The brand’s Harrington jacket, for instance, has a beautiful boxy silhouette and is made of organic cotton with a water-repellent finish, along with an interior lined with cupro, a fiber made from cotton waste. It’s a topper that’ll make you look and feel good.
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Tom Ford Leather-Trimmed Nylon Harrington Jacket
Image Credit: Mr. Porter The most luxurious Harrington on this list is by Tom Ford. From the durable black nylon to the smooth leather trim, it keeps the distinctive Harrington look, while also adding heaps of sophistication. The black hue ensures it’ll elevate any date night or lunch meeting, however you choose to style it.
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Private White V.C. The Ventile Harrington Jacket
Image Credit: 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. Which means it’s durable. That said, the material is surprisingly breathable, allowing you to walk the streets without breaking a sweat.
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Suitsupply Tropical Wool Harrington Jacket
Image Credit: Suitsupply Sharp and streamlined are the hallmarks of Suitsupply. The brand never fails to offer goods that’ll really refine a look. And this Harrington jacket, made of pure Italian wool, is a great example of what it does best.
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Burberry The Heritage Harrington Jacket
Image Credit: Burberry Burberry may be best known for its trench coats, but the storied brand hasn’t become a leader in outerwear by offering a single product. Case in point: this Harrington jacket, with its time-tested silhouette made of crease-resistant cotton, finished off with rib-knit trims and topstitched leather zip pulls.
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Maison Margiela Check Harrington Jacket
Image Credit: End Clothing Maison Margiela is a brand steeped in subversion, offering styles that buck the status quo. It just makes sense that its Harrington jacket, made of pure cotton and covered in black and red checks, would be inspired by British subcultures in the ’60s.
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Vince Leather Harrington Jacket
Image Credit: Nordstrom 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 that would pair nicely with raw denim.
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Sunspel Cotton Harrington Jacket
Image Credit: Sunspel Sunspel’s T-shirts are some of the best in the market. They’re made of high-quality materials, cut to flatter and work with everything in your wardrobe. Of course, the brand’s Harrington jacket is no different.
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Brooks Brothers Wide Wale Corduroy Harrington Jacket
Corduroy is a spring staple, a material that provides texture and insulation from brisk breezes. Factor in the rich olive green found in this Harrington jacket from Brooks Brothers, and you have a jacket that’ll imbue you with distinction all season.
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Our Legacy Workshop Twill Harrington Jacket
Harringtons are usually fitted toppers, but Our Legacy, a brand that’s known for tweaking stalwarts, characteristically offers up a looser option. Made of a wool-polyester blend in light brown, this jacket is perfect for those that appreciate more wiggle room.
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Grenfell Harrington Jacket
Image Credit: Grenfell Grenfell claims theirs 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 colors to choose from, but we’re partial to this burgundy.
