Harrington jacket

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James Dean from the film Rebel Without a Cause wearing a Harrington jacket James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause.jpg
James Dean from the film Rebel Without a Cause wearing a Harrington jacket

A Harrington jacket (originally known only as a Baracuta jacket or a G9) is a lightweight, waist-length jacket made of cotton, polyester, wool or suede. Designs often incorporate traditional Fraser tartan or checkerboard-patterned lining. [1]

Contents

History

The first Harrington-style jackets were claimed to be made in the 1930s by the British clothing company, Baracuta by two brothers, John and Issac Miller. [1] [2] Baracuta's original design, the G9, is still in production. [3]

1950s Harrington jacket designed as workwear for truckers. Note the external pockets similar to an ike jacket. Carl Crim Headshot.jpg
1950s Harrington jacket designed as workwear for truckers. Note the external pockets similar to an ike jacket.

The British company Grenfell, previously known as Haythornthwaite and Sons, also claims to have invented an identical jacket around the same time based on their golf jackets, [1] which is also still in production using their own signature cotton. The Harrington from either original source is based on lightweight, roomy jackets worn to play golf hence the G in the G4 or G9 naming convention for Baracuta. Both versions were originally made in Lancashire, England. Baracuta originally manufactured their jacket in Manchester whereas Grenfell were based in Burnley then London.

The character Rodney Harrington from the television series Peyton Place was so frequently seen wearing Baracuta jackets that the style of jacket came to be named after him.

Revival

During the 1990s during the Britpop culture, the jacket saw an increase in popularity. It was popularised by British groups who were influential in this fashion revival. [4]

Trademark

In France, HARRINGTON has been a registered trademark since 1985. [5]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Harrington Jacket & Baracuta G9 Guide". Gentleman's Gazette. 14 February 2014. Retrieved 10 April 2016.
  2. "The Baracuta G9 Harrington : Guide to Baracuta Jackets". Atom Retro. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  3. Evans, Jonathan (25 September 2015). "One of the Most Iconic Jackets of the 20th Century Is Now Available in Leather". Esquire .
  4. "EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE HARRINGTON JACKET" . Retrieved 6 July 2025.
  5. "Service de recherche marques" [Brand Research Service]. INPI (in French). Retrieved 31 January 2017.