Few jackets have managed to cross as many style tribes—and decades—as the Harrington. In fact, if you were to enroll in Classic Menswear 101, the Harrington jacket would be a prerequisite. The transitional season staple—a favorite of Elvis, James Dean, Steve McQueen, and every member of The Clash—is constantly found across lookbooks and style Instagram accounts, because it does so many things so well.
For one, it’s incredibly practical: Water-resistant, pocket-forward, lightly insulating, and ever-adaptable to the day’s conditions thanks to its full-zip and collar. But the almost-cropped length—and popped collar, if you so dare—is also a style swerve that makes every wearer feel one dose cooler than they did before. No wonder it’s been embraced over the decades by everyone from golfers to preppies to A-Listers and punks.
The original Harrington—a Baracuta G9—is still available almost a century on from its release, and still excellent. But if you’re looking to broaden your horizons, today’s Harrington jackets aren’t resting on their laurels. Below, the standout versions worth adding to your rotation before the season’s over.
The Best Harrington Jackets, According to GQ
J.Crew Harrington jacket in cotton twill
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Everlane Re:Cycled Nylon Harrington Jacket
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A.Presse Padded Leather Harrington Jacket
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In This Guide
Best Overall: Baracuta G9 Harrington Jacket
Baracuta
Baracuta® G9 Harrington cloth jacket
Pros
The original brand and designWater-resistant Coolmax shellPractical back vent
Cons
The lining means it can get hot on warmer days
The classic Baracuta G9 golf jacket is as British as beans on toast. This is the original tartan-lined, ribbed-cuff Harrington, the jacket you picture when you think of Steve McQueen or Paul Newman, and the brand that insider-y menswear favorites like Engineered Garments and Noah have collaborated with when they wanted to make Harringtons of their own. Baracuta got its start making raincoats for other brands—Burberry included—before branching out with its own designs, and the G9 is still made in England today. Crafted from a water-resistant cotton-poly blend, and featuring the signature Fraser tartan lining and iconic umbrella back yoke (which keeps rain off your back while letting air circulate) it really doesn’t get any better than this.
Best Budget: Uniqlo Harrington Jacket
Pros
Great priceGreat fitNearly all the bells and whistles
Cons
Uniqlo delivers a whole Harrington jacket without sacrificing anything, and in fact saves you some precious dollars along the way. We’re talking a slightly cropped, slightly relaxed silhouette, a touch of stretch, classic slant pockets and even a genre-affirming plaid lining. And while it’s not water-resistant like some other options, it makes up for it with a durable cotton fabric that’ll dry off in no time, and still keep you protected from a few unforeseen raindrops. If you’re after the workaday Harrington aesthetic without spending a lot, this one gets the job done and then some.
Source:
www.gq.com
