Another quick history of an absolute design classic; The Harrington Jacket. Click on Read More to check it out…

When I was in Brick Lane recently, I spotted a bloke in a brilliant Baracuta Harrington jacket. The lightweight Harrington Jacket is great for spring and summer; it’s also very smart and has a lot of history behind it.

Usually made from cotton, polyester, wool, or suede, the Harrington is traditionally lined with Fraser tartan or check-patterned lining. Baracuta stated producing the classic G9 Harrington Jacket in the 1930s and the design has hardly changed.

The jacket really took off in 1958 when Elvis Presley wore the Baracuta G9 in his movie ‘King Creole’

It was in the 1960s when this style of jacket gained its nickname: Actor Ryan O’Neal (the star of Kubrick’s ‘Barry Lyndon’) regularly wore the jacket in soap opera ‘Peyton Place’ – the name of his character; Rodney Harrington.

In the 1960s the jacket became fashionable in the UK among mods and skinheads, who often wore the Harrington with Fred Perry or Ben Sherman shirts. Other notable labels turning out Harrington Jackets include; Fred Perry, Merc London, Ben Sherman and Lonsdale.

Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and Steve McQueen all wore Harrington Jackets and in 2007 Baracuta released three special edition G9 jackets, with quotes from each star embroidered on the lining.

The Baracuta G9 is fairly pricey; it’ll cost you about £115-£125. However, there are loads of labels that make cheaper versions and you’ll find Harringtons in many vintage and second hand shops.

Baracuta have a brilliant heritage timeline on their website.

A navy Harrington goes well with almost anything – white t-shirt, polo neck or even hoody. Light jackets are brilliant in warm (but damp) British spring and summer. If you can find a good one, snap it up.

The Harrington Jacket = Good Clobber.

Thanks to Retrowow, Celebrity Gossip Pictures, Clash Music and Baracuta