What Is a Harrington Jacket?
Last updated 2026-06-15
The Harrington jacket — named after Rodney Harrington, a character in the 1960s television series Peyton Place who wore this style — was originally manufactured by Baracuta as their G9 model beginning in 1937. Its design combines elegant simplicity with thoughtful details: the Fraser tartan lining adds a flash of pattern visible when the collar turns up or the jacket opens, the raglan sleeves allow unrestricted arm movement, the stand-up collar provides wind protection without the bulk of a hood, and the elasticized hem and cuffs create a clean silhouette that does not flap or ride up. The Harrington's cultural significance extends across decades of British style tribes — from 1960s mods and Steve McQueen's iconic off-duty look to the Britpop musicians of the 1990s and contemporary menswear. Its clean lines make it one of the rare casual jackets that genuinely qualifies as smart-casual, pairing as comfortably with a polo shirt and chinos as with a T-shirt and jeans. The Harrington fills the crucial wardrobe role of a jacket that provides light weather protection without the visual weight of heavier outerwear.
When music journalist Alex needed a jacket for the summer festival circuit that looked intentional rather than purely functional, a navy Baracuta G9 became his constant companion. It shielded against evening wind and light rain, its tartan lining flashing at the collar when turned up against drizzle. The jacket packed flat in his bag during warm afternoons and added just enough polish that he could transition from muddy festival fields to backstage interviews without changing. Five years later, the jacket had softened and developed character while retaining its shape — a testament to the design's durability.
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Questions, answered.
What is the difference between a Harrington jacket and a bomber jacket?
While both are hip-length with elasticized cuffs and hem, Harrington and bomber jackets differ in several key ways. The Harrington features a stand-up collar with a button-down throat tab, a zip front with a protective storm flap, raglan sleeves, and the iconic tartan or check lining — all contributing to a refined, preppy-to-mod aesthetic. The bomber jacket typically has a ribbed knit collar (no stand-up collar), a plain zip front without a storm flap, set-in sleeves, and a plain lining. The bomber's silhouette is often slightly more relaxed and rounded, while the Harrington sits closer to the body with more structured lines. In terms of styling, the Harrington reads more British and smart-casual, while the bomber leans more American and casual. Both are versatile layering pieces, but the Harrington bridges the gap to smart-casual dressing more naturally.
Can you wear a Harrington jacket to the office?
In business casual and smart-casual workplaces, a Harrington jacket is absolutely appropriate — and often an excellent choice. Pair it with a collared shirt (oxford button-down or fine-gauge polo), tailored chinos or pressed dark jeans, and clean leather shoes or loafers. Stick to classic colors like navy, black, or dark olive for maximum workplace credibility. The Harrington's clean lines, lack of visible branding, and tailored fit give it a refined appearance that most casual jackets cannot match. However, in traditional business or business-formal environments that expect blazers and ties, the Harrington may read too casual. The test: if your colleagues wear unstructured blazers and skipped the tie, a Harrington fits right in. If suits and ties are the norm, save it for after-work occasions.