Originally designed by Baracuta way back in 1937, the Harrington Jacket has become the source of seasonal cover-ups throughout the decades, passed down though generations as THE turn-to lightweight over layer. Based upon the roomy jackets used to play golf - hence the G in Baracuta's naming conventions - the style was popularised in the 50s and 60s becoming a quintessential part of 'the Ivy League' college look. Going on to be adopted by the mod and skinhead subcultures - where it was worn almost exclusively with Fred Perry and Ben Sherman Shirts - a Harrington is the reference point for an expansion of enduring style and subcultural cool. You can browse the latest additions to this season's collection online and in-store at Stuarts London below.
Obtaining it's nickname after it was depicted by the character Rodney Harrington in the 60s Soap Opera Peyton Place, the Harrington Jacket can trace it's origins way back to the 30s when Manchester based Baracuta developed the G9 as a lightweight, waist-length jacket based upon the roomy design of over layers worn to play golf - Hence the G in the label's naming conventions.
Popularised in the late 50s after being worn by Elvis Pressley in the movie King Corole and being photographed on the likes of Steve McQueen, James Dean and Frank Sinatra the Harrington's status was cemented in the US after it was adopted as a lightweight, modern jacket by visiting servicemen after WWII. Pushed into the "Ivy League" subcultural sphere after Eric Clapton wore a classic Harrington on T,V in 1964 the jacket became increasingly casualised and stripped down with wearers combing more polo tops and t-shirts with the jacket - a look that became known as the "Peanut".
Adopted in the UK by the mod and Skinhead subcultural movements in the 60s and 70s with later revivals adopted by punks, and fans of indie rock and Brit pop in the decades since.
A timeless reference to enduring style and subcultural cool this season's Harrington Jacket collection remains definitive and to the point with a wide array of styles to choose from spanning tried and tested labels such as Baracuta right the way though to Barbour Steve McQueen™. Ranging in fabrics - including lightweight poly-cotton, suede and leather - and colours, try teaming one of this season's G9 or Rectifier models with a twin tipped polo shirt from the likes of Fred Perry for a finish that adheres to the heritage behind the style whilst remaining relevant for the months ahead.
