The Harrington: One of the Best Jackets for Men
Jackets come and go, trends change, but the Harrington is here to stay. Originally designed for golfers, it's been knocking about since the late fifties, picked up by mods and skinheads, worn by Britpop icons and pretty much every British subculture.
Weather-resistant, timeless, and easy to style, the Harrington is the ultimate jacket and works just as well in a pub garden as a formal event. Check out this Harrington jacket style guide to find out why it deserves a spot in your wardrobe.
Where the Harrington Jacket Comes From
The Harrington goes all the way back to the 30s. The basic design, a lightweight blouson with a zip front, ribbed collar, cuffs and hem, and that distinctive tartan lining, was around before it had a name.
The first Harrington to hit the mainstream was the Baracuta G9, designed in 1937 by John and Isaac Miller. Eventually, they got permission to add the iconic red Fraser Tartan to the lining, creating the jacket we know and love today.
The name itself is widely credited to the character Rodney Harrington from the American TV series Peyton Place, who regularly wore the style. But it was Britain where the jacket really found its feet. Mods adopted it early on. It was stylish enough to fit the scene, practical enough to actually wear, and it sat right over a knitted polo or a button-down shirt without ruining the outfit. Every generation that's found it since has kept it and made it their own.
One of the Best Men's Lightweight Jackets You Can Own
British weather is unpredictable. A light drizzle, a bit of wind, and that awkward in-between temperature that's too warm for a proper coat and too cold for a polo tee. The Harrington was made for this.
As jackets go, it's hard to beat for practicality. It's not bulky. It doesn't add unnecessary weight and folds down small enough to stuff in a bag if the sun comes out for five minutes. The zip fastens properly, the collar sits flat, and the fit stays clean.
It works as a standalone jacket through spring and autumn and layers well under heavier jackets in the winter. You really can’t go wrong.
Classic Colours
The classic colourways are black, navy, and bottle green. All three are straightforward to style and work with most outfits. Black is the most versatile if you're only buying one. Navy sits slightly softer and suits lighter trousers well; it’s a good choice if you’re wearing to a more formal event. Bottle green has a bit more character to it and works well in autumn.
Whatever the outer colour, the tartan lining is part of the identity. It's not decorative but part of what makes a Harrington a classic and it's been that way since the start.
How To Look After Your Harrington
Check the label before washing, as the shell and lining may have different care requirements. Most will do fine on a cool, gentle machine cycle, but if yours has got any significant hardware or a more complex lining, take it to the dry cleaner rather than risk it.
Don't tumble dry it. Let it air naturally on a hanger. Store it hung up so the shape stays intact, and if it's going away for a while, use a breathable garment bag rather than a plastic one. The Harrington is a practical jacket. Treat it well, and it’ll last a long time.
Classic Jackets for Men That Fit Every Look
What makes the Harrington stand out is how much ground it covers without trying too hard.
Wear it over a knitted polo with straight-leg trousers and a pair of loafers, and you've got a proper mod look that doesn't need anything else. Throw it over a plain white tee and jeans, and it's casual without being sloppy. Layer it over a check or paisley shirt with the collar out, and you've got something smarter.
The jacket fits around your lifestyle and is comfortable for all-day wear. That kind of versatility is rare, and it's a big part of why the Harrington has never really needed reinventing. The original formula just works.
Ninety Years On and Still One of the Best Jackets for Men
The Harrington jacket isn't part of the trend cycle. Its legacy has carried across decades and subcultures because it was well-designed right from the beginning, and nothing about that has changed. It's practical, it's got real cultural heritage behind it, and it looks good.
Our Harrington jackets are rooted in the same tradition that made the jacket a British staple in the first place. Proper fit, proper lining, made to be worn regularly and last well.
Shop the Harrington range and get a jacket that'll see you right for years.