A Harrington jacket is a piece that should, undoubtedly, be in every wardrobe. Worn for decades by some of the biggest names, this is a jacket that can be worn all year round in a range of different colours and styles and look effortlessly cool every single time. While it could be considered a piece of retro clothing, plenty of retailers still produce these every year as they remain popular with consumers for their smart and adaptable style. 

How to store a Harrington jacket

First of all, your Harrington jacket should ideally be kept in a wardrobe or enclosed space away from sunlight. This is to keep it away from direct light that could cause fading over a long period of time, which might happen if it was hung on a hook in an open space, for example. 

Harrington jackets often come in dark colours such as black, burgundy or blue, which will be susceptible to fading in direct sunlight.  

Your Harrington jacket should ideally be kept in the wardrobe while hung up to maintain its structure, but if there is no space for this, keeping it neatly folded in storage on a shelf should also help maintain its quality. 

While you are not wearing the jacket, it is recommended that you regularly clean the space it is stored in to prevent dust or dirt from damaging it. 

Get to know your jacket

To look after your Harrington jacket, you must know exactly what to do with it. The type of care needed might vary depending on the fabric or make of the jacket, so you should be sure to ask the seller for the cleaning instructions when purchasing. 

If you cannot ask the seller how to care for the jacket, you will be able to check the inside label, which should be sewn into the jacket's inner seam. Here, you will find washing instructions which should tell you how to wash it and what kind of temperature it can tolerate. 

If you bought the jacket recently from an online store, you might also be able to check the care instructions on the website or by contacting the retailer for more information. 

How to wash a Harrington jacket

Your Harrington jacket should be hand washed to avoid any of the colour running, especially on those that feature a wool tartan lining as they traditionally did. Putting such a jacket through a hot wash risks deforming the fabric lining, which could ruin your jacket. 

Instead, wash your jacket in the sink with cool water and a light detergent. Scrub the jacket gently to remove any dirt, and treat any stains that might have gotten onto the jacket over time. 

Rinse the jacket off with cool water and hang it up to air dry, do not put it in the tumble dryer as this could also deform the fabric or even shrink the jacket. 

You should only need to wash your Harrington jacket once every couple of months, depending on how regularly you wear it outdoors. If it is in storage, you should aim to wash it every six months to keep it fresh and dispel any debris that might have gathered during storage. 

How long will a Harrington jacket last?

Ultimately, how long your jacket lasts depends on how frequently you wear it and where you bought it. If you purchased your Harrington from a retro clothing store, chances are the quality will be very good, and a true vintage jacket will stand the test of time, especially when cared for correctly. 

However, if you have purchased from a modern retailer who mass-produced cheap clothing, you should expect it to wear out much faster than a high-quality alternative. 

The quality of the Harrington will largely depend on the price. If you plan on keeping your jacket for a long time, possibly even forever, it is wise to invest in a new but classic style of Harrington from a retailer that specialises in producing new, high-quality retro style clothing. 

Styling a Harrington jacket

The best way to care for your Harrington jacket is, of course, to wear it! Such an iconic jacket that has been so popular since the 1950s can be worn with any outfit for the perfect smart casual look. 

If you want an authentic vintage look, pair your Harrington jacket with straight leg or drainpipe trousers, a smart fitted polo shirt and some Dr Martens boots. To soften the look, consider swapping the boots for another smart leather shoe or possibly even trainers. 

For a more modern look, pair with some casual jeans and trainers, with your t-shirt of choice underneath. In the colder months, add an extra layer by wearing a jumper or hoodie underneath the jacket, which keeps you warm and adds some depth to your image. 

After reading this blog, you should be confident in how to look after your Harrington jacket in terms of storing, washing and wearing. It is important to learn about how to care for this jacket as it is such a wardrobe staple, and one that you will always turn to when achieving a put-together cool outfit in seconds. 

Choosing an outfit for a BBQ can be tricky as it’s important to find something that you will be able to stay cool in while also looking fashionable amongst your family and friends. Most of the time, BBQ’s are casual events where you can expect to be eating hand held food like burgers and hotdogs, so wearing your best dress might not be the best idea!

Looking good at a BBQ has never been so easy with our top tips on what to wear to these classic British occasions. 

Patterned shirts 

As a man heading out to a BBQ, sometimes a T-shirt might feel a little too casual, especially if the BBQ is for a particular occasion such as a birthday or celebration. In times like this, a patterned shirt is the perfect option as it can be paired with jeans or shorts of any kind and still smarten up the outfit. Wear it tucked into your trousers with a nice belt for the smartest look, or to dress it down slightly you could leave it untucked. 

Many patterns are available on shirts including:

• Checkered shirts
• Paisley shirts
• Polka dot shirts
• Floral shirts

To keep to the theme of spring and summer, a floral shirt would be a great choice for a BBQ!

Long skirts

For ladies attending a BBQ, long skirts are a great way to keep cool while looking the part among family and friends. These are a staple part of women's attire and have been popular for decades, with varying lengths and styles being popular at different times. For a 90’s look, opt for a flowy, low waisted denim skirt, or for an 80’s look, go for a high waisted number with bright colours and patterns. 

The great thing about skirts is that they will never go out of fashion, and are a symbol of feminine beauty and style that will be admired by all those at the BBQ. 

Polo shirts

The history of these shirts date back to the 6th century and were originally made for use in sports games such as tennis or golf, but now they are popular among men and women of all ages and are a great option that sits in between t-shirts and shirts in terms of formality. 

Polo shirts can be long or short sleeved and have been replicated by many famous designers that put their own logo on the front corner. These shirts can be bought in baggy or fitted styles depending on how comfortable you want to be, and look great tucked into trousers or shorts 

Dresses 

Dresses are the perfect attire to any BBQ as they come in all shapes and styles and are well suited to warm weather. For a BBQ, a casual dress might be the best solution in a light cotton fabric to stay comfortable for a long time and move around freely. For casual occasions, dresses that are made in a soft stretchy fabric are the best choice as you can sit or stand in them, and maybe play a bit of sport with your family if you feel like it!

The great thing about dresses is that they come in three different lengths. Mini, midi and maxi. For a BBQ, you will likely be outside for a long period of time and so a midi or maxi length may be the best option to protect your legs from the sun. However, if you are attending a BBQ that might turn into a party in the evening a mini skirt would be a great choice, too.

Shorts

As BBQ’s tend to happen in the warmer months of the year, you might want to seize the rare opportunity to let your legs run free and maybe even catch a tan. Not only are they suitable for the summer weather, but they’re also very comfortable to wear as you can sit, stand and run while looking smart. 

You can purchase different styles of shorts, depending on how formal you would like to appear. For a dressier style, consider wearing some chino or tailored shorts with a nice belt and shirt tucked in, or for a more casual look you could choose some denim shorts or even swimming shorts if there is a pool at your destination!

Light Jackets

For the evenings, it is always best to carry a lightweight jacket as it will no doubt get colder when the sun has gone down. For men, a classic harrington jacket is a great option that will go well with a polo shirt or t-shirt while for women a vintage denim jacket or cardigan are great options to throw on over a dress.

Blazers are very fashionable this year, so ladies might also choose an oversized vintage blazer to dress up their outfit even further in the evening, while oversized bomber jackets are pooluar among men and are a great way to keep warm next to the fire in the summer evenings. 

Conclusion

BBQ’s are something that we all look forward to every year and are often considered to be a sign that summer has begun as British people rush to get their BBQ out as soon as it hits 20 degrees. Now that you have read this blog hopefully you feel prepared to attend your first BBQ and confident that you will be one of the best dressed there every single time.

What are the meanings and origins of different patterns?

Introduction

Have you ever noticed that some patterns are everywhere while others go in and out of style? Some patterns, like stripes or plaid, have been around for centuries while others might be considered a passing trend. Even though we usually see them as an expression of style or taste from an individual or group, there's a rich history to the ways these designs have been used throughout the ages, and they are often considered as vintage clothing. Let’s take a look at some of the classic examples that everyone will recognise.

Polka dots

Polka dots are a simple, fun and playful pattern that have been around since the 18th century. The origins of polka dots can be traced back to their Czech origin as they were originally used on clothing by men and women following a popular peasant dance called the ‘polka’. During this time, there were all sorts of ‘polka’ themed items that were sold in shops such as suspenders and even pudding, but the pattern is the one that stuck through to the current day. 

In the 1920s, when fashion was all about being modern and inventive, these designs were widely used in clothing because they looked so different from what people had seen before. You might remember Minnie Mouse and her polkadot skirt from the first Disney films, for example. This was highly influential during such time and celebrities were often seen wearing polkadot patterns. 

Today, polka dots are often seen advertised as vintage styles on mens shirts or children’s clothes as they look great with most styles of clothing and can brighten up any outfit!

Animal print

Animal print is a classic design. It's fun, playful and often looks great in fashion. But what is the meaning of animal print?

Animal prints have been popular for centuries. They were first used as camouflage on animals (so they could blend into their environment), but also became popular in fashion as people took inspiration from wildlife and started wearing them too.

Today, many different patterns are seen as animal prints including:

• Leopard print
• Zebra print 
• Cow-print 
• Snake print
• Tiger print

As time goes on, each of these patterns go in and out of fashion. It gained popularity in the 1970’s after it was seen in pop videos and used in house decor to create an exotic, unique style. First used to express an individual style, the different types of animal print have been widely accepted as a fashion norm and are always available to buy in shops in the current day as a retro clothing style.

Houndstooth

Houndstooth is a pattern of black and white diamonds, most often seen in suits, sport coats and shirts. It was originally created as a camouflage for hunting dogs to wear on their bodies to blend in with their surroundings.

The houndstooth pattern was first used in clothing by the upper class of Scotland during the 19th century, but it wasn't until the mid-20th century when it became popular among other social classes.

Traditionally made of a thick woven cloth, this pattern was perfect to wear on a cold day in Scotland, and became symbolic of hunting culture, which of course was picked up by the fashion industry and trickled into the everyday wardrobes of men and women across the country. 

Plaid

Plaid is a pattern of repeated stripes. It's named after the Scottish word for "striped," and plaid can be found in men's clothing and accessories, women's clothing, and childrenswear.

It first became popular in Scotland in the 1700’s and was always a symbol of aristocracy which is why it became so popular with punks in the 1980’s, as a sign of rebellion against the establishment. 

Not only is it popular with punks, but these patterns have found their way into designer collections and department stores alike, often available today as a check pattern on shirts and trousers. 

This is a pattern popular among mod culture as a smart patterned shirt paired with some two tone trousers creates the perfect look for going about town. 

Stripes

Stripes are a classic design that can be worn in many different ways. They can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal and vary in widths. Stripes can also be solid or have a pattern to them. There are many color combinations to choose from when wearing stripes; they come in an almost endless variety of shades and hues that make it easy to find one that suits your style!

Often associated with sailors, striped patterns originated from French sailors in the 1850’s. They first wore clothes patterned in this way as it was easier to spot them if they fell into the sea. Slowly, this became the norm for those going out to sea and of course this trend was eventually adopted by the masses as nautical clothing. 

Tartan

Tartan is a pattern of stripes with a set, or a repeating pattern of colors. Tartans may be made up of two, three or even four different colored stripes but may traditionally feature red or green.

Tartan is believed to have been first woven in Scotland in the 1700’s, although some historians believe it was actually an invention by Scottish weavers who wanted to compete with English manufacturers who had access to better wool than those in Scotland did.

Tartan was originally made exclusively from wool, but as time has gone on this pattern has been used in many different materials. This pattern is always featured inside harrington jackets, in mod culture, for example. 

Knowing The History Of Your Clothes

Take a look at the designs you're wearing. Are you wearing a pattern that has an interesting history? Have you ever wondered about the meaning and origins of your favorite designs? Perhaps it's time to learn more about the patterns that are used in fashion.

You can learn about the history of a design by looking at where it came from and how people used it in the past. For example, if someone wears an outfit with polka dots on it, they may be able to tell you where they got their shirt and why they chose polka dots (because they like them).

You can also learn about different patterns that are used in fashion through research or by asking friends who wear similar clothes as yours why they chose those particular items!

Conclusion

While a fabric pattern may not seem like a significant part of your wardrobe, you can significantly impact people's perceptions of you by knowing how to use it. Even if you don't believe there is any meaning behind patterns, the fact that others do gives them power. Patterns give us insight into the history and culture that produced them, so make sure to keep an eye out for their symbolism!

It is easy to dress for chilly weather, with many footwear options, textures, and the ability to layer adds another stylish depth. 

Summer outfitting, on the other hand, might be more difficult. Barbecues, beer gardens, and football matches are just a few of the benefits of hotter weather. Still, it also means that wardrobe options are severely limited, especially for men.

The most important thing is to stay cool, but looking stylish is a close second. Fortunately, there are a few tried-and-true warm-weather ensembles that check both categories. If you master these go-to summer outfits, you'll never be stuck in a style rut again.

Summer Smart Work Outfits For Men

Most men are required to wear suits to work, even in the heat, so avoid three-piece suits and wear as few layers as possible to prevent overheating on the tube. 

If you absolutely must wear a full suit, start with the shirt and trousers and add the remainder of the outfit when you arrive. This will save you from overheating and getting sweaty on your way to work. 

Wear lighter colours for your smarter apparel, such as grey or navy for suits and white or light blue for summer shirts; avoid wearing black because it will make you feel hotter as black absorbs more light and heat compared to the lighter colours.

If you're lucky enough to work in a more relaxed environment, opt for an Oxford shirt or polo shirt, chinos or light pants, and a pair of brogues or loafers. This look keeps you looking professional while also preparing you for the several beer gardens and barbecues you could potentially be attending after work.

You could also choose long shorts that will keep your boss happy — neutral, slender, and sophisticated. To complete the outfit, add formal shoes and a buttoned-up shirt. You'll look work-appropriate but still give you that summer-cool effect.

Date Night Outfit For Men

A casual drink outside, a dinner by the river, a trip to the zoo, or an outdoor cinema are all possibilities for summer dates. However, you want to look reasonably smart and well put together for your summer date but not too much; you want to appear as though you tried but not too hard. No one said being a man and dressing nice in summer was easy. 

For your date night, try a linen shirt with jeans or chinos, a short sleeve polo shirt with jeans and light-coloured Chelsea boots, a blazer with a vintage t-shirt and shoes, or a t-shirt, chinos, and a denim jacket.

Summer Wedding Outfits

Summer is a season when there's a wedding every other week. There are a lot of outside summer weddings. So, there's a high possibility you'll be out in the sun for a while, so the key is to dress light and loose. 

Suppose you're not too close to the groomsmen and only attend the reception. In that case, you can easily get away with dressing down and avoid wearing a full suit. If you can, wear a light-coloured shirt and trousers or a blazer jacket with a t-shirt instead of a shirt, which you can pair with more casual shoes, such as trainers or loafers.

If you're closer to the bride and groom, you should dress smartly while still allowing for some breathing room in the heat (they are long days, after all). 

Choose a light-coloured suit. Summer is a great time to experiment with different colour jackets and trousers, an unbuttoned white or light blue shirt, and a pair of espadrilles or boat shoes. You can usually wear a waistcoat, shirt, and trousers without the jacket, and if you don't have to, avoid wearing a tie!

Casual Day Outfits

Most of us prefer to wear as little as possible when the sun is shining, so a t-shirt, fitted shorts or light, loose jeans, and a pair of trainers will be your go-to outfit. Keep your colours bright and avoid wearing full black in the sun at all costs! 

If you want to dress up a bit, use a loose checkered shirt or polo shirt, tailored shorts, and loafers or trainers as your go-to casual wear when you're not at work! 

Now is the perfect time to pull out your accessories! If you're conscious of the outfit needing a little something extra, a baseball cap, sunglasses, and a watch will make stylish additions.

Conclusion

We hope you’ve found our recommendations for summer outfits useful. Summer outfits for men are essentially about being comfortable and wearing loose, light outfits that are right for the occasion.

A check shirt is a classic piece for any man's wardrobe. They're versatile, easy to wear, and can be worn on any occasion.

It is hard to go wrong with a check shirt because you can match them with almost anything: jeans, chinos and even a suit! A vintage chequered shirt is also an easy way to add some colour to your outfit without worrying about it clashing with anything else you're wearing.

The Classic Red And Black Check Shirt

The classic Red and Black check shirt is a staple of punk fashion, but with its clean lines and versatility, it's an excellent choice for the connoisseur of all things classic. This shirt can be worn on any occasion, from casual to formal, making it a perfect addition to your wardrobe.

We recommend pairing your red and black chequered shirt with a suit for those looking to add some flair to their outfit. Try layering over a t-shirt or tank top with jeans or khakis for something more casual. If you're dressing up for an important event or want to show off your unique style, pairing this shirt with a tuxedo will give you an "I don't care what anyone thinks" look while remaining sophisticated. 

Summer Vintage Chequered Shirts

Check shirts are best worn in the summer because they're so lightweight. The short sleeves make it easy to show off your tattoos, and the bold patterns make you look like a total badass. If you're going for an even more casual vibe, try pairing your favourite chequered shirt with sandals, jeans and a t-shirt. For something more formal (for example, during summer weddings), pair it with stylish loafers or boots and a collared shirt underneath. A tie is optional but never discouraged!

Rock Your Aesthetics Through The Summer

Seasonal trends are great, but sometimes you need to find ways to make your wardrobe work for you all year long. Chequered shirts are a great way to add some colour and texture to your outfit, no matter what the weather is doing outside. Check shirts are easy to wear with almost anything, making them perfect for summer or winter—or any season between! 

Check shirts come in many different styles like plaid and can be worn with any type of pants (jeans or shorts). They're also relatively affordable—you'll find them at high-end stores and budget retailers alike.

Tartan Check Shirt

Tartan is a pattern of interlocking stripes. It's been around for centuries and is the most traditional of checks, originating in Scotland. The name comes from "tartan", an old Gaelic word for woven cloth. Tartan fabric was originally only made in one colourway but now can be found in any number of colour combinations and patterns. For example, Robert Graham's Classic Check has red and white stripes on a blue ground; Ben Sherman uses green and tan tartans as its background for navy and white blocks; J Crew features plaids with subtle stripes that are narrower than their neighbours. The versatility of tartan means it can easily be worn with anything from jeans to khakis to chinos, depending on your mood or occasion.

Wear Your Vintage Chequered Shirts With Style Anytime

Check shirts are classic, versatile and always look good with a boating blazer. They are a staple in any man's wardrobe and an excellent option for casual and formal wear. It's a great way to give your look some contrast without going overboard, making them a perfect choice if you want to create an outfit that stands out from the crowd.

The Start Of ‘Skinhead’

The iconic Skinhead era started in the 1960s, the beginning of the short hair, buckles, bigger boots, long sideburns and working-class individuals who came and conquered the British streets with their stylish fashion. The evolution of Skinhead clothing is an exciting journey, so let's go back in time and take a deeper look into the history of Skinhead fashion. 

First of all, before we go into the details of skinhead fashion and the history of classic clothing, let's discuss the characteristics and behaviour of an average Skinhead individual. Back in the ’60s, the attributes of a Skinhead were a young man of a subculture characterised by buzz cut short hair and heavy boots. 

The skinhead era evolved from the Mod movement, a British subculture starting in the 1950s which involved a lot of young Londoners who loved music and bikes. The beauty of the skinhead era is that it was all over the United Kingdom, gaining national popularity; Skinheads created one of the most iconic youth movements ever to emerge in Britain. 

Let’s Talk Fashion.

Smart wear was the central theme of the Skinhead era; the practicality of the clothes being smart but with a twist. Their style could be characterised as clean, smart and sharp. Throughout the ’80s and ’90s, the bomber jacket came into large popularity, featuring in films and magazines in the UK, and became a Skinhead staple.

Another staple of skinhead outfits? The iconic black monkey boots. Almost every skinhead had a pair of these boots, which were first found on the fashion scene in the 1960s. With their distinctive structure, monkey boots quickly became another Skinhead fashion standard.

Levi jeans were also very popular amongst skinheads but more so in the southern regions of the United Kingdom. In the northern areas of England, many Skinheads were seen sporting cropped jeans, which were essentially created to accommodate and show off the monkey boots.

The migration of the Caribbean and West Indies also had a significant influence on skinhead fashion. Skinheads started to emulate the Jamaican culture with their long coats inspiring the adoption of the Crombie leading to bomber jackets, Harrington jackets and trench coats. And to complete the look, beanies and braces were among the go-to accessories for Skinheads. 

Where Are They Now?

Skinheads represented society’s rebels and while we may think it’s hard for the modern-day man to relate to the true meaning of Skinhead today, we still see touches of Skinhead style on the high street. 

From bomber jackets and trench coats - a staple in almost everyone’s wardrobe - to classic beanies and black boots, Skinhead fashion is by no means dead. In fact, if you look close enough, you might just start to notice its prevalence. 

All in all, the history of skinhead fashion is fascinating, as is exploring how the trends have fluctuated, leading to the looks that were worn through the 60s and 70s. If you’re looking to take a step back in time and incorporate a little skinhead style into your wardrobe, shop our collections today. 

A Sports coat, the G9 or the baracuta. The men's Harrington jacket goes by many names, but one thing that remains is that it will forever be a wardrobe must-have and a timeless piece of men's fashion.

A Harrington jacket is a lightweight, waist-length jacket made of cotton, polyester, wool. A  staple for any man's wardrobe and forever made iconic by the legendary James Dean.

But how did it come about, and what is the history of the Harrington jacket? 

Relco has been growing at an amazing rate this past year, and we have become a recognised brand by Mods, Skinheads and 60’s fashion followers across the globe.

None of this growth would be possible without the dedication, vision and fashion-forward thinking of our incredible CEO. So, we sat him down to pick his brain on all things Relco and 60’s fashion.

Here’s what he had to say…