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Everyone it seems wants one.This must say a great deal about the enduring style of this classic outerwear first brought to market in 1937 by the Isaacs Brothers in Lancashire,England. They established the Baracuta brand , and the original g9 jacket is still made and sold by the company today.

It was not until the 1960s that the baracuta-g9 became more commonly known as the harrington jacket ,named after the TV character Rodney Harrington, played by Ryan O’Neal in the long running series called Peyton Place. So what is special about these garments that they are still with us today? There are many copies of the original style, and some not so close. But unlike the cardigan, indistinguishable in its modern form from that made famous by Lord Cardigan at Balacalava in the 19th century Crimean War, the HJ is still distinctive and offers the following benefits:

• cheapness – and by this I mean it can be effectively made from a range of different materials which greatly vary in cost – cotton, polyester, wool, and suede are the most common materials used today.The often used cotton (35%) and polyester(65%) mix offers an excellent cool ,lightweight, weatherproof and machine washable choice of material.
• freedom of movement- the waist-length jacket design enables free movement often not available with other outerwear. This led to it becoming popular, for example, with golfers playing in inclement weather . It also makes an excellent car coat.
• all seasons wear – the style can be worn all the year round. Found in a range colours to suit the seasons, the HJ can be made and worn in a material appropriate to the prevalent weather conditions
• style wear – the iconic ‘cool ‘ style has been revitalised from time to time over the decades –  celebrities and sport stars  have favoured the HJ. Elvis Presley,Frank Sinatra, and Steve McQueen in the 1960s, took to the style, and more recently so too stars like Liam Gallagher, Joe Strummer of the Clash, members of Blur and the Arctic Monkeys, singer Tony Christie,and Damian Lewis (who was in ‘Stolen’).Also in the 1960s, the HJ was beloved of the followers of mod-culture. The baracuta website has a special page dedicated to many more celebrity ‘spots’.
• distinctive features – easily recognisable in the original style is the use of the eye-catching tartan lining. According to Baracuta ,the Isaacs brothers obtained permission of the 24th Lord of Lovat of Beaufort Castle to use the Fraser tartan pattern for the linings of their jackets.

Some other early features you may expect to see today are:

• forward flap pockets
• ribbed cuff and waist – knitted
• YKK zip
• button fastening – often two button- funnel collar
• inside pocket

Here is a selection of harrington jackets available on the market today at the HJ Store

 

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