The Harrington jacket is one of the most quietly iconic pieces of menswear. A lightweight, button-front Harrington jacket has been worn by James Dean, Steve McQueen, and Frank Sinatra — and it still works in 2026. The Harrington jacket sits in the sweet spot between casual and dressy, which is why it remains a wardrobe essential for any man building a versatile closet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called a 'Harrington jacket'?
The Harrington jacket is commonly referred to as such due to its association with the fictional character Rodney Harrington from the 1960s TV series "Peyton Place."
The character was often seen wearing this particular style of jacket, which led to its widespread use and subsequent naming.
What is the difference between a harrington jacket and a bomber jacket?
A Harrington jacket usually features a straight collar, tartan lining, ribbed cuffs and hem, and a buttoned front.
On the other hand, a bomber jacket has a more relaxed fit with a ribbed collar and often features a front zipper closure, and elasticized cuffs and hem.
Overall, the Harrington jacket has a more tailored and sophisticated appearance, while the bomber jacket has a more casual and rugged look.
What body types does the Harrington jacket look good on?
All of them! Like a bomber jacket, the Harrington looks great on guys of all shapes and sizes.
What are the best known brands for Harrington jackets?
You can still find the original Harrington jacket (the Baracuta G9) but I actually prefer the ones made by Fred Perry and Ben Sherman.
Where did Harrington jackets come from?
The Harrington jacket originated in 1937 when British outerwear maker Baracuta released the G9 — a short, lightweight golf jacket featuring a Fraser tartan lining. It became globally famous after Ryan O'Neal's character Rodney Harrington wore it on the 1960s TV series "Peyton Place." The jacket has been a menswear staple ever since.
Is a Harrington jacket business casual?
In creative or relaxed offices, yes — a navy Harrington over an Oxford shirt and chinos works as smart casual or relaxed business casual. In traditional finance, law, or consulting environments, save it for weekends.
Harrington vs bomber vs coach jacket — which should I get?
- Harrington jacket — slimmest profile, button front, dressier. Pairs with chinos, jeans, dress shirts.
- Bomber jacket — boxier, ribbed cuffs/hem, zip front, more casual.
- Coach jacket — looser fit, snap front, more athletic and casual still.
If you only buy one, get the Harrington. It's the most versatile of the three.
What's the best Harrington jacket for men under $200?
Baracuta G9 ($395) is the original and the reference, but at the under-$200 tier, Uniqlo's Blocktech Harrington ($90) and J.Crew's Wallace & Barnes Harrington (~$148 on sale) are the best fit-to-price options — proper stand collar, raglan sleeves, weight close to the original. Avoid H&M and Zara Harringtons at this price — thin shells, fake collar geometry, and elastic that loses its snap within months.
Can you wear a Harrington jacket with a suit?
No — the Harrington is a casual outerwear category, not a suit-compatible coat. A Harrington over a suit reads as a costume mismatch (waist-length casual jacket cutting the suit jacket off). For suit outerwear, choose a topcoat or overcoat that hits below the suit jacket hem. The Harrington is built for casual and smart-casual outfits — chinos, jeans, polo shirts, Oxford shirts.
What pants go with a Harrington jacket?
Chinos (stone, navy, olive), dark wash jeans, and wool trousers for smart casual all work. Avoid joggers, drawstring pants, and lighter-than-stone chinos — they push the outfit into "casual mismatch" territory. The classic combination is navy Harrington + stone chinos + brown suede Chelsea boots or white sneakers — the cleanest smart-casual formula in this category.
What Is a Harrington Jacket?
A Harrington jacket is a lightweight, hip-length, button-front jacket with five defining features that distinguish it from every other jacket category:
- Stand-up collar with a small flap — sometimes called a "pointed dog-ear collar." This is the single most identifiable Harrington feature.
- Raglan sleeves — the sleeve seam runs diagonally from the underarm to the collar (no shoulder seam). This gives the Harrington its characteristic relaxed shoulder line.
- Button-front closure — typically 5 buttons. Some modern versions use a zipper, but traditional Harringtons button.
- Tartan lining — usually Fraser tartan in red and green. The lining is part of the jacket's heritage.
- Elastic waist and cuffs — keeps the jacket sitting at the waist (covering your belt) without bulk.
The Harrington jacket is lightweight enough for transitional weather (spring, fall, mild winter) and dressy enough to wear over a dress shirt without looking out of place.
Best Harrington Jackets to Buy
The Harrington jacket market has three tiers worth knowing:
Heritage Tier (The Originals)
- Baracuta G9 — the original Harrington jacket. Made in England since 1937. The benchmark every other Harrington is measured against. Premium price, iconic build.
- Baracuta G4 — a shorter version of the G9. Slightly more modern silhouette.
Mid-Tier (Best Value)
- Fred Perry Made-in-England Harrington — clean construction, slightly slimmer cut than Baracuta. Great middle-ground choice.
- Ben Sherman Harrington — a long-time UK heritage brand. Offers slimmer fits than Baracuta, particularly good for slim builds.
Accessible Tier
- Uniqlo Blocktech Harrington — modern, technical fabric, weather-resistant. Not a traditional Harrington but a great everyday version.
- J.Crew Harrington — solid year-round option in cotton twill.
Buying guide: Get a navy Harrington jacket as your first. Fraser tartan lining is the traditional touch — look for it. Avoid versions with logos plastered on the chest, oversized branded zippers, or non-traditional details.
Harrington Jacket Mistakes Most Men Make
Here are the Harrington jacket mistakes you need to avoid if you want to look your best:
- Wearing the wrong size.
This is a common mistake I see a lot of guys make. If the hem of the jacket isn't covering your belt/waistband it's too short. If there's a lot of bunching around the cuffs, it's too long.
- Zipping it up.
Unless you absolutely have to, leave your jacket unzipped. It just doesn't look right when zipped up, especially if you're a bigger guy.
- Wearing the collar up.
It's a bit too try-hard and should be avoided unless it's raining.
Colors
If this is your first Harrington jacket, then the answer is simple: get a navy version.
If you're a regular to slim build, you can pull off other colors, but your first Harrington should be navy. If this is your second Harrington, definitely go for a khaki color.
I don't recommend other colors, like black or burgundy, because they'll be much harder to match with other items in your wardrobe, and/or it's just a big swath of color. So if you went with black, it's a lot of black and, I think, doesn't look all that great in person. It looks much better in photos than in real life.
Fabrics
Harrington jackets are typically made out of lightweight and durable fabrics such as cotton, polyester, or a blend of both. These fabrics are chosen for their breathability and ability to withstand everyday wear and tear.
With proper care, this jacket will last decades – easily. The mileage and value you'll get from this jacket are some of the best for any menswear item I've seen.
One small note: If you're a larger build, you may not fit Ben Sherman, even their larger sizes tend to run pretty slim.
How a Harrington Jacket Should Fit
- The shoulder seams should be right where your shoulders slope down.
- If the armholes are digging into your armpits, go up a size.
- Harrington's are meant to be a little roomy, so you want one that fits you well without either being too tight or overly baggy.
- The sleeves must be long enough so the elastics cover your wrists.
- The elastic hem of the jacket should always cover the belt or waistband of your pants.
Outfit Ideas
Casual {#casual}
If in doubt, stick with the basics. Here we're combining a selection of classic menswear pieces to create a stylish that's simultaneously simple, stylish, and sexy.
Elevated Casual {#elevated_casual}
Whoever told you that you can't wear navy and black together or black and brown together was WRONG. Swap out those chukka boots for a pair of leather Chelsea or lace-up boots or even a pair of white low tops if you wanted a more casual look.
Business Casual {#business_casual}
Remember when I said earlier that khaki is the best Harrington color after navy? This is why! This outfit is a masterclass in business-casual layering and take note of how the Harrington is neither too dressy nor too casual but hits the sweet spot in-between the two!