Good Harrington or Barracuda Jacket..

[Manolito]

The construction, the finitions and the quality of the fabrics of today's baracuta is very high compared to other brands. But the fit is peculiar (very narrow for the "classic" fit), you need to go one or two size up, unless you want a very slim fit. You really should try it before you buy it.

The finitions on the Jump the Gun are less impressive, but the quality is good, and the fit is good too (and rather wide), and the price much lower.

The Ben Sherman is a good option especially as it is 100% coton, which is rare for the Harrington Jackets.

The three of them are good options anyway.

 

[Edward]

Had a Merc Harrington and found them running quite small and the sleeves were on the short end too. So if someone from US plans to buy one you might consider that the provided sizes (M, L, XL…) have nothing but the „names“ in common with similar US sizing.

From memory, the ones I have are an XL, which translates to a 44. The pit to pit on those is

The construction, the finitions and the quality of the fabrics of today's baracuta is very high compared to other brands. But the fit is peculiar (very narrow for the "classic" fit), you need to go one or two size up, unless you want a very slim fit. You really should try it before you buy it.

The finitions on the Jump the Gun are less impressive, but the quality is good, and the fit is good too (and rather wide), and the price much lower.

The Ben Sherman is a good option especially as it is 100% coton, which is rare for the Harrington Jackets.

The three of them are good options anyway.

Full cotton is very rare now - even the Baracuta G9 (according to their website) is 50/50 poly/cotton. Which is fine with me (I think in part the poly content helps it to be fairly effective in a light shower) as long as it feels fine and doesn't have the odd sheen some manmade fibre content textiles can take on. It's one less point of difference with the G9 and the alternatives, though, which does for me make it harder again to justify the price difference.

I notice today that JTG have brought back their set-in sleeve version. They did both for years, then in more recent times only the raglan sleeve. Seems they've now brought back the set-in sleeve version as some folks prefer the neater fit round the armpit that it can give. Next time I get down to Brighton I intend to try both for comparison. I'm not hung up on either as "better" (all sorts of variations of the style have been around long enough that for me, because I'm not worried about a clone of all the details of the G9, there's not either one is "wrong" or right). Their target market is the Sixties mod set, who do generally favour slim fit everything.

The G9 seems to be a lot like Levis 501s, in that it's more of a brand than a very specific pattern, and the fit of them does seem to vary over time. I've seen a range of them marketed over the years in two or three different fits at the same time. The size chart for the standard one does *seem* very blousy, given that the waist measurements given are on the slim side for their chest measurements. I wouldn't say no to trying a Baracuta on out of curiosity, but I suspect they might fit me funny. I remember being very underwhelmed with a Grenfel I handled in person. Great quality, but the cut was crazy-eighties-baggy. That was about fifteen years ago, may have changed now, but with the retail price on those being even more than the Baracuta, I've not really developed enough interest to find out.

Has anyone ever tried Real Hoxton's offerings? A more Sixties oriented label again - https://www.realhoxton.com/product-category/outerwear/harrington/page/2/ Some interesting details, around the same price as the Merc.

 

[Manolito]

I should add that the Baracuta/poly fabric called coolmax is more a technical fabric than a classic Polyester. It is very breathable, and you don't feel stuffed and sweaty at all, even in the summer. The Coton/Poly blend of the Jump The Gun Jacket is fine, but the Baracuta one is really special - though the G9 is completely overpriced of course...

It should be added too that the collar of the jump the gun is quite big compared to the other brands. Not bad in any way, but bigger than the other ones.

 

[Edward]

I should add that the Baracuta/poly fabric called coolmax is more a technical fabric than a classic Polyester. It is very breathable, and you don't feel stuffed and sweaty at all, even in the summer. The Coton/Poly blend of the Jump The Gun Jacket is fine, but the Baracuta one is really special - though the G9 is completely overpriced of course...

It should be added too that the collar of the jump the gun is quite big compared to the other brands. Not bad in any way, but bigger than the other ones.

I'll be interested to see one in person. I've never cared for the look of these worn in the 'funnel' shape, up and buttoned - I wear mine folded over like a shirt-style collar, so it will be interesting to see whether wider works better that way. I like the shape of them in the photos, but inevitably there's no match for actually trying something in person.

With the Baracuta, I wonder how much the back vent contributes to that breathability? It's something I instinctively am wary of, but nonetheless another thing that might be interesting to try out of curiosity. Wouldn't be the first time that experience of utility changed my mind. I think the Real Hoxton one also look like they have an open vent, from memory, so may see if I can go try on one of those locally. I'm not normally a fan of orange clothing, but they do one in a shade called "pumpkin" which looks tawny and Autumnal; if it looks as good in person, it might be an excellent choice to go with dark brown slacks.

 

[Sonero]

With the Baracuta, I wonder how much the back vent contributes to that breathability?

I wore mine yesterday for a 20 minute walk to Walmart and back. I was soaking wet when I returned. I say if you move around a lot it can get clammy like any other rain jacket. It also made it harder to take off. The lining was sticking to my sweaty arms.

 

[Doctor Damage]

Good time for Americans (and Canadians) to buy stuff from the UK from a currency exchange point of view.

 

[Pandemic]

The last Harrington I got from JtG was 10+ years ago and very mediocre quality, but I think they have improved a lot.

I’m very tempted by the dark green waxed version:

https://jumpthegun.co.uk/product/harrington-waxed-cotton/

 

[Pandemic]

It’s not a ‘real’ Harrington, but a cool homage to the G4 with some Tom Ford twists. This copy of the James Bond jacket is really nice:

https://royalefilmwear.storenvy.com/products/30565192-bolivia-harrington-jacket-2022

 

[erikb02809]

I own one of the Royale Filmwear ones. For the money, I am very pleased with it.

Also picked up one of &Sons' "Rebel" Harringtons when they were on sale last year. Very happy with that one as well.

https://www.andsons.us/products/sons-rebel-jacket-navy

 

[Pandemic]

I own one of the Royale Filmwear ones. For the money, I am very pleased with it.

I just ordered one. I sized-down based on the spec sheet, so I hope it fits well.

How do you find the sleeve length? I’m guessing I might have to get mine taken up.

 

[erikb02809]

I'm an athletic 42r, take L in most shirts and jackets sized that way. My Royale harrington is an L, and it's a trim fit. I definitely wouldn't be able to size down.

Sleeve length is fine. I have the cuffs on the 2nd button, which helps keep them at my wrists. Even without though, sleeve length is pretty average I'd say

 

[Pandemic]

I'm an athletic 42r, take L in most shirts and jackets sized that way. My Royale harrington is an L, and it's a trim fit. I definitely wouldn't be able to size down.

Sleeve length is fine. I have the cuffs on the 2nd button, which helps keep them at my wrists. Even without though, sleeve length is pretty average I'd say

OK, thanks. Going by the measurements, it should be a good fit. The fact they call it a Small is a little worrying though.

I’ll wait and see on the sleeves, but they may be long on me.

 

[El Marro]

Gustin is doing another run of their Harrington jacket with several colors available in both waxed and unwaxed versions.

https://www.weargustin.com/store/jackets-harrington-usa-grey-canvas

Now Gustin doesn’t get a lot of love around here and as someone who has tried a number of their offerings I can understand why.
On the other hand though, when they do something well they do it really well and at a price that can’t be beat.
I bought one of their Harringtons a few years ago and I was very happy with it. The cut was good, it was well constructed, and it was made right here in California. I don’t know what happened to that jacket, I think it might’ve gotten swept up in one of my spare room clothing purges and gone to Goodwill. I have had my eye out for a while now for them to release a new batch, and now is the time.

 

[Pandemic]

Gustin is doing another run of their Harrington jacket with several colors available in both waxed and unwaxed versions.

https://www.weargustin.com/store/jackets-harrington-usa-grey-canvas

Now Gustin doesn’t get a lot of love around here and as someone who has tried a number of their offerings I can understand why.
On the other hand though, when they do something well they do it really well and at a price that can’t be beat.
I bought one of their Harringtons a few years ago and I was very happy with it. The cut was good, it was well constructed, and it was made right here in California. I don’t know what happened to that jacket, I think it might’ve gotten swept up in one of my spare room clothing purges and gone to Goodwill. I have had my eye out for a while now for them to release a new batch, and now is the time.

They look good and I like the fit and fabric they use for the body. Wish they put a tartan in the lining though.

 

[John_Z]

Hi.. anyone have any recommendations on a good quality Harrington jacket..?? I have seen ads for Orvis on Amazon and I believe Marcus has one.. The Orvis one is over $150 and the Marcus one runs around $70.. Anybody have any experience with them and how the sizes run.. Are many other good manufacturers out there..??

Thanks.. Kent

Sorry that I’m a bit late for the party here but being a Harrington fan for 60 odd years now I felt the need to share. Forget JTG, Merc and the likes. They’re not proper spec Harringtons. Baracuta may be nice but way overpriced. Also the company behind the brand name is not the original that introduced the Baracuta brand back in the 30’s. I have a vintage Baracuta that has nothing to do with the current company. The brand name then was owned by Van Heusen of shirts fame as is made clear of the label of my Baracuta. For my money I’d give this company my business I were in the market for a new one: https://www.realhoxton.com/product-category/outerwear/harrington/?amp

 

[Pandemic]

Sorry that I’m a bit late for the party here but being a Harrington fan for 60 odd years now I felt the need to share. Forget JTG, Merc and the likes. They’re not proper spec Harringtons. Baracuta may be nice but way overpriced. Also the company behind the brand name is not the original that introduced the Baracuta brand back in the 30’s. I have a vintage Baracuta that has nothing to do with the current company. The brand name then was owned by Van Heusen of shirts fame as is made clear of the label of my Baracuta. For my money I’d give this company my business I were in the market for a new one: https://www.realhoxton.com/product-category/outerwear/harrington/?amp

The Baracuta company founded by John and Isaac Miller in Manchester in the 30s is still around and still making the same jackets.

Sometime in the 70s Baracuta licensed US production to Can Huesen. Quality on these jackets started out as equal to the UK product and declined rapidly. At some point I think Van Huesen moved production to Asia, which was the final straw leading to Baracuta pulling their licensing deal.

It is true that they are overpriced these days. Real Hoxton do a good version. Just as authentic as JtG. Merc is slightly less authentic to the original specs but is a good quality and has its own benefits.

 

[ProteinNerd]

I own one of the Royale Filmwear ones. For the money, I am very pleased with it.

Also picked up one of &Sons' "Rebel" Harringtons when they were on sale last year. Very happy with that one as well.

https://www.andsons.us/products/sons-rebel-jacket-navy

I've also got one of the Royale Filmwear "Harringtons" and love it.

I really like that it doesn't have Raglan sleeves or the elastic waist, highly recommended.

 

[Pandemic]

I've also got one of the Royale Filmwear "Harringtons" and love it.

I really like that it doesn't have Raglan sleeves or the elastic waist, highly recommended.

I’m really happy with mine. Looking forward to wearing it more. It’s nicely rugged and not flimsy like so many Harrington’s. And the collar ‘pops’ nicely without looking too tall.

I did have a bad experience with one of the zipper pulls breaking the first time I wore it, but they offered me a $50 refund to replace or repair it. I ended up gluing it myself and not taking the money - but they will send me one of the new and improved pulls from the next run.

 

[John_Z]

Hi.. anyone have any recommendations on a good quality Harrington jacket..?? I have seen ads for Orvis on Amazon and I believe Marcus has one.. The Orvis one is over $150 and the Marcus one runs around $70.. Anybody have any experience with them and how the sizes run.. Are many other good manufacturers out there..??

Thanks.. Kent

Sorry that I’m a bit late for the party here but being a Harrington fan for 60 odd years now I felt the need to share. Forget JTG, Merc and the likes. They’re not proper spec Harringtons. Baracuta may be nice but way overpriced. Also the company behind the brand name is not the original that introduced the Baracuta brand back in the 30’s. I have a vintage Baracuta that has nothing to do with the current company. The brand name then was owned by Van Heusen of shirts fame as is made clear of the label of my Baracuta. For my money I’d give this company my business I were in the market for a new one: https://www.realhoxton.com/product-category/outerwear/harrington/?amp

The Baracuta company founded by John and Isaac Miller in Manchester in the 30s is still around and still making the same jackets.

Sometime in the 70s Baracuta licensed US production to Can Huesen. Quality on these jackets started out as equal to the UK product and declined rapidly. At some point I think Van Huesen moved production to Asia, which was the final straw leading to Baracuta pulling their licensing deal.

It is true that they are overpriced these days. Real Hoxton do a good version. Just as authentic as JtG. Merc is slightly less authentic to the original specs but is a good quality and has its own benefits.

WP Lavori, an Italian company bought Baracuta in 2012. Probably the reason behind the inflated pricing.

 

[John_Z]

I've also got one of the Royale Filmwear "Harringtons" and love it.

I really like that it doesn't have Raglan sleeves or the elastic waist, highly recommended.

With all respect if it doesn’t have raglan sleeves and/or a knitted waist band it’s not a Harrington. I’m guessing that’s why the inverted commas on the name in your post.