Celebrating 85 years: The History Behind the Baracuta G9 Jacket
BY Natasha Bailey ON 22 February, 2025
The Baracuta G9—better known as the Harrington has been effortlessly cool for over 85 years. Whether draped over the shoulders of Hollywood legends, worn by the members of rebellious youth movements, or modern-day style icons, the G9 has remained a timeless must-have.
But how did this simple golf jacket become a global fashion piece? Let’s take a trip through its distinctive history.
1938: The Birth of a Classic
It all started in Manchester, England, when brothers John and Isaac Miller designed the perfect golf jacket—lightweight, water-resistant, and breathable.
The Miller brothers were avid golfers and regulars at Manchester Golf Club, but one thing stood out—most players just weren’t dressed for the unpredictable Manchester weather. Rain and wind made golfing uncomfortable, and their usual jackets weren’t cutting it.
That’s when inspiration struck: what if they designed the perfect jacket for golfers? Something that was practical, weatherproof, and stylish all at once.
They gave it a smart yet practical design with slanted pockets and a back vent for extra movement. The Fraser tartan lining, a nod to British heritage that became one of the jacket’s most recognisable features.
By the 1950s, the G9 was no longer just for golfers—it had crossed the Atlantic and found a new home in the Ivy League scene. Preppy dressers loved its clean, casual look. Its lightweight, weather-resistant fabric made it ideal for unpredictable conditions. It was the perfect balance of smart and laid-back, setting the stage for its mainstream appeal.
1960s: Hollywood & "Harrington"
The ’60s were when the G9 truly became legendary. Hollywood’s biggest names—Steve McQueen, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and James Dean—all wore it, cementing its status as the go-to jacket for effortlessly cool men.
And where does the "Harrington" name come from? It was actually thanks to Ryan O’Neal’s character, Rodney Harrington, in the TV show Peyton Place. The jacket became so associated with him that fans and fashion writers just started calling it the Harrington, and the name stuck.
1970s-1980s: The Rebel Jacket
By the ’70s and ’80s, the Harrington had taken on a new life as a symbol of rebellion. British subcultures—mods, punks, and skinheads—embraced it for its clean lines, practicality, and understated appeal.
1990s to Today: Always in Style
Unlike many trends that come and go, the Harrington has never faded into the background. In the ’90s and 2000s, it found a new generation of fans in Britpop legends like Liam Gallagher and Damon Albarn. Even today, brands like Supreme and Engineered Garments have collaborated with Baracuta to reimagine the jacket while keeping its classic DNA intact.
