The Harrington jacket: an iconic garment through the ages
What is a Harrington jacket?
The Harrington jacket is a lightweight, fitted jacket with a zip fastening, usually made from cotton, polyester or a mixture of the two. Characteristic of the Harrington jacket are the chequered lining, often in a tartan pattern, the elasticated cuffs and hem and the slanted pockets with flaps. The jacket is both functional and stylish and became popular in the 1960s.
History
Die Harrington Jacke wurde in den 1930er Jahren von John und Isaac Miller, den Gründern des britischen Unternehmens Baracuta, entworfen. Ursprünglich als G9 bekannt, war die Jacke für Golfer konzipiert, die eine leichte, wasserabweisende Jacke benötigten, die genügend Bewegungsfreiheit bot. Der Name “Harrington” wurde in den 1960er Jahren durch die amerikanische Fernsehserie “Peyton Place” populär, in der der Charakter Rodney Harrington, gespielt von Ryan O’Neal, oft eine solche Jacke trug.
Pop culture and subcultures
Die Harrington Jacke fand schnell ihren Weg in die Popkultur und wurde von Ikonen wie Elvis Presley und Steve McQueen getragen. Presley trug eine Harrington Jacke im Film “King Creole” (1958), und McQueen machte sie in “The Thomas Crown Affair” (1968) berühmt. Diese Verbindungen zu Hollywood-Stars verliehen der Jacke einen Status als modisches Statement.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the Harrington jacket was adopted by various subcultures. It was particularly popular with British mods, who combined it with slim trousers and polo shirts. Later, it was also worn by skinheads and punks, who used the jacket as an expression of their rebellion and individual style.
Brands such as Ben Sherman and Fred Perry have also been instrumental in keeping the Harrington jacket popular in these subcultures by combining classic designs with modern elements
Harrington jacket in today's world
Today, the Harrington jacket is a timeless garment worn by people of all ages and styles. It remains a staple of many fashion brands and comes in a variety of colours and materials.
The versatility of the Harrington jacket makes it an ideal choice for different occasions, whether casual or more formal. Its lightweight yet robust construction makes it ideal for changeable weather.
Summary
The Harrington jacket has a rich history and is deeply rooted in various cultures and subcultures. From its beginnings as a golf jacket in the 1930s to its status as a fashion icon in the 1960s and its popularity in various subcultures, it remains a symbol of style, functionality and timeless elegance. Thanks to brands such as Baracuta, Fred Perry and Ben Sherman, which continue the tradition of the Harrington jacket while giving it a modern interpretation, this garment remains an indispensable part of the fashion world.
