In short: the Harrington jacket is a short, light jacket, born in England in 1937. You can recognise it by its small two-button collar, its zip fastening, its ribbed knit at the waist and cuffs, and traditionally its tartan lining. Dressier than a bomber, it is worn with a shirt, a polo shirt or a fine knit, in spring and autumn.
At Atelier Bertrand, we make it in leather: our leather Harrington Jacket is customisable and made in Paris. It is part of our collection of men's leather bomber jackets. Here is where this classic comes from and how to wear it.
Where does the Harrington jacket come from?
The Harrington jacket was born in 1937 in Manchester, under the name G9. It was first designed for golf: short, light and cut to leave the arms free during the swing.
Its current name comes from television. In the 1960s, Rodney Harrington, a character in the American series Peyton Place, wore it regularly. The nickname stuck, to the point that it now describes a whole style of jacket.
The codes of a Harrington jacket
- A small straight two-button collar, worn closed against the wind or open and slightly turned down.
- A full-length zip fastening.
- Ribbed knit at the waist and cuffs, which gathers the hem of the jacket.
- Two pockets on the front, often with buttoned flaps.
- A back yoke, known as an "umbrella" yoke, which lets water run off on the original version.
- A tartan lining, the signature of the historic version.
Our Harrington Jacket in navy suede lambskin.
A jacket that became iconic
From the 1950s and 1960s, the Harrington moved from the golf course to the cinema. Elvis Presley and Steve McQueen wore it on screen and off. In England, it then became the uniform of the mods, and it has travelled through the decades to the present day with its style intact.
Its success rests on a rare balance: understated enough to dress up, relaxed enough for the weekend.
Harrington or bomber: what is the difference?
Both are short jackets with ribbed knit. The bomber comes from military aviation, with a ribbed knit collar or a stand-up collar; it is sportier. The Harrington comes from golf, with its small two-button collar; it is lighter and dressier. To compare the aviator jacket and the teddy as well, read our guide bomber, aviator, teddy, Harrington: the differences.
The leather Harrington jacket
The original Harrington is made of cotton. In leather, it gains structure and patina, and becomes a piece you keep for years. Our leather Harrington Jacket keeps the codes of the original:
- a two-button collar, with press studs or horn buttons;
- French cotton ribbed knit at the waist and cuffs;
- welt pockets;
- an Italian brass zip.
It is shown in navy suede lambskin, and you choose the leather and the colour from more than 120. It is made to order in Paris, in 4 to 6 weeks, from €1,470.
Which leather and which colour?
Suede leathers, velvety to the touch, are my favourites for a Harrington: they stay true to its light spirit and bring out beige, camel or brown tones beautifully. For a black, more urban version, plongé lambskin is supple with a light satin sheen; deerskin brings more grain. Our article which leather to choose for a bomber compares these four families on a short jacket.
How to wear a Harrington jacket
With a shirt and chinos
This is the most natural outfit: a white or sky blue Oxford shirt, beige or grey chinos and derbies or loafers. The small collar of the Harrington frames that of the shirt.
Shown here: our Jack Harrington jacket in camel calf suede.
With a polo shirt and raw denim jeans
The mod heritage: a knitted polo shirt, straight raw denim jeans and desert boots or white leather trainers.
With a fine knit
A fine merino crew-neck jumper, flannel trousers and boots, for cooler days. Fastened, the two-button collar shields the neck from the wind. For more ideas around short jackets, see how to wear a leather bomber.
Choosing your size
The Harrington is worn close to the body, with the ribbed knit at belt level. Take your usual size. On our model, adjusting the length of the sleeves and the body is included in the price, and sizes go up to 62. At our showroom in Passage Verdeau, you can try it on and compare the leathers; you can also order remotely, and our customisation guide sets out the options.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Harrington jacket?
A short, light jacket, born in England in 1937, recognisable by its small two-button collar, its zip fastening and its ribbed knit at the waist and cuffs.
Why is it called the Harrington?
Its name comes from Rodney Harrington, a character in the series Peyton Place who wore it in the 1960s.
What is the difference between a Harrington and a bomber?
The Harrington has a small two-button collar and a dressier look; the bomber has a ribbed knit collar or a stand-up collar and a sportier look. Both have ribbed knit at the waist and cuffs.
Is there a leather Harrington jacket?
Yes. Our Harrington Jacket is crafted in the leather and colour of your choice, and made in Paris from €1,470.
When should I wear a Harrington jacket?
In spring and autumn, on mild days. It is a transitional jacket; for deep cold, keep to a coat.