Quick explainer for all you rubes out there - the classic Harrington jacket. It also gives me the opportunity to bore (some of) you all with a few fun facts about the classic spring jacket which no doubt almost all of you are looking to refresh for the new season.

This below of course is a Baracuta one, who for some reason are the only ones who (as far as I know, exclusively) produce them with this particular tartan lining. Rod or someone, please correct me on this, but I believe this is the "Fraser" clan's tartan and also the original.

The standard tartan (as seen in Merc, Warrior or others) is very subtly different. Likewise Ben Sherman have another variation which is more like a window check shirt pattern.

Modern Classic Clothing leaves the whole thing behind and goes for a Madras check lining, which is a nice bit of change for anyone who is bored of the Scots or is allergic to red and green. I once also saw (and owned) a paisley one ... but I can't find that on sale anywhere now... lucky those who got one of those.

Something a bit unusual from the boys at Baracuta. Going beyond the standard one-colour Harrington, they’ve come out with these new designs for the Spring – consisting of what they call “reversible” embroidered, as well as some striped versions - which are I believe 20% off in the sale.
 
I especially like the "reversibles" because they have a contrast colour on their collars and which also replaces their usual tartan lining. The effect is quite striking and - I would say–- very pop arty. Pete Townshend would probably approve, but I know I do.

I’m not sure if I’d wear it reversed though – the other side has a huge Baracuta logo on the back of it which changes the look completely into something akin to a Hell’s Angel. Not ideal.

Full page below:
http://www.baracuta.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-WPBAWO-UK-Site/default/Product-Show?pid=BRCPS0399BLCN1526&start=15&cgid=br_G9

Getting into these old ads. There's a whole load on Pinterest if you know what to look for...

​Modern Classic Clothing are pushing out some new Harrington jackets. They’ve ditched the traditional red tartan and put in a slick-looking “madras” lining. No doubt some people might kick off over the usurping of the famous tartan and they aren’t cheap either… but I personally quite like where they’re going with this - I’m willing to pay a little extra for that creative streak.

​It’s another ingredient to add to the melting pot of where the hell I’m going to get my next Harrington. Definitely something I’m going to consider.

​I am now officially on the hunt for a new Harrington jacket.

I’ve been thinking for a while now that my current one has been looking a bit old, a bit dusty and a bit tired. I also have some other reservations about it that need further explanations.

I have two Harringtons, one black and one navy blue. The navy one is the one we’re talking about here. It’s from Warrior and it has been a favourite for a while because it has, instead of the trad red tartan lining, a blue paisley one. 

This Harrington, for what it’s worth, can be picked up for about £30 from Warrior’s website. Not bad for a classic jacket with an unusual twist.

But I have noticed something else. I don’t know where the black Harrington was bought but I assume somewhere like Merc and it’s become my new favourite for two reasons. Firstly, despite being much older, it’s actually holding up far better than the navy one. The material is much more easily dusted off from whatever crap you end up getting on it (picture me in Tesco’s bakery section last week and choosing a loaf of some pretentious, organic free range fucking bread. Flour fucking everywhere. I’m sure there’s never been a more manly way of getting dust on your jacket).

Secondly, the structure of the jacket is much more rigid and retains its shape. The navy one has become a bit crumpled by comparison, despite me having owned it for less time.

I don’t think this is coincidental. Consider, if you will, the materials involved:

Navy blue, flimsy - 80% Polyester : 20% Cotton Mix (from Warrior)

Black, robust and starched feel - 40% Polyester : 60% Cotton (from Merc - though admittedly I don’t know exactly where mine was from)

So here I am wondering whether this makes all the difference - more cotton equals a more rigid fabric? I hope someone who knows about this can tell me.

Until then, I am going to keep surveying the streets and the internet for all the navy Harringtons I can find until I feel I have saved enough to decide to buy one.

As you can see, the choice is not an easy one. Any recommendations?