The Baracuta G9 Jacket epitomises British style. Debuting in 1937, it marked the inaugural Harrington jacket of its kind, crafted by the Miller Brothers in response to the absence of suitable golf jackets. Known affectionately as the Harrington Jacket, the G9 has slowly made it's way to each corner of the globe - instantly recognisable by its iconic Fraser tartan. Check out below a brief history of the G9 & what goes into crafting the Harrington in the UK to this day.
Baracuta, A Brief History
The definitive Harrington Jacket is none other than Baracuta's G9 Jacket. Its association with the name "Harrington" traces back to 1964 when actor Ryan O'Neal, renowned for his role as Rodney Harrington on the sitcom Peyton Place, frequently sported his Baracuta G9 Jacket on-screen. This recurring appearance led to the jacket being colloquially referred to as the Harrington. The connection was further solidified when John Simons inaugurated The Ivy Shop in the UK, paying homage to Ivy League style. Displaying a Baracuta G9 Jacket in the storefront with the inscription "Harrington Jacket" alongside it, the rest, as they say, is history.
Right from the start, Baracuta carved a niche in the sporting world. The Miller Brothers, Baracuta's visionary founders, were avid golfers frequenting Manchester Golf Club. Their keen observation of a market void led to the idea sparked of a versatile jacket, tailor-made for golfers seeking unrestricted movement on the greens. Thus, the iconic G9 jacket found its genesis in the world of golf.
The name choice itself was very simple, with 'G' symbolizing Golf and '9' representing the nine holes of a golf course, pays homage its origin story. Beyond enhanced mobility, the jacket boasted strategically positioned pockets capable of accommodating two golf balls, revolutionising the players' experience. In 1970, Baracuta elevated its golfing credentials by collaborating with none other than Arnold Palmer, one of the sport's legendary figures, thereby cementing its position in golfing lore.
But Baracuta's influence extended beyond golf to the realm of football. The historic 1966 English World Cup-winning squad was outfitted with custom-made coats from Baracuta, a tradition continued with the 1970 team. Dubbed "The Mexican" or the Ramsey Raincoat, it owed its moniker to Sir Alfred Ramsey, who famously donned a burgundy Baracuta G9 Jacket the night preceding England's triumphant 4-1 victory over West Germany in the World Cup final, adding a touch of serendipity to the brand's association with English football.
Baracuta Fraser Tartan
Despite its origins tracing back to 1937, the G9 Harrington Jacket's Fraser Tartan lining boasts a rich history steeped in Scottish-Gaelic tradition dating as far back as the 13th century. Brigadier Simon Christopher Joseph Fraser, the 25th Clan Chief of the Clan Fraser of Lovat, granted Baracuta the rights to utilise their esteemed family Fraser Tartan in 1938. This iconic tartan, synonymous with resilience and endurance, adds the final flourish to the timeless Harrington Jacket. The Fraser Clan's enduring ties to Inverness and their storied history of navigating Scottish independence wars and clan conflicts imbue the tartan with a sense of fortitude that mirrors the durability and strength inherent in the Baracuta G9 Jacket.
Baracuta Made in UK
The brands story began on a chilly, damp day in the heart of Manchester, where the Miller Brothers introduced both Baracuta and what would become the most iconic jacket globally, the G9 Harrington Jacket. What's more, their inaugural factory was strategically located in Manchester itself. Given the city's reputation as one of the wettest in the UK, rain gear is an essential commodity. Even prior to 1937, the Millers were already producing rainwear, laying the groundwork for their expertise by the time they crafted their signature G9 Jacket.
At the inception of the Baracuta G9, there was a gap in the market for sportswear with a touch of formality. Originally tailored for golfers contending with England's frequent rainfall, the Miller brothers astutely devised an innovative solution: the umbrella back yoke with an integrated vent, ensuring a more breathable garment. But their ingenuity didn't end there; this feature was meticulously engineered to not only enhance breathability but also efficiently divert rain away from the jacket and its wearer. Drawing inspiration from the ubiquitous rain repellent, the umbrella, the distinctive shape of the back yoke has since become a hallmark design element synonymous with Baracuta's jackets.
Crafted in the UK by proficient British craftsmen, Baracuta's G9 jackets maintain the tradition of quality and will persist in being manufactured here in the years to come. Despite the challenges posed by today's global market, the brand's dedication to production in our London factory remains steadfast. Additionally, Baracuta prioritise sourcing materials and fabrics from trusted local suppliers, including the use of English Wool in certain silhouettes.
Shop the iconic G9 & our full Baracuta collection below, available online & in-store now at Stuarts London.
Shop Baracuta