7 Unexpected Ways to Style a Classic Harrington Jacket

The Harrington jacket stands as a true British fashion icon, worn by everyone from Steve McQueen to members of the Royal Family. Yet, many of us stick to wearing it the same old way, time after time. Let's shake things up with some fresh ideas that might surprise you. This guide will take you through not just the ways to wear this classic piece, but also the history behind it and how to make each look work for your personal style.

A Brief History of the Harrington

Before we dive into styling tips, let's understand where this iconic jacket came from. Born in Manchester in the 1930s, the Harrington jacket was first made by Baracuta as the G9 golf jacket. It didn't get its famous nickname until the 1960s, when Ryan O'Neal wore one in the TV series Peyton Place – his character's name was Rodney Harrington.

The jacket's simple design – a waist-length, zip-front jacket with a stand-up collar and ribbed cuffs – made it perfect for everything from golfing to casual wear. Soon, it became a favourite among icons like Elvis Presley and James Dean, cementing its place in fashion history.

1. The Smart Office Twist

Forget everything you know about casual bomber jackets. Your Harrington can work brilliantly with formal wear. Try throwing it over a crisp white shirt and wool trousers. Add a knitted tie and brown brogues, and you've got a look that turns heads at the office. The key is picking a Harrington in a dark colour – navy or black works wonders here.

Making It Work

• Choose a Harrington with minimal tartan lining showing

• Keep your shirt well-pressed – the contrast between crisp and casual makes this look work

• Polish your shoes properly – details matter when mixing casual and formal

• Consider adding a pocket square that picks up colours from the jacket's lining

2. The Weekend Layering Game

Most people wear their Harrington as a top layer, but here's a thought – what if you didn't? On chilly days, wear your Harrington under a longer wool coat. The ribbed cuffs and waistband create interesting texture, while the collar peeks out playfully from beneath your coat. It's like having a secret weapon in your style arsenal.

Perfect Layering Tips

• Choose a coat at least 4 inches longer than your Harrington

• Keep the coat open to show off the layers

• Play with texture combinations – try a herringbone coat over a smooth cotton Harrington

• Add a scarf that complements both pieces

3. The Summer Evening Solution

When the sun starts to set but you're not ready to head home, your Harrington has your back. Pair it with white linen trousers and a plain t-shirt. Roll the sleeves up twice and pop the collar. Add some leather sandals, and you've got a look that works just as well at a beach bar as it does at a garden party.

Summer Styling Details

• Choose lightweight cotton trousers that flow when you walk

• Pick a t-shirt in a premium fabric – this isn't the time for gym wear

• Consider pale colours that reflect the season

• Add subtle accessories like a leather bracelet or simple watch

4. The Sporty Upgrade

Who says you can't mix classic with modern? Try wearing your Harrington with joggers – but not just any joggers. Pick a tapered pair in a premium fabric. Add some clean, white trainers and a plain grey sweatshirt. The mix of old and new creates an outfit that looks thoughtful rather than thrown together.

Getting the Sport Luxe Right

• Choose joggers in wool or cotton blend rather than polyester

• Keep your trainers pristinely clean

• Add a luxury watch to elevate the look

• Consider the colour coordination carefully – tone-on-tone works well here

5. The Pattern Play

Here's where we really break the rules. Most people keep their Harrington outfits simple, but patterns can work brilliantly. Try a striped Breton shirt underneath, or even a floral shirt if you're feeling bold. The structured shape of the jacket helps to contain busy patterns, making them more wearable.

Pattern Mixing Guidelines

• Start with smaller patterns if you're new to this

• Keep one item solid to anchor the look

• Match pattern scales – don't mix tiny polka dots with huge florals

• Consider the colour palette carefully – stay within a similar family

6. The Double Denim Dream

Yes, you read that right. Wear your Harrington with jeans and a denim shirt. The key is choosing different shades of denim – light wash jeans with a darker shirt works well. The Harrington adds a third texture that stops it from looking too much like a Canadian tuxedo.

Mastering Double Denim

• Always vary your denim shades

• Keep the fit slim but not tight

• Add brown leather accessories to break up the blue

• Consider the wash of your denim – avoid anything too distressed

7. The Dress-Down Suit

Got a suit that only sees the light of day at weddings? Break it up. Wear the trousers with your Harrington and a plain t-shirt. Add some canvas trainers, and suddenly those formal trousers feel weekend-ready. It's a brilliant way to get more wear out of your smart clothes.

Making Suit Separates Work

• Choose suit trousers with a subtle pattern for added interest

• Keep your t-shirt plain and well-fitted

• Consider the texture of your trainers – canvas or suede works better than leather

• Add a leather belt to bridge the smart-casual gap

Caring for Your Harrington

To make these looks work long-term, you need to take care of your jacket:

Cleaning

• Always check the care label

• Clean spots and stains immediately

• Use a soft brush to remove dust and dirt

• Consider professional cleaning for tough stains

Storage

• Hang on a proper jacket hanger

• Keep in a breathable garment bag

• Store in a cool, dry place

• Avoid direct sunlight when storing

Seasonal Adaptations

Your Harrington can work year-round with these seasonal tweaks:

Spring

• Layer over light knitwear

• Choose bright colours

• Add seasonal accessories like silk scarves

Summer

• Roll up the sleeves

• Wear open over t-shirts

• Choose lighter colours

Autumn

• Layer under heavier coats

• Add scarves and gloves

• Choose darker colours

Winter

• Wear over thick jumpers

• Add thermal layers

• Consider a wool-blend Harrington

How to Make These Looks Work

The secret to pulling off these unexpected combinations lies in the details. Keep these tips in mind:

Your Harrington should fit well across the shoulders. If it's too big, none of these looks will work quite right. The jacket should end at your hips – any longer and it loses that classic shape that makes it so versatile.

Don't be afraid to play with colours. While traditional tan and navy Harringtons are fantastic, a deep green or burgundy version can add an extra layer of interest to these combinations.

Pay attention to your fabric choices. A cotton Harrington works best for most of these looks, but a wool blend can add warmth and sophistication for winter outfits.

Remember that confidence makes any outfit work better. If you're trying something new, start with the look that feels closest to your comfort zone and work your way up to the more daring combinations.

Shopping for Your Perfect Harrington

When investing in a Harrington jacket, consider these factors:

Fabric

• Pure cotton for versatility

• Cotton-polyester blend for durability

• Wool blend for winter warmth

Fit

• Shoulders should fit perfectly

• Sleeves should end at wrists

• Body should be slightly loose but not baggy

Details

• Check zip quality

• Examine button strength

• Look at lining attachment

• Test pocket durability

A Final Word

The Harrington jacket has stuck around for decades because it's so versatile. These seven ways of wearing it barely scratch the surface of what's possible. The best way to find your perfect Harrington style is to experiment. Try different combinations, play with layers, and most importantly, make it your own.

Don't let anyone tell you there are rules set in stone about how to wear this classic piece. The best outfits often come from breaking the so-called rules and trying something unexpected. After all, isn't that what personal style is all about?

Remember, fashion should be fun. The Harrington jacket gives you permission to play with your style while staying grounded in classic British fashion heritage. Whether you're dressing up for the office or down for the weekend, your Harrington can be your most versatile wardrobe ally.

Now it's your turn to take these ideas and make them your own. Start with the combinations that appeal to you most, then gradually experiment with more adventurous pairings. You might just discover your new signature look.