Baracuta G9 Jacket.
By Jonathan Campbell
Where does this famous jacket get its name? The G stands for Golf and 9 is for a nine-hole course. When John and Isaac Miller (who made coats for Burberry) played golf, their long macs got in the way of their swing, so they set about designing a waterproof jacket that allowed for a full range of movement […]
Like so many great coats, the Baracuta G9 was born out of two Englishman not wanting to get wet. When John and Isaac Miller (who made coats for Burberry) played golf, their long macs got in the way of their swing, so they set about designing a waterproof jacket that allowed for a full range of movement. That’s why the original cut of the G9 is quite a voluminous garment. The modern G9 has been tailored to a more modern cut. The G stands for Golf and 9 is for a nine hole course.
The jacket is made from a waterproof poplin with elasticated cuffs and a high waist, with a collar that can be turned up and secured with two buttons across the neck. Not long after the release of the new garment, the brothers (with permission of Lord Lovat, the 24th Chieftain of the Fraser Clan) added the distinctive Fraser tartan as the lining, and the iconic style we know today was born. The new jacket was an immediate hit on golf courses across the UK. The US market took off soon after, and before long the G9 was in the wardrobe of practically every country club member.
Despite its adoption by the establishment, the jacket retained universal appeal, due in no small part to its endorsement by distinctly anti-establishment stars. In 1955, James Dean wore an American version by McGregor Drizzler in Rebel Without a Cause. In 1958, Elvis wore one in King Creole, considered by many to be his finest film performance. Then crucially, in the 1960s, Ryan O’Neal wore one as Rodney Harrington, in TV series Peyton Place. This led to the great mod clothier John Simons renaming the jacket 'the Harrington'.
Under its new name, it was an instant hit with Britain's mods, who had adopted a blend of Ivy League and Italian tailoring. Not only did the Harrington fit in with their style perfectly, but it is perfect for wearing on a scooter. In 1963, its iconic status was secured, when King of Cool Steve McQueen wore one in the Thomas Crown Affair.
I first noticed the Harrington on skinheads hanging out at the local kebab house amusements on Green Lanes (could that be any more North London?) They had adopted the black version and although they only bought cheap copies from Lea Valley Market, it remains an example of the jacket’s unique appeal to different groups, over the years.
Even now, the G9 retains that design classic quality of being ubiquitous, yet always looking good whoever wears it - regardless of country, class or subculture. It’s one reason that today, I own G9s in several colours, and it remains my go-to jacket for spring and summer.
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Images. The Obsessive, WP LAVORI IN CORSO SRL/Baracuta
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