I’ve had a Navy Harrington jacket in my wardrobe for several years, but have barely worn it because I was unhappy with the material and fit. When news broke of the collaboration between Barbour and Baracuta to produce what is essentially a waxed Harrington G9, I knew I would end up getting one at some point. It didn’t take long for Barbour’s marketing machine to hook and reel me in.
Sizing and Fit
When I placed my order I was very worried about the sizing. The Barbour website describes the jacket as “a generous, comfortable fit with lots of room for movement and ideal for layering when you’re out in the country”, and the small is listed as a 48-inch chest. I’m usually a 38-inch in jackets, and have a Barbour Bedale in that size that’s roomy enough for ample layering in winter. I feared a 48-inch Harrington was going to be too baggy, but I was prepared to risk having to return it.
As I tried to order, the option to purchase the small disappeared, probably due to it selling out fast. Disappointed, I ordered the medium, a 50” chest, which I fully expected to send back as soon as I tried it on.
Delivery Day
When I removed the jacket from its packaging, I was immediately impressed with the build quality. It’s made from an 8oz waxed cotton versus the 6oz of my Bedale, so it’s very sturdy, and can almost stand up on its own.
I tried it on, expecting to be filling in the returns form five minutes later, but to my amazement, it fit me perfectly. In fact, I would call it a snug fit. There is no way this jacket would fit someone who genuinely has a 50-inch chest, so beware if you are considering buying and are a larger size.
Details and Appearance
The Barbour/Baracuta collaboration has resulted in a really beautiful jacket which at first glance looks like a classic Harrington G9, but look closer and the little details start to jump out. The large zip ring, the sturdy press-studs embossed with the Barbour logo, and the front pocket flaps with Barbour embroidered on one and Baracuta on the other.
The corduroy-lined collar is a Barbour signature feature I love, and opening the pocket flaps reveals the entrance to each pocket is lined with the same corduroy, which was a really nice touch, hidden from view but there for the wearer to appreciate and enjoy.
The jacket’s body lining is fabulous. The sides are lined with Baracuta’s iconic Fraser tartan, while the back is lined with Barbour’s own classic tartan.
Flexibility
I’ve had mine for over a month now, and have worn it several times in different temperatures, ranging from around 15ºC down to 0ºC. Worn over an oxford shirt, the jacket is perfect for me, as I like a close fit. As the temperature has dropped, I have worn it over a Shetland ‘shaggy dog’ sweater and found it still fits, but only just. The 8oz material kept me snug though, and the added protection from the waxed cotton kept my upper body dry when a few spots of rain started to fall.
My jacket is a dark navy colour, which looks great paired with contrasting trousers such as grey or tobacco chinos, or burnt orange cords as shown below. Personally, I wouldn’t wear it with indigo denim, as the colour is too similar for my taste.
Sleeve Issue?
I wore my jacket several times while on holiday in Shropshire, and found it to be very versatile. However, on the morning we departed I wore it while carrying luggage back to the car, and had to make a few trips uphill which got my blood pumping.
When I took the jacket off, I noticed the inside of the sleeves were beaded with perspiration, which was really odd given that I didn’t break into that much of a sweat, and the jacket also has underarm vents.
The sleeves are lined with 100% polyester, which isn’t unusual, but combined with the close fit and the waxed cotton outer, I’m a little worried the jacket might prove difficult to wear on warmer days. I’ll update this post as I find out more.
Overall Verdict
Apart from that one concern with the sleeve lining, I’m absolutely delighted with the jacket, and have no regrets about buying it. I’m looking forward to wearing it over the coming seasons, and seeing how the waxed cotton ages with wear. When it’s time for a rewax in a couple of years, the label inside assures me that’s a service Barbour offers, as they do for their other wax jackets.
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