Edward
Bartender
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- London, UK
Sorry that I’m a bit late for the party here but being a Harrington fan for 60 odd years now I felt the need to share. Forget JTG, Merc and the likes. They’re not proper spec Harringtons. Baracuta may be nice but way overpriced. Also the company behind the brand name is not the original that introduced the Baracuta brand back in the 30’s. I have a vintage Baracuta that has nothing to do with the current company. The brand name then was owned by Van Heusen of shirts fame as is made clear of the label of my Baracuta. For my money I’d give this company my business I were in the market for a new one: https://www.realhoxton.com/product-category/outerwear/harrington/?amp
I've always been very happy with my Merc jackets - though of course the lack of a raglan sleeve is a dealbreaker for some. I will probably try a Real Hoxton next, though. The interesting thing especially there is they're the only affordable option I think I can recall seeing that has the open-vent on the back. It's a feature I've shied away from in the past, but am now curious to try. I very much like the look of their orangey-tan "pumpkin" model.
With all respect if it doesn’t have raglan sleeves and/or a knitted waist band it’s not a Harrington. I’m guessing that’s why the inverted commas on the name in your post.
The raglan sleeve element does attract strong views (which I understand - I don't think a Telecaster is a 'real' Telecaster if there are six rather than three saddles....). Notably, Jump The Gun do both, as there are those who prefer the slimmer fit that a set in sleeve can facilitate, apparently.
Lack of knits on the waist was another, associated style in Baracuta, wasn't it - a G4 rather than a G9, if memory serves?
It's interesting though how there has evolved a general notion (barring varying views on specific details) as to what a "Harrington" is, given that was never applied specifically to or as a single brand.