What Subculture Is the Harrington Jacket?

You’ve seen it in movies, on album covers, and even on fashion runways—clean-cut, sharp-collared, and quietly rebellious. The Harrington jacket is not just a piece of clothing. It’s a statement. A symbol. A staple of multiple subcultures that have defined decades of style. But what subculture does the Harrington jacket truly belong to?

The short answer? Many.

Let’s take a closer look at how the Harrington jacket became a cultural icon—and how you can make it your own with CraftClothing’s Harrington Jackets.

From Ivy League Cool to British Youth Rebellion

Originally known as the Baracuta G9, the Harrington jacket was born in 1930s England. But it wasn’t until it made its way into the closets of American Ivy League students in the 1950s that it began to develop its iconic reputation. Neatly tailored and versatile, the jacket fit right in with collegiate fashion: smart, clean, and effortlessly cool.

But its story didn’t stop there. The Harrington jacket found a new identity with British subcultures in the 1960s, most notably the Mods and the Skinheads. For the Mods, the jacket was sleek, modern, and stylish—a perfect outerwear piece for zipping through the city on a Vespa. For early Skinheads (before the movement was politically charged), it represented working-class pride and unpretentious, durable fashion.

Both groups appreciated the Harrington’s balance of form and function. It looked good, moved well, and held its own in any weather—especially important in the UK's unpredictable climate.

Punk, Ska, and Britpop: A Jacket That Transcends Time

The 1970s and 1980s saw the Harrington jacket evolve yet again. Punk and ska enthusiasts adopted it as part of their uniform, often pairing it with Dr. Martens boots and distressed jeans. The tartan lining—a signature of the jacket—fit perfectly with the anti-establishment aesthetics of the time.

Fast forward to the 1990s and 2000s, and the Harrington resurfaced with the Britpop movement. Bands like Oasis and Blur rocked Harringtons as part of their regular wardrobe, reviving interest in this timeless piece for a new generation of youth drawn to both retro fashion and musical rebellion.

A Modern Classic with Endless Possibilities

Today, the Harrington jacket remains a fashion essential that bridges generations and aesthetics. Whether you’re going for a retro collegiate vibe, channeling British punk energy, or just need a lightweight layer that goes with anything—this jacket delivers.

At CraftClothing, we understand that heritage doesn’t have to mean stiff or outdated. Our Harrington jackets are made to last, crafted by skilled artisans who know that every detail matters. From the carefully selected fabrics to the reinforced stitching, each piece is made to echo the quality and care of past eras while meeting the style standards of today.

Want yours in bold color? Embroidered with your logo? Designed for your team or brand? We offer full customization options so you can turn a classic into your own cultural signature.

Check out our collection of Harrington jackets here and find the one that fits your story.

So, What Subculture Is the Harrington Jacket?

It’s Mod. It’s Punk. It’s Preppy. It’s Britpop. It’s all of them and none of them. That’s the beauty of a true classic—it never belongs to just one group. It evolves, adapts, and remains relevant across time.

Whether you’re repping your brand, outfitting a team, or just stepping up your style, a Harrington jacket by CraftClothing isn’t just outerwear. It’s your next statement piece.

Ready to make it yours? Let’s get crafting.