Style Milestones: The Harrington Turns 70

For some reason it’s newsworthy that this simple flannel-lined windbreaker by Baracuta of Manchester has just reached its 70th birthday. Maybe it’s because Ryan O’Neal helped popularize it, or because Frank Sinatra did, or because Elvis did or because yesterday’s Daniel Craig Steve McQueen wore it too.

Me, I hate having ribbed elastic cuffs on my wrists, so I never liked these kind of jackets, but thousands of guys who took their inspiration from the aforementioned style mavens can’t be entirely wrong.

Everyone has a classic “man’s man” uncle or some friend of the family who is always wearing one of these, maybe a knock-off of it. The guy’s in his early-mid 60’s now and is still hale, at least fronts it convincingly. This guy laughs loudly, enjoys being the center of attention, and while he loves the ladies, he prefers being out with the boys. He drives a car that “performs”, was probably in the service, and he likes to chop wood. Maybe he claims to know karate. He’s seen the original “Bullitt” at least twice, and he thinks you need to get up off of your ass and do something with your life.

Hey, that’s what this iconic jacket says to me. What does it say to you?

It’s a “G” Thang [style.com]