Harrington Jacket: The Ultimate Guide - How to Style, What & Where to Buy

The Harrington jacket is the ultimate transitional piece that effortlessly bridges smart-casual and relaxed styling – a timeless investment that works across seasons and occasions. As someone who's styled countless clients over the years, I can confidently say this classic jacket deserves a place in every woman's wardrobe. Originally designed as a golf jacket in the 1930s, the Harrington has evolved into a versatile style staple that offers the perfect balance of structure and comfort.

What Makes a Harrington Jacket Special?

The Harrington's distinctive features set it apart from other lightweight jackets. The signature tartan or check lining, neat funnel neck with stand-up collar, and ribbed cuffs and hem create a polished silhouette that's neither too formal nor too casual. The zip-front closure keeps things streamlined, whilst the typically cropped length flatters most body shapes by hitting at the natural waistline.

What I love most about styling Harringtons is their chameleon-like quality. The structured shoulders provide definition without being bulky, making them perfect for layering over everything from silk camisoles to chunky knits. The classic cotton or lightweight wool construction means they work beautifully across three seasons.

How to Style Your Harrington Jacket

The Smart-Casual Formula

For polished everyday wear, I pair Harringtons with straight-leg trousers and a crisp white shirt. Roll the sleeves slightly to show the cuff detail, and finish with leather loafers or low-heeled boots. This combination works brilliantly for office environments with relaxed dress codes or weekend brunches.

Weekend Chic

Layer your Harrington over a fine-knit jumper with well-fitted jeans and white trainers for effortless weekend style. The jacket's structured silhouette elevates casual pieces without looking overdone. I often recommend this combination to clients who want to look put-together whilst running errands or meeting friends.

Feminine Contrast

One of my favourite styling tricks is pairing a Harrington with feminine pieces for beautiful contrast. Try yours over a midi skirt with ankle boots, or layer it over a slip dress with trainers for that coveted high-low mix that fashion editors love.

Seasonal Layering

In autumn, wear your Harrington under a wool coat, letting it peek out at the collar and hem. For spring, layer it over lightweight knitwear when temperatures are unpredictable. The beauty lies in its versatility as both an outer layer and a sophisticated mid-layer.

Colour and Fabric Considerations

Whilst navy remains the most versatile choice, don't overlook khaki, black, or burgundy options. Navy works with virtually everything in your wardrobe, whilst khaki offers a more relaxed, utilitarian feel. Black provides urban sophistication, and burgundy adds richness to autumn wardrobes.

Cotton remains the classic choice, offering breathability and structure. Look for cotton-poly blends for easy care, or invest in pure wool versions for superior drape and warmth. Avoid synthetic materials that lack the jacket's characteristic crisp appearance.

Brand Recommendations

High Street Heroes

£40-80Uniqlo – Their cotton Harringtons offer excellent quality basics in classic colours with proper proportions.

£60-90COS – Minimalist interpretations with contemporary cuts and beautiful fabric quality.

£70-120& Other Stories – Fashion-forward takes with interesting colour options and modern fits.

Premium Picks

£150-200 Barbour - A classic choice

£150-250 Everlane – Sustainable options with exceptional attention to detail and classic styling.

£180-280 Arket – Scandinavian-inspired designs with superior cotton quality and timeless appeal.

£200-350 Filippa K – Swedish minimalism meets perfect tailoring with contemporary proportions.

£220-320 Ganni – Danish brand offering playful takes on the classic with unique prints and colours.

Designer Investment Pieces

£400-600 Acne Studios – Avant-garde Swedish brand with architectural cuts and premium materials.

£450-750 Isabel Marant – French sophistication with relaxed Parisian chic and beautiful proportions.

£500-800 The Row – Ultimate luxury with impeccable tailoring and the finest fabrics.

£350-550 Lemaire – Understated luxury with focus on exceptional cut and drape.

Fit and Sizing Guide

The perfect Harrington should sit comfortably at your natural waistline without being restrictive. You should be able to layer a lightweight jumper underneath without the jacket pulling or gaping. The sleeves should end just above your wrist bone, allowing any layered pieces to peek through.

Pay attention to shoulder fit – this cannot be altered easily. The shoulder seam should sit at your natural shoulder point. If you're between sizes, I typically recommend sizing up for layering versatility, particularly if you live in a climate where you'll wear it over knitwear frequently.

Never Guess Your Size Again with Tellar

As much as I love helping you choose the perfect Harrington, getting the right size can be tricky when shopping online. That's where tellar.co.uk becomes absolutely invaluable – it's the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1500 brands instantly.

How Tellar Works:

Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements, or your existing brand size
Use their tellar.co.uk
tellar.co.uk
The Ultimate Guide to Dresses, Styles & Body Shapes

Care and Maintenance

Proper care extends your Harrington's lifespan significantly. Most cotton versions are machine washable, but always check the care label first. I recommend washing inside out in cool water to preserve the colour and shape. Hang to dry rather than tumble drying to prevent shrinkage and maintain the crisp silhouette.

For wool versions, dry cleaning is usually best, though some can be hand-washed carefully. Store hanging rather than folded to maintain the shoulder shape, and consider using cedar hangers to help retain the jacket's structure.

Final Thoughts

The Harrington jacket represents everything I love about timeless fashion – it's practical, versatile, and effortlessly chic. Whether you invest in a high street version or splurge on a designer piece, you're buying into decades of style heritage that will serve you well across countless occasions.

Remember, the best Harrington is the one that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Consider your lifestyle, preferred fit, and budget, then choose accordingly. With proper care and styling, your Harrington will become one of those wardrobe workhorses you reach for again and again, season after season.