Few garments carry the same cultural weight and quiet charisma as the Harrington.
Short, sharp, and endlessly versatile, it’s the jacket that says you know what you’re doing, without saying a word. But behind its rakish silhouette lies a story of British ingenuity, military invention, and unbroken craft. This isn’t just a jacket. This is the coolest coat Britain has ever made.
And we still make it where it all began, Manchester.
The story starts in wartime Britain, when Churchill’s government asked Manchester’s Shirley Institute to develop a fabric that could save the lives of downed RAF pilots. The result was Ventile® , a tightly woven cotton that swells when wet, sealing out the cold and wind without sacrificing breathability. A lifesaver then, and a technical marvel now.
Ventile went on to clothe Everest pioneers like Sir Edmund Hillary. Today, it forms the foundation of our Harrington, a jacket made from the same revolutionary cloth, and still sewn in our red brick factory, referred to by the BBC as “the last bastion of great British manufacturing.”
Originally a piece of practical outerwear, the Harrington became a cultural icon almost by accident. With its zip front, slanted pockets, and stand-up collar, it blended utility with understated confidence. Before long, some of the most stylish and celebrated figures in film, music, and counterculture had quietly claimed it as their own. The Mods made it their uniform in the ’60s. And decades later, it’s still going strong, a symbol of effortless cool from streetwear to the silver screen.
While others moved production overseas in a race to the bottom, cutting costs and compromising on quality, we have always kept the faith, and the craft, right here in Manchester.
Our Harrington stays true to the original in spirit, but we’ve reimagined every element for the modern wearer. It starts with that single-layer Ventile® shell, lightweight, waterproof, and breathable. No synthetic coatings. No need for outdated features like the storm flap. We’ve solved the problem, so we don’t have to work around it.
The cut is relaxed but refined. Raglan sleeves provide greater freedom of movement. The straight hem offers a clean silhouette. Gone are the ribbed cuffs, replaced by tailored shirt cuffs, finished with adjustable copper studs for a custom fit.
We use a Swiss-made copper RIRI zip, smoother, stronger, and smarter than anything else on the market. The collar is lined in ultra-fine needle corduroy and secured with copper studs. Inside, you’ll find stud secure jet pockets, a full cotton body lining, and a silk-like viscose sleeve lining for smooth on-and-off wear. Every seam is clean. Every detail serves a purpose.
This is the real deal, built in the same factory that has produced over 100,000 Harringtons since the 1950s. Except now, it’s better than ever.
The Harrington doesn’t ask much of you, but it gives a lot in return. Throw it on over denim and a sweatshirt or pair it with a shirt and tie. Wear it zipped up in the rain or loose on a spring afternoon. Choose from Navy & British racing green, timeless colours for a jacket that never goes out of style
This is a piece of British fashion history that adapts to any wardrobe and almost every season.
In a world of noise, the Harrington remains quietly assured. We didn’t imitate the legend. We helped build it, and we’ve spent decades perfecting it.
Made in Manchester. Worn everywhere.
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