Manchester is famous for many things.
It’s the city that invented ‘baggy’ and became the nucleus of northern Britpop. A football city, It has dominated since the 90’s in both red and in blue. In the late 1970’s, the football terraces gave birth to the ‘Casual’ generation, as well-travelled football fans brought designer clothing home from European away trips. A staple of those days was the Baracuta G9 Harrington jacket.
But the jacket originally had nothing to do with football. It was actually made for Golf.
The G (Golf) 9 (9 holes) was created by the Miller Brothers in Manchester in 1937. They wanted to create a jacket that was comfortable and stylish to play in. Soon after, they approached Lord Lovat- Brigadier Simon Christopher Joseph Fraser, the 25th clan chief of the Clan Fraser of Lovat in Scotland and asked him if they could use his family tartan. He agreed and in 1938 the first ever G9 Harrington was created in a small factory in Manchester.
After that, it was adopted by a number of subcultures and firmly cemented itself as a versatile piece that served many demographics.
First it went ‘Ivy League’ and preppy in the States, then it went football through supplying the 1970 England team. Then it failed to choose a side between the mods and the rockers so settled on dressing both. Then it was Ska and the Skinheads and the Punks. So many groups added it to their sartorial ID.
It wasn’t long before it was scene on the backs of people who invented the idea of celebrity. Elvis Pressley, James Dean, Frank Sinatra all wore them as did modern era names like Daniel Craig, Bradley Cooper and Leonardo Di Caprio. A name that became synonymous with the G9 though was Steve McQueen.
Look up any men’s style icon list and McQueen is always there. Understated and timeless, the G9 is the jacket he’s most associated with.
From Manchester to Hollywood and beyond. A time when maybe the UK did make the best clothes in the world. In a modern era where we cling to those stories, I’m please to report that the G9 is still made here in the UK. This was actually the first thing I looked for on the label having read elsewhere that this was the case.
It’s really becoming more and more rare for heritage brands to actually make their products in in the country where they built that heritage. Yes, there are many economic factors but quite often it’s down to profit. It’s really refreshing to see that the G9 hasn’t followed suit. Whilst I admit that I am firmly down the rabbit hole of that world, it does add a little more pride to wear a jacket that really is rooted to it’s history.
In short, few brands are actually doing what Baracuta are doing with the G9 in backing themselves and make in the UK. I know for a fact that they could make this abroad for far, far less. I think more brands should follow suit.
From Manchester to Hollywood and beyond. A time when maybe the UK did make the best clothes in the world. In a modern era where we cling to those stories, I’m please to report that the G9 is still made here in the UK. This was actually the first thing I looked for on the label having read elsewhere that this was the case.
I use this hyperbole lightly but it feels luxurious. I also, maybe ignorantly, didn’t expect it to. I’ve seen far too many brands like this frankly, produce a pastiche. This isn’t one of them.
I usually wear a true medium in most brands but sized up in the G9 for a slightly roomier fit. I feel the M would probably be too small so I would consider this if you’re looking to buy.
Where a wax jacket is the UK staple of Autumn/Winter, I’m happy to declare with no authority at all, that the Baracuta G9 is the Spring/Summer equivalent. A must have for any discerning, timeless wardrobe.
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