Baracuta G9: The Complete Guide (History, Fits, How to Choose)
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Baracuta G9: The Complete Guide (History, Fits, How to Choose)
You want a Baracuta G9 but you're wondering if it's really worth 450 bucks. Spoiler: yes. But not for the reasons you read everywhere.
I've been selling G9s at the shop for years. I'm going to tell you what I tell my customers when they see it on the rack and hesitate. No fluff, no brand storytelling.
What exactly is a Baracuta G9?
It's the original Harrington jacket. The real, the only one. All other "Harringtons" you see in stores are copies of the model created by Baracuta in 1937 in Manchester.
Two brothers, John and Isaac Miller. They made raincoats for Burberry. One day, they invented a short jacket for playing golf in the rain. Slanted pockets for golf balls, an umbrella-like back for downpours, water-repellent fabric. The G9 was born.
A year later, they obtained permission from the Fraser clan to use their tartan as lining. This red and green plaid tartan became THE brand's signature. If you open it and the tartan is there, it's a real one. Otherwise, move along.
Steve McQueen wore it. Elvis too. Damon Albarn in the 90s, Daniel Craig as James Bond. 88 years later, the cut hasn't moved an inch. If that's not the definition of a timeless piece...
Why it costs €450
Honestly, that's the first question I get asked. And I understand. You can find Harringtons for €80 at Celio. Here's why the difference.
It's Made in England
Not in China, not in Bangladesh, not in Turkey. In Manchester, in the same factory since the 1950s. British tailors, paid fairly. You can feel it in the cut, and it lasts over time.
The material is unique in the world
The "Baracuta Cloth" is a cotton/polyester fabric developed by the brand. Naturally water-repellent, ultra-tight, almost indestructible. No one else has it. That's why a 15-year-old G9 still holds up in the rain.
The Fraser Tartan lining is real tartan
Not printed, woven. The colored threads are in the material, not placed on top. And it's Coolmax, a moisture-wicking fiber. On a copy, the lining is printed in two minutes on a random polyester. You can see it with the naked eye.
It lasts 15 to 20 years
That's where the math gets interesting. €450 over 20 years is €22 per year. Your €60 Zara jacket that lasts two winters is €30 per year. And after 20 years you've thrown away 10 jackets. In short. Pay once, wear for twenty years.
Baracuta G9 Sizing: How Not to Go Wrong
The G9 sizes are in UK numbers: 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48. Here's the correspondence I use in the store:
- 36 = XS
- 38 = S
- 40 = M
- 42 = M/L (in-between)
- 44 = L
- 46 = XL
- 48 = XXL
The cut is regular. Neither fitted nor oversized. It hangs straight and stops right at the waist.
Between two sizes? Here's the rule
You want it neat and close-fitting → take the smaller one.
You want to be able to wear a sweater underneath in winter → take the larger one.
In 90% of cases, I recommend taking the smaller one. The ribs at the bottom have elasticity, so even when snug, the G9 is never constricting. And a G9 that's too big looks bad and loses all its character.
The pitfall to avoid
Taking your size "like at H&M." UK sizes are more generous. If you usually wear an M (40), you can often go down to a 38 in Baracuta. Always try it on before ordering if you can. Otherwise, measure a jacket you already like (shoulder width + chest width) and compare it to the Baracuta size guide.
What color to choose
If it's your first G9, I'll give you the advice I give everyone in the store.
Navy Blue: the default choice
This is THE color of the G9. Steve McQueen's color. The one that goes with everything: raw denim, khaki chinos, grey flannel trousers, white shorts in summer. If you only buy one in your life, this is it. Honestly, it's the right choice in 80% of cases.
Racing Green: to stand out
A deep British green, somewhere between emerald and fir. More character than navy, perfect with earthy tones (camel, brown, beige) and dark denim. The choice for the guy who knows the brand and doesn't want the same jacket as everyone else.
Natural (ivory beige): for summer and mid-season
Also super versatile, brighter. It works well with raw denim or dark chinos. Be careful: it stains more easily. If you're the type to eat a kebab at 2 AM on the way home, pick another color.
Black: for an urban wardrobe
More contemporary, less heritage. It loses a bit of its British charm, but it goes anywhere in the city. A good choice if your wardrobe is already mostly dark.
Colors to avoid for a first G9
Fluorescent, prints, checks. Baracuta releases original limited editions, but save those for your second or third G9. For the first one, keep it simple.
How to (really) wear it
The G9 is great because it adapts to everything. But there are rules to follow to make it look good.
What works
- Raw selvedge jeans (Nudie, APC, Levi's Vintage) + white crew neck t-shirt + white sneakers or leather boots
- Corduroy or gabardine chinos + oxford shirt + loafers
- Grey flannel trousers + white shirt + thin merino sweater underneath + leather shoes
What to avoid
- Hoodie underneath: the G9 is a smart jacket, it turns into suburban wear if you put a hoodie underneath. If you want warmth, wear a thin merino sweater or a wool cardigan.
- Super skinny or skinny jeans: the G9 is short, it will cut off your silhouette. Go for a regular or classic slim fit.
- Running shoes: noble jacket = noble shoes. Minimalist white sneakers or leather boots. No Air Max.
Maintenance: How to make it last 20 years
It's not complicated. Here's what I've been doing with mine for 8 years.
Washing: Machine wash at 30°C, gentle cycle, 2-3 times per season max. Never more often. Absolutely no tumble dryer (never, it's ruined otherwise).
Drying: On a hanger, in the shade, air-drying. Not on a radiator.
Ironing: Warm iron on the inside with a pressing cloth. Especially not on the ribs (cuffs, waist) which hate heat.
Between seasons: Wooden hanger, cotton garment bag (never plastic), away from light.
That's all. If a seam comes loose after 10 years, any good tailor can fix it for you. The G9 is a jacket that can be repaired.
Where to buy it in France
Two clean options:
In our shop in Pau (14/18 rue des Cordeliers). We are one of the few official Baracuta retailers in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. We always have the navy in stock, often the racing green and natural. If you're looking for a size or color we don't have, we can order it in 48 hours. You come by, try it on, and leave with it. Or you can call 05 40 03 60 97 before coming to reserve it.
On our website: see the Baracuta collection. Free delivery in France, easy returns if the size isn't right. And you can call me for size advice before ordering, it's free and avoids returns.
Avoid generic platforms like Amazon or large marketplaces: there are fakes circulating, and when it's not counterfeit, it's sold outside official channels (no after-sales service, no warranty).
Baracuta G9 vs G4: Which one to choose
A question I get asked all the time. Short answer: get the G9 first.
The G4 is the same jacket but longer (mid-thigh instead of waist). More dressed-up, more protective in the rain. But it loses the "nervous short jacket" look that makes the G9 so charming.
The G9 is Steve McQueen's. The G4 is the one you get second, when you already have the G9 and want a longer alternative. I talk about it in detail in this comparative article.
FAQ
Is the Baracuta G9 waterproof?
Water-repellent, not waterproof. Water slides off it during a shower, but in prolonged heavy rain it eventually gets soaked. For real rain, get a waxed Belstaff or Barbour jacket.
Can you wear a G9 in winter?
Yes, but layered. Directly over a t-shirt, it works down to 12-15°C (54-59°F). With a thin merino sweater underneath, you can go down to 5-8°C (41-46°F). Below that, wear a real winter jacket.
How to spot a real G9 from a fake?
4 points to check: woven Fraser Tartan lining (not printed), umbrella-like back yoke, collar with TWO buttons (not one), inner "Baracuta Made in UK" label with the lion. If even one is missing, it's a fake.
Is there a women's version?
Yes, a fitted women's cut from 36 to 46. But many women prefer the men's version for a deliberate oversized look. Both work.
Made in UK or Made in Italy?
Go for Made in UK. That's the real deal, manufactured in Manchester since forever. Made in Italy exists for certain variations (suede, technical editions) but for the classic G9, stick to England. The quality is better and the cut is more faithful to the original.
To go further
In short. If you're still hesitating, come see us at the shop in Pau or call me at 05 40 03 60 97. I'll tell you which one to get based on your body type and intended use.
See all available G9s →