Baracuta G9 vs G4: Which one to choose (the comparison)

G9 or G4? That's the second question I get in the shop after "what size should I get?". I'm going to settle it for you.

Short answer: in 80% of cases, go for the G9. It's the iconic one, Steve McQueen's, the one that gives character. The G4 exists for a specific use – we'll see what that is.

The difference in one line

G9 = short jacket that stops at the waist. G4 = the same thing but 10 cm longer, extending to the hips.

Everything else is identical: the cut, the Fraser tartan, the two-button collar, the umbrella back yoke, the Baracuta Cloth fabric. Same DNA, two different lengths.

The direct comparison table

Choose the G9 if…

It's your first Harrington. It's THE historic jacket, the one that has spanned 88 years of pop culture without changing an inch. If you're getting your first Baracuta, it has to be this one.

You want an edgy jacket that defines the silhouette. The short cut at the waist creates a visual break that gives presence. Very effective with raw denim and white sneakers.

You are under 35. After this age, you might prefer something more dressed-up – but before, the G9 is perfect.

You are rather short or of average height (under 1m80 / 5'11"). The G4 might visually shorten you if you're not tall. The G9 will make you appear more slender.

You're looking for maximum versatility. The G9 works with everything: jeans, chinos, shorts in summer, over a shirt, over a thin sweater. The G4 is more situation-specific.

Choose the G4 if…

You already have a G9 and are looking for an alternative. This is the right order. The G4 comes second, it doesn't replace the G9.

You want a more dressed-up, more mature look. The G4 extends over the hips, it immediately feels "a step up". Very nice with flannel trousers and loafers.

You live in a very rainy region. The G4 offers better protection than the G9 in the rain – not waterproof (they are both water-repellent), but more covered fabric = more protection.

You are 1m85 (6'1") or taller. Tall people wear the G4 with real elegance. On a long stature, the G4 falls perfectly and better balances the silhouette.

You wear it to the office over a shirt/dress trousers. The G4 works better in a professional context than the G9, which remains a casual short jacket.

The mistakes I see

Mistake #1: choosing the G4 because it's considered "more dressed-up"

If you've never owned a Harrington, the G4 won't be the best investment. You'll miss out on the brand's iconic piece. Start with the G9.

Mistake #2: choosing the G9 intending to wear it to the office

It can work, but it's not its natural domain. The G9 is a jacket for weekends, evenings, strolls. For the office, the G4 will be more suitable for most corporate environments.

Mistake #3: hesitating indefinitely and buying nothing

In 80% of cases, the answer is G9. If you're hesitant, get it. You can always add the G4 in two years if you want. The opposite is less true.

Same size for both?

Yes. If you wear a 42 in G9, you wear a 42 in G4. The difference is only in the total length, not in the body cut or width. So you can rely on my Baracuta size guide for both models.

Prices

The G9 is around €450. The G4 is €480. Not much difference, as the construction is almost identical – it's just a little more fabric and lining on the G4.

For €30 more, you get a longer jacket. This isn't a criterion for choice in itself: choose the one that truly suits your use, not "the one with the best value for money" – here there's no real difference.

In short – my recommendation in one sentence

First Baracuta? G9. No debate, no hesitation. Once you have it, if you like the brand, the G4 becomes a beautiful second piece to add in 1-2 years.

And if you could only have one in your entire life, it would be the G9 in navy or racing green. This is the answer to what I call "the McQueen equation": it suits everyone, goes everywhere, and never goes out of style.

To go further

• Baracuta G9: The complete guide
• How to size a Baracuta
• How to spot a real Baracuta
• How to wear a Harrington