How to size a Baracuta Harrington: G9 & G4 sizing guide

Want to order a Baracuta but wondering what size to get? I'll tell you exactly how I do it in the shop. No fuss, just the numbers and tips that work.

Baracuta uses UK sizing, with numbers (36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48). And it tends to run small. In 9 out of 10 cases, people who get it wrong choose a size smaller than they should. Here are the right benchmarks.

Quick correspondence: UK → FR

Do you usually wear an M? You won't necessarily wear a 40 in Baracuta. Here's the table I use every day in the shop.

These values are the official Baracuta measurements for the classic G9 (known as "slim fit"). To find your size: measure your chest circumference under your armpits, add 3 to 5 cm for ease, and you'll hit the right size.

G9 or G4: do they size the same?

Almost, yes. The G9 is slim, the G4 is a touch looser. If you wear a 40 in G9, you'll also wear a 40 in G4. The only difference is the length: the G4 goes down to mid-thigh, the G9 stops at the waist.

If you want to know more about the differences, I refer you to my complete G9 vs G4 guide.

Between two sizes? Here's the golden rule

This is the question I get asked 15 times a week. Here's the simple reasoning:

You want a neat, close-fitting cut (Mod / McQueen look)

Take the smaller size. The G9 is designed to fit close to the body, with the ribbing slightly tightening at the waist. That's its character. Too large, it loses all its style.

You want to wear a sweater or cardigan underneath in winter

Take the larger size. The difference between two Baracuta sizes is about 5 cm in chest circumference. With one size up, you can slip a thin merino wool sweater or a wool cardigan without it feeling tight at the shoulders.

Honestly, in 80% of cases

I recommend taking the smaller size. The ribbed cuffs have elasticity, so even if it's snug, it's never constricting. And a G9 that's too big is the most common and most regretted mistake.

Pitfalls to avoid

Pitfall #1: taking your size "like at Zara"

UK sizes are different from European sizes. Do you wear an M at Celio or H&M? You probably wear an S in Baracuta. If you usually wear an L, you wear an M (42) with them. There's a systematic discrepancy.

Pitfall #2: relying on your raw chest measurement

If your chest measures 100 cm, don't automatically take the size that indicates "101 cm" in the table. You need some ease. 100 cm body = size 42 (106 cm) for comfortable wear. The rule: add 3 to 5 cm for normal wear, 6 to 8 cm if you want to be able to wear a sweater underneath.

Pitfall #3: confusing classic G9 and G9 Archive

Baracuta sometimes offers a "G9 Archive" version which is looser (original 60s cut). If you come across that one, go down a full size compared to the classic G9. The standard G9 sold today is indeed the slim fit.

Precise G9 measurements (size by size)

For perfectionists, here are the official Baracuta measurements for the G9 Harrington Made in UK.

To check your size before ordering: lay a short jacket you like flat, measure the chest (under the armpits, from seam to seam) and the sleeve length (shoulder seam to cuff). Compare with the table, you'll be sure to get it right.

Specific body types

You are tall (1m88 and over)

The G9 is designed for a "standard European" stature (1m75-1m85). If you are 1m88+, check the sleeve length in the table. Often, it's better to go up a size to gain sleeve length, even if the chest is a little wide.

You are shorter (under 1m72)

Take the smallest size corresponding to your build. As the G9 is naturally short, it won't make you look shorter. A guy of 1m70 in a size 38 looks great.

You have a "V-shaped" build (wide shoulders, slim waist)

Aim for your chest circumference. The waist ribbing will naturally adapt to your slim waist. No worries there.

You have a larger torso

Go up one size from your theoretical chest correspondence. The G9 is originally a slim fit, so one size up will give you the necessary comfort without losing the silhouette.

In short — the 30-second summary

• Find your usual FR size, subtract 4 (French L = UK 44, M = UK 40)
• Between two sizes, take the smaller one in 80% of cases
• Check the chest measurement with a jacket you like (+3 to 5 cm for ease)
• To wear a sweater underneath: go up one size
• G9 and G4 size identically, only the length changes

To go further

• Baracuta G9: The Complete Guide
• Baracuta G9 vs G4: Which One to Choose
• How to Spot a Real Baracuta
• How to Wear a Harrington