Collection: Baracuta

Baracuta was founded in 1937 in Manchester and made fashion history with the invention of the G9 jacket. The G9 – later called the "Harrington Jacket" by the fashion world – was originally designed as a golf jacket: lightweight, water-repellent, with the distinctive Fraser tartan lining and the elastic waistband that closes the jacket at the hips.

What happened next was unplanned and all the more impactful: the G9 was adopted by subcultures. Steve McQueen wore it, James Dean wore it, the Mods wore it, the Skinheads wore it, the Casuals wore it. No other jacket can boast a comparable cultural biography. The G9 is not just a jacket – it is a cultural artifact.

Baracuta still produces in England today and has developed the G9 over the decades in various materials and colors without changing the basic design. That is its great strength: you buy in 2024 the same silhouette that Steve McQueen wore in the 60s. This consistency is extremely rare in the fashion business and makes Baracuta one of the only truly timeless brands.

Materials & Quality

The Baracuta G9 is a masterclass in material selection. The original comes in various versions:

Cotton/polyester mix (Classic): The standard G9 uses a water-repellent cotton-polyester fabric that is durable, lightweight, and easy to care for. The Fraser tartan lining (cotton, original Coolmax in newer models) is not only a visual highlight but also functional – it wicks away moisture.

Suede: The G9 in suede is the premium model – soft, high-quality suede that develops a beautiful patina over time. Significantly more expensive, but a true investment piece that lasts for decades.

Craftsmanship: Made in England. Clean seams, YKK zipper with Baracuta puller, properly inserted lining. The elastic cuffs at the hem and sleeves retain their elasticity even after years. This is British craftsmanship at a high level.

Price range: The G9 Classic is around 350–400 EUR – that’s a lot for a lightweight jacket. But: you are buying an original with decades of design history, British manufacturing, and a jacket you will wear for 10+ years. Calculated over the wearing time, the G9 is cheaper than three "cheap" Harringtons that wear out after two seasons.

Fit & Size Advice

The Baracuta G9 has a very distinctive fit that you need to understand: it sits short at the hips (the elastic waistband ends above the hips), has a slightly wider shoulder area, and narrower sleeves. This is the original design for golfers – freedom of movement in the shoulder area, clean fit on the body.

Size recommendation: The G9 fits true to size to slightly generous. If you are between two sizes, take the smaller one. The jacket should fit snugly at the waistband but not dig in. You can wear a T-shirt or thin sweater underneath, but not a thick hoodie – the G9 is not made for that.

Specifically: For a chest circumference of 96–100 cm, a G9 in M fits. For 100–104 cm: L. The jacket is cut shorter than most German jackets – this is intentional and part of the design. If you are over 190 cm and the short cut bothers you, check out the G9 AF (Fit), which is cut a bit longer.

Bestsellers & Purchase Recommendations

The one and only: The Baracuta G9 Classic in Tan/Natural (399.00 EUR) – THE original. The color Steve McQueen wore, the most versatile color, the color you can’t go wrong with. If you own only one Baracuta, it should be this one.

Second choice: The G9 in Marine/Navy (399.00 EUR) – the more serious brother. Also works in semi-formal contexts, matches darker outfits, and is a bit less eye-catching than the Tan version.

Premium: The G9 in Suede (from about 500–600 EUR) is for the connoisseur. Soft suede, incomparable feel, a jacket that gets more beautiful over time. A true statement piece.

Styling Tips

The Baracuta G9 is the most versatile jacket in your wardrobe. The classic: G9 in Tan over a white or navy T-shirt, dark jeans, white sneakers or loafers. This has worked for 60 years and will work for another 60.

Smart Casual: G9 over a turtleneck or a shirt, paired with chinos and desert boots. Perfect for dinner, dates, or the first meeting with the in-laws.

Terrace Style: G9 over a Lyle & Scott polo, with jeans and Adidas Gazelle. This is the British casual look in its purest form.

What to avoid: wearing the G9 with an open shirt and tie – the jacket is casual, not formal. Shorts also don’t work with the G9 – the short cut of the jacket calls for long pants.

Why buy from The Smart Dresser?

You don’t just buy a Baracuta G9 casually — at 399.00 EUR you want to be sure that size, color, and material are right. That’s exactly why we have our store in Berlin. The Smart Dresser started as a casual fashion store from the scene, and the G9 is not just any jacket for us but a true centerpiece in our range. We wear it ourselves and know every version.

What you get from us — and not elsewhere:

✓ Authorized dealer — 100% original goods directly from the distributor, no gray imports
✓ Berlin store — try on G9 in different colors and materials side by side: cotton, nylon, thermal – the difference only becomes clear on the body
✓ Personal advice — we honestly tell you whether you need size 38 or 40 and which material suits your everyday life
✓ Fast shipping
✓ 21-day returns — free and uncomplicated, no fine print
✓ Various G9 versions in stock — not just the standard classic, but also seasonal colors and material variants

If you like Baracuta, also check out Lyle & Scott polos and Barbour wax jackets — together they make the complete British casual look.