Illustration by Chandler Bondurant
Among the very lightest of light outerwear, the windbreaker’s purpose is precisely as it sounds: to provide a first line of defense against a chilly gust and deflect a light spot of rain while it’s at it. For this very practical reason it’s become a favorite among golfers and marathon runners, among other sporting enthusiasts.
The Baracuta G9 jacket could be considered the progenitor of the entire category. With its cropped length, ribbed hem and cuffs and cotton-blend fabric capable of withstanding rain, it became a must-have piece of sportswear for an entire generation, including icons like Steve McQueen. Many of the windbreaker styles that exist today have borrowed from that concept, with minimal tweaks to the shape of the collar and other features.
Today they can be found in lightweight pure poplins to more technical poly-blends, but one thing hasn’t changed: a well-cut windbreaker has a unique power to make the wearer look cool. Maybe not quite Steve McQueen cool, but close.
Polo Ralph Lauren the Bayport Poplin Jacket
Image Credit: Polo Ralph Lauren The Polo Bayport jacket—which has been having something of a moment this spring—may look like any other windbreaker at first glance, polo player logo notwithstanding. But the real difference lies in its fabric, a lightweight cotton poplin that’s been washed and peached to Ralph’s own exacting standards.
Baracuta G9 Harrington Jacket
Image Credit: Baracuta Introduced in 1938, Baracuta’s G9—also referred to as a “Harrington” thanks to its association with a particular character from a 1960s soap opera—is a true icon. Worn by the likes of Steve McQueen, it boasts distinctive features like its two-button dog ear collar, Fraser tartan lining, umbrella yoke and slanted button-through pockets sized to hold two golf balls a piece.
American Trench the Harrington in Ventile
Image Credit: American Trench True to its name, American Trench made its take on the Harrington in the U.S. of A.—Boston, to be exact. Built from water-resistant, 100% cotton Ventile cloth, its classic design benefits from the thoughtful touch of adjustable side adjusters.
Dunhill Lightweight Harrington
Image Credit: Dunhill Dunhill’s Harrington is cut from cotton-blend fabric and has the added bonus of a water-resistant peached finish. Its spread collar features a “Duke” throat latch that allows it to be fully buttoned at the neck.
Drake’s Olive and Navy Reversible Cotton Blouson Jacket
Image Credit: Drake’s Drake’s has made its blouson fully reversible, made from a 6.4oz Japanese cotton colored navy on one end and olive at the other. Drawing on vintage examples, it has a cropped length and a shorter body.
District Vision Shell Half-Zip Windbreaker Jacket
Image Credit: District Vision California-based running brand District Vision has an unsurprisingly sporty take on the windbreaker, cut as a half-zip from lightweight, water-repellent shell fabric. A logo-appliquéd tab on the left upper arm provides subtle brand identification.
Aimé Leon Dore Gore-Tex® Windbreaker Jacket
Image Credit: Aimé Leon Dore Aimé Leon Dore called in the big guns to make its windbreaker—mainly, wind and water-proof Gore-Tex® fabric. Elsewhere, it features an internal drawstring for an adjustable fit and zipped chest pocket.
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