It’s mid-September and there’s finally a chill in the air here in NYC. And that means that soon it will be the best time of year for a man sartorially speaking: Fall, when we get rid of shorts and short sleeves and welcome back light jackets, sweaters and corduroy pants from their Summer banishment deep in our closets. One thing that is de riguer for Autumn’s changeable moods is a good windbreaker. In our opinion, some of the very best windbreakers you can add to your wardrobe are made by Baracuta of England.

Founded in pre-war Manchester and now part of the quality portfolio of WP Lavori In Corso of Bologna’s brands, the classic Baracuta G9 was popular with the post-War Ivy League golf and preppy set. But it really came into its own as a mid-20th Century icon when James Dean wore a blazing red one as Jim Stark in Rebel Without a Cause, a symbol of his fiery and conflicted character if ever there was one.

Sinatra wore one and so did Elvis in one of his rare good films, King Creole, and the Hollywood connection was solidified.

The association with the famous continued well into the 1960s and the Baracuta windbreaker was worn by Ryan O’Neal’s character, Rodney Harrington, on the primetime TV soap Peyton Place, which gave it its nickname as the “Harrington Jacket”. But more significantly in the annals of cool, it was Steve McQueen’s favorite outerware in the 60s, right there with his Persols:

A classic is a classic and while funkier, more far out designs come and go, the Baracuta G9 and the even cleaner-lined G4 are keepers, true representatives of form following function. You can roll them up in your go pack for a trip to the country, layer them over a sweater for a ride on your Vespa or trot over to your local for a beer and, rain or shine, you know you’ll be looking good while staying warm and dry. The trademark Fraser Tartan lining tells the world you’re a man who knows what looks good and performs well. At $350, they’re not cheap but value for money they’re still very well priced in today’s hyper-luxury world, with durable build quality and attractive details like the two button collar and “Umbrella” back vent. Available in a small variety of military-inspired colors and a few special editions, pick the one that’s right for your wardrobe and tastes. Better yet, save up and pick two. The Baracuta windbreaker is made to be worn and worn often and when Autumn’s cool winds begin to blow, it’s nice to have options.

Baracuta G9

Baracuta G4

You can order the G4 and G9 direct through Baracuta’s website. If you’re in the States, delivery from England is faster and less expensive than you might imagine–about $20 bucks and you should have it within a week.