The three shapes, in plain terms
Diamond-stitched, lightly insulated, and somehow correct everywhere from a paddock to a train platform. The warmest of the three, the easiest to dress up, and the one that layers over a blazer as happily as over a jumper. Winter commutes live here.
Zip front, ribbed hem and cuffs, that signature tartan lining flashing at the collar. Light enough for three seasons, smart enough for dinner, casual enough for Saturday. If the wardrobe gets one RL jacket, most weeks argue for this one.
Sportier shoulders, snugger ribbed hem, sits naturally over tees and polos. The weekend pick, and the shape that pairs best with the fleece side of the label.
Match it to the use, not the photo
Sizing and the layer maths
RL jackets are cut to layer — your usual size already assumes a shirt or light knit underneath, so there's no need to size up for an oxford or polo under it. Go up one only if a thick jumper is the daily plan under a harrington or bomber; the quilted style has the most layering room of the three as-is. Sleeves run standard, and the ribbed cuffs on the harrington and bomber forgive an extra centimetre either way. Cold-morning bonus: the quilted jacket over the tracksuit is the school-run outfit that looks entirely intentional.
Before you order
Are they waterproof?
Shower-resistant, not waterproof — a drizzle and a dash to the car are fine, a downpour isn't the assignment. These are dry-cold and wind jackets; that's the honest scope.
How do I care for them?
Harrington and bomber: cold gentle machine wash zipped up, air-dry on a wide hanger. Quilted: spot-clean through the season and wash rarely, cold and gentle, dried flat — the insulation keeps its loft best when washing stays occasional. None of the three ever meets a dryer.
Navy quilted or harrington over a white or blue oxford — collar out, jacket zipped to the chest. It's the combination the brand has photographed for forty years because it hasn't missed once. Start there; the colours can get braver later.