Knowledge & Heritage
The Tweed Jacket
The original performance fabric. Tweed is the foundation of British country dressing - practical, hard-wearing, weather-resistant, and steeped in heritage.
Tweed is the foundation of British country dressing - practical, resilient and deeply rooted in heritage. Properly tailored, it moves easily between field and town without losing character. The strength of a tweed jacket lies in balance: robust cloth, disciplined cut, and quiet detail.
History & Origins
The name is often explained as a misreading of "tweel" (Scots for twill) as "Tweed" - a story frequently repeated in menswear histories.
Estate owners began commissioning bespoke "Estate Tweeds" with unique patterns reflecting their local landscape. Iconic patterns like herringbone, houndstooth, and Glen plaid each developed their own identity. In the 20th century, Coco Chanel brought tweed into high fashion, while Hollywood cemented its associations through characters like Sherlock Holmes.
Types of Tweed
| Harris Tweed | Protected by an Act of Parliament (1993). Must be hand-woven by islanders at their homes in the Outer Hebrides using local virgin wool. Robust, weather-resistant, rich with heritage. Each bolt carries the Orb certification mark. |
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| Donegal Tweed | From County Donegal, Ireland. Distinguished by colourful "nep" flecks - small spots of contrasting colour woven into the base cloth. Created using wool dyed with native plants like blackberries, gorse, and moss. Each piece is unique. |
| Estate Tweed | Bespoke patterns commissioned by Highland estates for gamekeepers and hunting. Overcheck herringbone designs with colours matching the local landscape for camouflage. |
| Saxony Tweed | Made from fine merino wool, originating in Saxony, Germany. Soft, smooth, and lighter than other tweeds. Well-suited for office wear and lighter jackets. |
| Cheviot Tweed | Named after the Cheviot sheep from the Scottish Borders. Thicker and rougher than most tweeds. Now the primary wool used for Harris Tweed production. |
When to Wear
Country weekends & sporting events, smart-casual occasions, race days, semi-formal dinners, business settings (lighter tweeds), autumn/winter everyday wear. Tweed should always be single-breasted with notch lapels.
Our Offering
Common Questions
Is a tweed jacket appropriate for the office?
A lighter tweed like Saxony or a fine Donegal can work in creative or smart-casual office environments. Heavier Harris Tweed is better suited to country and weekend wear. Pair with wool trousers rather than denim for a professional look.
How should I care for a tweed jacket?
Brush after every wear with a natural bristle brush. Hang on a wide wooden hanger. Never dry clean unless absolutely necessary - airing and brushing are sufficient for most maintenance. Store with cedar blocks to prevent moths.
Can you match a tweed jacket to non-matching trousers?
Absolutely - tweed is designed to be worn as a separate jacket, not as part of a matching suit. Flannel trousers in grey or charcoal, moleskin, corduroy, or cavalry twill all pair naturally with tweed.
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