Harris Tweed

[Titus Andronicus]

I have been poking around on ebay looking for an overcoat, and suddenly came to realize that I had been overlooking coats with this label. Several of them have looked great, but I had passed thinking they were private label or something. I am not sure actually what I thought.

In addition, I am curious as to comments concerning the quality of this brand/label, as well as any general insight to the history etc.

 

[jester]

"Harris Tweed is cloth that has been handwoven by the islanders of Lewis, Harris, Uist and Barra in their homes, using pure virgin wool that has been dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides." See The Harris Tweed Authority for lots of details.

 

[Kai]

Harris Tweed denotes cloth, not sewing.

The cloth is handsome, and extremely hard wearing.

I have a beautiful Harris Tweed overcoat that has seen very hard use for over 25 years, and still looks as good as new.

In heavier weights, it is very warm and windproof too.

 

[Titus Andronicus]

jester, Kai,

Thanks for the insights. It would appear that I now require one of these for my wardrobe.

 

[jester]

Yes, you do.

 

[j]

I have picked up a few Harris Tweed jackets in thrift shops. However they are all very rough. Has anyone seen soft Harris Tweed? Or is the scratchiness part of its character?

BTW, don't just look at the Harris Tweed label, as anyone can make a garment using it and put the label in. The label denotes only the fabric, not the quality of tailoring.

 

[Manton]

I have picked up a few Harris Tweed jackets in thrift shops. However they are all very rough. Has anyone seen soft Harris Tweed? Or is the scratchiness part of its character?

All the ones I've ever seen were very thick and very rough.

 

[jester]

They've been making efforts recently (the last decade or so) to start making a softer, lighter variety. Real efforts--installing new looms throughout the islands, etc. There's less of a market for the heavy, coarse stuff, and they want to sell to the women's fashion market.

I think that if you want HT, you should want something heavy and coarse, otherwise you should get something else. But I've never actually seen the new stuff.