Harris Tweed, it can be said without exaggeration, is the Champagne of tweeds. It is renowned for its high quality, can only be made in a specific geographic area, and is defined and protected by an act of law.
According to the Harris Tweed Act passed by the UK parliament in 1993, any fabrics labeled “Harris Tweed” have to meet three specific criteria. They must be handwoven at home by weavers living in the Outer Hebrides off of Scotland’s Northwest coast (an island chain that includes not only Harris, but also the neighboring isles of Lewis, Harris, Uist, Benbecula, and Barra), composed of 100 percent virgin wool and dyed, spun and finished within the same group of islands.
The resulting tweed is prized for rustic nature, heavy weight and typical depth of color that reflects the earthy, rocky landscapes of the Outer Hebrides itself. While traditionally used to make sporting jackets and tweeds thanks to its robust nature and ability to function as natural camouflage, the homespun fabric has more recently been favored by fashion designers and brands drawn to its authentic character and continuing legacy. From traditional sport jackets to modern chore coats, read on for examples from J. Press, Campbell’s of Beaully, Golden Bear and more.
Drake’s Games Mk. VII Unstructured Herringbone Harris Wool-Tweed Blazer
Image Credit: Drake's The Mk. VII Games Blazer by Drake’s is a fusion of classic Ivy style aesthetics and workwear design. Made from gray herringbone Harris Tweed, it features details like triple patch pockets and a 3/2 roll beside a soft, unstructured make and an unvented back.
J. Press Made-in-England Chore Jacket
Image Credit: J. Press J. Press has offered Harris Tweed sport jackets for much of is 124-year-long history, but the haberdasher has begun offering the fabric in a more modern chore jacket make. This particular iteration is cut from a windowpane Harris Tweed and sports three generous patch pockets.
Golden Bear Leather-Trimmed Wool Harris Tweed Bomber Jacket
Image Credit: Mr Porter California-based Golden Bear may be a long way from the Isle of Harris, but it sourced the island’s most famous textile to make this bomber jacket. Cut from a large-scale tartan pattern, it benefits from leather-trimmed pockets and a ribbed shawl collar.
Campbell’s of Beauly Harris Tweed Jacket
Image Credit: Campbell's of Beauly Campbell’s of Beauly—a Highland outfitter established in 1858 that retains a royal warrant to His Majesty the King—knows a thing or two about tweed. This jacket, made from a mottled green Harris Tweed, has been tailored in Italy to a softer silhouette with a natural shoulder and a 3/2 roll.
Sid Mashburn Scrambler Jacket
Image Credit: Sid Mashburn Sid Mashburn flipped the script by making a vintage-inspired mechanic’s jacket from olive Harris Tweed. Its cropped body, two-way zipper and angled side pockets remain true to its midcentury origin, while the novel choice of fabric makes it an entirely new offering.
Gloverall Men’s Hynes Harris Tweed Overcoat
Image Credit: Gloverall Gloverall came to prominence after WWII by selling surplus British Army duffel coats, but the 75-year-old outerwear maker is not limited to that style today. Among its range is this raglan-shoulder overcoat made from a brown houndstooth Harris Tweed.
Walker Slater Watson Harris Tweed Coat – Belted
Image Credit: Walker Slater Tweed is very much the modus operandi of Edinburgh-based Walker Slater. For its belted Watson coat the brand has chosen a Harris Tweed in a subdued shepherd’s check.
