Tweed has been a staple of British fashion for many centuries. It's been used to create country clothes from the 1800s onwards, and in the event that you've worn a flat cap and a western jacket, odds are you've seen it in your wardrobe.
What specifically is it that Tweed?
Tweed is a natural fibre textile woven with a soft, open weave and wool. Although this may point us in the right direction, we'll need to look more deeply if we know the exact meaning of this fabric and how to incorporate it into your wardrobe.
What is Tweed composed of?
Tweed is a tightly knitted dyed wool, and it is available in a variety of weaves, weights, and colors. Fabrication is general in various styles, from lightweight and straightforward to vivid and heavy, covering all.
When was the time that Tweed was first made?
The invention of Tweed took place during the late 18 century by Scottish farmers to aid them in enduring cold winters. At the time, Tweed — also known as Clo-Mor Gaelic (‘the huge cloth') — was designed to be as weatherproof as possible. It was extremely heavy and didn't have the vibrant and intricate designs it's known for.
Tweed as we know it was created in the 1830s, as the British elite embraced the fabric. Its weatherproof properties made it the preferred fabric for uniforms worn by staff at their country estates. The wealthy were able to commission exclusive estate tweeds that blended into the surrounding of their gardens.
In the 1840s, the advancement of production techniques made Tweed affordable. It was the most popular fabric for fishing and hunting attire due to its weather resistance and because it could help the wearer blend in with their surroundings.
In the past, as the production of Tweed increased inefficiency and cost-effectiveness, it became more affordable to those who weren't part of the elite. Nowadays, it's a distinctive British fabric that can be used to bring sophistication to virtually any outfit. Every man's wardrobe would be complete without some tweed.
Where did Tweed get its name?
Many believe that the fabric comes from the Scottish Tweed valley.
But, there is evidence to suggest that the material received its first name back in 1826 after a London clerk mistakenly read an order for “tweel (which is the Scottish word for twill, referring to its weave and marketed it as Tweed in his store. According to the account, the goods slid off the shelves, and the word stuck.
How does Tweed get made?
Tweed was made by hand on the weaver's loom. The whole process is now automated, but the process remains much similar.
Raw wool is dyed before being dried in an industrial dryer. The dyed wools are blended to form the perfect shade of thread to make the thread. Each colour is measured, then mixed roughly by hand, and finally blended in a massive industrial mixer to make the shade needed to create the pattern.
The complex weaving process involves organizing these threads in lengthwise warps and then loading them onto the weaving loom. Whether it's powered by mechanisation or man, the loom moves wefts (individual threads that run sideways) over the warp (the group of lines that run lengthwise) to make the weave.
This process can create stunning as well as intricate designs. The result is water and wind-resistant. It was a trendy fabric for outdoor clothes like fishing and hunting equipment during the 19 century and the early 20 century.
Where is the Tweed made?
Tweed is produced across the UK: However, certain kinds of Tweed may only be made in particular locations. For instance, Harris Tweed must be “handwoven by the islanders at their homes in the Outer Hebrides, finished in the Outer Hebrides, and made from pure virgin wool dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides,” According to the federal government's 1993 Harris Tweed Act.
What are the various types of Tweed?
Tweed is available in various weaves. Each weave has distinct effects, and you must understand the differences when trying to choose the right Tweed for your needs.
Twill tweed
Twill is the most basic type of Tweed; It's a simple diagonal pattern that is usually delicate and usually a solid colour. It's a versatile fabric that is perfect for your wardrobe-essentials.
Check Tweed for overcheck
Overcheck Tweed is a twill weave that has been layered with a large check in a contrast color, and this creates an attractive appearance perfect for an accent piece in any look.
Tweed with stripes
Striped Tweed is a tweed with vertical stripes of contrasting colors. It creates powerful parallel lines that run through the fabric for an impressive appearance.
Checked out Tweed
Checked tweeds have horizontal and vertical stripes combined to form small checks. This weave is typically paired with an overcheck that is larger with contrasting colours.
Tweed Barleycorn
The Barleycorn tweed is an incredibly coarse weave that looks like barley kernels in close-up. From a distance, this weave appears speckled and adds a distinctive look to your outfit.
Houndstooth and dogtooth Tweed
Houndstooth tweed is named due to its resemblance with the back teeth of dogs. It's usually monochrome, but you can discover it in a mixture of earthy colors, layered with the large contrast of the check, too.
Tweeds in plaid
Plaid tweeds have striking stripes with varying widths and hues like tartan. The vibrant patter
ns make for the perfect statement piece.
We hope we've addressed all your questions about the ‘big cloth' in this article. If you're looking to incorporate this fabric and its long history into your closet, browse our collection of men's tweed jackets and hats now, and you'll discover numerous tweeds.
