subject: Harris And Other Tweed Jackets [print this page] The word Tweed engenders certain thoughts and brings a smile to your face as you say it. It's a material that quickly makes you ponder about days out shooting grouse, riding a horse, playing a round of golf (in the days before bad taste became de rigueur) or being worn by a nineteenth-century crime-solving genius and resident of 221B Baker Street. What is odd about this special material is that it is associated with finery and luxury yet feels quite rough, unlike most luxury fabrics which are noted for their smoothness, softness, beauty or exclusiveness and expense.
The reason tweed has been accepted among society's elite is in the pursuits for which it was worn. Outdoor pursuits in the British cold seasons need certain clothing that could keep one warm, remain flexible and maintain one's manliness, and the tweed jacket managed all of those. The fabric came from Scotland, where a cosy and reasonably somewhat waterproof fabric would have been required by anyone spending time outdoors between late autumn and early spring. But more than just farmers used the properties of tweed. Adventurers and explorers used tweed in Arctic and Antarctic challenges, using tweed for warmth and resiliance but, often with tragic results.
The image of tweed eventually would lead to its adoption by people from all walks of life, perhaps originally with irony but latterly with more of a fashion direction. Tweed jackets made an appearance as a purely fashion item during the 1980s among the "Sloane Rangers", upper class types who certainly would not have been seen halfway up a mountain, but quite liked passing themselves off as outdoor types, as long as "outdoor" happened to be near to the shops and cafes of west London. Of course the fashion would eventually filter through to all of society as riding chic became widely accepted. (Out in the countryside the toffs looked on aghast and picked up the phone to call their nearest waxed jacket supplier.)
As a fashion item, the tweed jacket stands alone, quite literally. The course material is the key to its ability to maintain its tailored shape whatever the situation, and that's pretty much a guarantee of popularity in some quarters. The resultant smartness and the iconic tweed twine still conjure up images of the sporting life, and for experts in juxtaposition this makes it perfect city wear. If you really want to push the boat out, it is essential that the jacket has leather patched on the elbows and shoulders, although designers have had plenty of fun with these original features and the patches can now be found in various colours, patterns and materials.
So whether you're looking for the authentic Harris Tweed blazer or a modern urban interpretation, the past century will offer many a fine example of ingenuity and style. Vintage clothing stores are a great spot to start your search, and if you can pull off a clipped English accent without laughing, you're going to pull off the look no problem.
