Help Centre
Tweed varieties, eg Harris Tweed or Donegal tweed
We offer various different kinds of tweed, largely organised by their source or origin. These are the highest quality tweeds in the world, as proper tweeds come only from the British Isles, and we source from nowhere eles. Each kind of tweed has its own unique character. Which you choose depends on your own needs and tastes.
You can also read about the main patterns in which tweed is produced.
Harris Tweed
Harris Tweed is perhaps the most well-known type of tweed, and it is also one of the oldest. Harris Tweed is hand-woven by islanders in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, using traditional methods that have been passed down for generations. The tweed is made from pure virgin wool, which is dyed and spun in a range of colours before being woven.
Tweed is loved all over the world for its distinctive character that is unlike any other fabric. Indeed it is so unique that its production is regulated by a special Act of Parliament, which allows it only to be woven in the cottages of the Islanders themselves.
Over the centuries a wonderful heritage of patterns and natural colourways has evolved, usually woven in the distinctively coarse yarns for which the islands are known. The very recognisable quality of Harris Tweed is very much inspired by the wild nature of the islands where it is woven.
A few years ago this wonderful heritage seemed destined to be lost, when one businessman bought and ‘rationalised’ almost the entire industry down to a handful of designs. Thankfully this threat has now passed and we are again able to supply almost any traditional pattern.
We are delighted to be helping the revival of authentic Harris Tweed, by supplying fabrics produced by resurgent independent weavers. Every piece you buy helps this wonderful tradition to survive, whilst you enjoy a fabric that is literally like nothing else on earth.
A typical Harris Tweed
Highland Tweed
Highland tweed is another type of tweed that is produced in Scotland, specifically in the Highlands region. The fabric is made from high-quality wool, which is hand-woven on traditional looms by skilled weavers. Highland tweed is often woven in muted colours, which gives it a rustic and natural look that is perfect for outdoor wear. The tweed is known for its warmth and durability, and it is often used to make jackets, coats, and other clothing items that are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Highland Tweeds are produced for us by a range of local mills, all producing to the highest standards using top quality woollen yarns in the traditional manner.
Like our other tweeds, Highland Tweeds can be woven either as plain or twill weave, and can include have a range of traditional tweed patterns such as check, herringbone, or overcheck. Subdued, interesting colour effects (heather mixtures) are obtained by twisting together differently coloured woolen strands.
The mills may be in the Highlands or Islands of Scotland, or even in the Borders or elsewhere in the British Isles. The name refers to the Highland Estates for which tweeds were mostly originally woven.
Highland Tweeds tend to be more regular and finely finished (though each fabric has its own unique character, so this is just a generality) and are typically used for tweed garments or furnishings where a sophisticated feel is desired.
Reiver Checked Maxton Highland Tweed
Islay Tweed
Islay tweed is a unique type of tweed that is produced on the island of Islay, off the west coast of Scotland. The fabric is made from pure wool, which is hand-woven by local weavers using traditional techniques. Islay tweed is distinctive for its rich, earthy colours, which are inspired by the landscape of the island. The tweed is often used to make jackets, hats, and other clothing items that are designed to keep you warm and comfortable in the great outdoors.
Islay Tweed is another unique tradition, with a distinctively untamed character not unlike that of Harris Tweed, but with a charm and feel all of its own.
First established in 1883, and still using old Victorian looms, our Islay Tweed mill designed and produced plaids for many Hollywood blockbuster movies, including Braveheart starring Mel Gibson (the Braveheart fabric is available to purchase) Forrest Gump starring Tom Hanks, Rob Roystarring Liam Neeson, Far and Away starring Tom Cruise, and many more.
The reason for this popularity where the material’s evocative quality is all-important is the unique old-fashioned character of the tweed the Islay Mill produces. We are delighted to offer Islay Tweed fabrics both as cut lengths and also ready-made (to order) as a wide range of unique products.
See our Islay Tweed fabrics & products
Braveheart Plaid
Cashmere Tweed
Where but CLAN would you find a fabric as authentically pastoral as traditional tweed, but woven in the finest and most exclusive natural fibre in the world, pure Scottish cashmere?
Cashmere tweed is a luxurious type of tweed that is made from a blend of cashmere and wool. The fabric is incredibly soft and lightweight, making it a popular choice for high-end clothing items like suits and jackets. Cashmere tweed is often woven in muted colours, which gives it a sophisticated and elegant look that is perfect for formal occasions. While cashmere tweed is more expensive than other types of tweed, it is highly sought after for its softness, warmth, and timeless style.
It is of course undeniable that cashmere tweed is probably not for for those on anything but the most generous of budgets. But if your tastes run to the the very best available, while wishing to cut a distinctive sartorial dash in the certainty that no one else you meet will be wearing anything remotely as good, here is the fabric for you.
Sumptuously soft, in striking distinction from the typically robust wools in which tweeds are normally woven. And available in a range of historically accurate and utterly beautiful patterns. And of course it feels just fabulous too!
Cachet Unpatterned Green 97003 Cashmere Tweed
Donegal Tweed
Donegal, Ireland. Unlike Harris Tweed, which is made using traditional hand-weaving techniques, Donegal tweed is machine-woven. However, the fabric is still made using high-quality wool, which is often flecked with different colours to give the tweed a distinctive look. Donegal tweed is often used to make jackets, suits, and other clothing items, and it has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its versatility and durability.
Yorkshire Tweed
Yorkshire tweed is produced in the historic textile mills of Yorkshire, England. While Yorkshire tweed is not as well-known as Harris Tweed or Donegal tweed, it has a long history of its own. Yorkshire tweed is made from high-quality wool, which is often combined with other fibres to give the fabric extra strength and durability. Yorkshire tweed is often woven in muted colours, which makes it a popular choice for classic men's clothing items like suits and jackets.
American Tweeds
Tweed is also produced in the United States, particularly in the Northeast region of the country. For example, Harrisville Designs in New Hampshire produces tweed fabrics that are made from wool sourced from local farms. These tweeds are often used to make blankets, upholstery, and other home decor items. In addition, tweeds are often used in vintage American workwear, particularly in denim jackets and pants, to add durability and warmth
Australian Tweed
Australia also has a long tradition of producing tweed fabrics. The most well-known type of Australian tweed is Coolgardie, which is produced in Western Australia. Coolgardie tweed is made from local merino wool, which is woven into a distinctive diamond pattern. Coolgardie tweed has been used to make a range of clothing items, from jackets and trousers to hats and scarves
| Categories | Varieties of tweed fabric |
|---|---|
| Tags | cashmere tweeds tweed harris highland islay |
