Tweed (cloth)

Harris Tweed woven in a herringbone twill pattern, mid-20th century

Tweed is a rough, woollen fabric, usually with a plain weave, twill or herringbone pattern. Colour effects in the yarn are got by mixing dyed wool before it is spun.^[1]

Tweeds are an icon of traditional Scottish and Irish clothing. It is good for informal outerwear,^[2] because the material is moisture-resistant and long-lasting. Tweeds are made to withstand harsh climates.^[3] They are worn for outdoor activities such as shooting and hunting. In Ireland, most tweed making is done in County Donegal. In Scotland tweed associated with the Isle of Harris.

Tweed (cloth) Media

Tweed making at the Leach family woollen mill at Mochdre, Powys, Wales, 1940
Bike in Tweed, Stockholm 2013
Logo of the Harris Tweed authority
Glen plaid, Glenurquhart, or Prince of Wales check, frequently used to make overcoats and sportcoats in the 1950s
Example of the herringbone pattern, a popular choice for suits and outerwear
Houndstooth, the basis of the keeper's tweed popular among the upper classes from the 1860s until the 1930s
Grey Donegal tweed sportcoat
A deerstalker hat made of district or gamekeeper's tweed (contrasting mustard, green and brown checks)
Windowpane tweed popular in the late 19th century and again in the 1970s