Harris Tweed Guide

Harris Tweed is a distinctive wool cloth protected by law. To carry the Harris Tweed Orb mark, the cloth must be made from pure virgin wool, dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides, and handwoven by islanders at their homes in Lewis, Harris, Uist and Barra.

What makes Harris Tweed different?

The cloth combines a firm, textured handle with complex colour. Individual yarns often contain several shades, so a jacket can appear restrained from a distance while revealing much more detail close up.

Uses in clothing

Jackets and sport coats: the cloth holds shape well and pairs naturally with flannel, moleskin, corduroy and denim.
Country suits and waistcoats: suitable for weddings, estate wear and traditional country occasions.
Caps and accessories: the structure and colour make good use of smaller pieces of cloth.
Outer layers: heavier weights provide useful insulation in cool, windy weather.

Choosing colour and pattern

Herringbone is a versatile first choice. Checks and overchecks provide more character, while Donegal-style flecks can give a relaxed appearance. Consider the scale of the pattern as well as the colour: a large check makes a stronger statement than a quiet herringbone.

Livingston connections

Livingston has a long association with Scottish tailoring and country clothing. Current tweed stock includes the Livingston Moons Tweed Jacket, tweed caps and the Magee 1866 collection. Cloth availability changes, so contact us when looking for a particular Harris Tweed pattern for tailoring.