– Peter De Vries
All photos by Jarrod Hyde
Tweed, originally called Tweel (Scottish for twill) is known for its rustic appeal and winter shielding. The name was misinterpreted by an English merchant, who thought it was trademarked "Tweed" after the River Tweed that flows through the Scottish borders.
This hardy fabric has been used in menswear to make suits, separates and overcoats for centuries and it all stems back to those roots in the Scottish Highlands. Probably the most famous of tweeds is the "Harris Tweed", a unique and protected (under the Harris Tweed act 1993) fabric, handwoven by the islanders of the Scottish Isles of Harris (Lewis, Uits & Barra) using a locally sourced wool and distinctive smelling vegetable dye.
To show the authenticity all Harris Tweed garments are stamped with an "Orb" logo.
To show the authenticity all Harris Tweed garments are stamped with an "Orb" logo.
The Harris Tweed "Orb"
In these pictures I'm wearing a Harris Tweed sports jacket that my grandfather left to me when he passed away. It was his favourite jacket and I have clear memories of him wearing it almost every day through the winter.
Surprising I haven't altered this jacket at all. I don't mind that it's a little bigger and the lapel a little smaller than what I'd usually wear - sometimes sentiment outweighs practicality.
Do you have any tweed garments that have been handed to you from others?
Surprising I haven't altered this jacket at all. I don't mind that it's a little bigger and the lapel a little smaller than what I'd usually wear - sometimes sentiment outweighs practicality.
Do you have any tweed garments that have been handed to you from others?
Herringbone weave.
Detail of the Harris Tweed hand-weave.
Jacket from my Grandfather
Pants by Hermen Menswear