[photo by: Adam UXB Smith]

Tweed jackets and clothing was worn originally by folks who lived in the countryside and was well suited for jackets to keep the wearer toasty warm in the bleakest of conditions.

Today, tweed is used in high end designer clothing and is making a great comeback on the runways all over the world. The Scottish tweeds that are on the market today offer the classic styling of tweeds with an updated look that is appropriate for business attire or weekends in the country.

To add to your wardrobe, choose items that are classically styled for long lasting items to build a base for your closet. Classic pieces such as tweed jackets never go out of style and will hold up well under a great deal of wear. When you are building a wardrobe, it is important to make sure that you choose pieces that will last for years without going out of style and only use trendy items as seasoning for your attire. Not only will this build a great looking wardrobe, but it will save you money in the long run.

[photo by: Huzzah Vintage]

Tweed is a great example of an item that remains in style for decades. Scottish tweed is made from some of the finest materials in the world and is a great addition to any wardrobe.

There was a lot said about kilts and their history. But some facts might not be known more commonly. And kilts is that type of cloth that has an interesting history and many secret facts that is worth to know.

Irish says that there were the one that first gave Scots this type of wearing. So do English people – they also see themselves as kilts inventors and give themselves a credit for this outfit. And what is the truth?

There are some evidence that shows Irish men and English men as the kilt first wearers. Even evidences from 11th centuries. Unfortunately, those evidence aren’t written one but also pictures that are showing probably something else than kilts. So what was the first real document about kilt?

First mentions about feilidh-malo or balted plaid (type of woollen cloth) was found in “Life of Red Hugh O’Donnell” by Lughaidha O’Clery from 16th century. More specifically this cloth was a heavy shawl that
was worn from the top to the bottom of the body, bounding it.

This shows that kilt couldn’t be known in its first form in 13th century or even in 14th. This also means that kilt couldn’t be worn by a great hero William Walace. So Irish men couldn’t wear it before 16th century at first place.

Written sources from 17th centuries shows that belted plaid was universal outfit of Scottish highlanders. It was a very long piece of material cause it led from knees, to tail and on arms. It was not sawn, just a piece of long, strong and thick material. But when this plaid became present kilt?

First mentions about sewing kilts (not exactly as they look today) comes from 1792. Now this two hundreds year old piece of cloth belongs to Scottish Tartan Society. It is not exactly the same as we have today but it is sure that the kilt wasn’t invented by English or Scots – today’s kilt comes from Scottish belted plaid.

If you are interested in kilts you might also like Harris Tweed Jacket – all to find at Highlandstore.com

The Harris Tweed Jacket is recognised worldwide as an icon of British style. It’s a home grown classic with a proud heritage and a distinct provenance. Since its founding in England in the nineteenth century, Harris Tweed has been synonymous with quality – as defined by the endurance, classicism and functionality that characterised its history.

Continuing, Harris Tweed adorns the shoulders of English gentry countrywide. Sitting perfectly with English Madder Ties, Prince of Wales checks and flannel trousers, It complements a recognisable style that remains true to form and function with a distinctive British sensibility. Like most quintessential home grown classics Harris Tweed stand the test of time, even today designers include it in their seasonal collections. It is emblematic of such a proud heritage.

Harris Tweed was born out of function rather than out of style, but given support by the Aristocracy soon changed the way it was viewed tweed became fashionable and demand for Harris Tweed grew.

From its humble bespoke beginnings to the catwalks of the world.

In 1846, Lady Dunmore, widow of the late Earl of Dunmore, had the Murray tartan copied by Harris weavers in tweed. This proved so successful that Lady Dunmore devoted much time and thought to marketing the tweed to her friends and then to improving the process of production. This was the beginning of the Harris Tweed industry.

As a result of the marketing efforts of Lady Dunmore, increased sales of the tweed were achieved and trade was established with cloth merchants in large towns in the UK.

At about the turn of the century the primitive small loom was replaced by the improved “fly-shuttle” loom. This was made of wood and heavier than the earlier loom tending to make weaving an occupation for men rather than women. Although originally imported from the Galashiels a local joiner started making the new type of loom in 1903.

At a meeting in Stornoway in 1906 efforts were considered for placing the industry on a more satisfactory footing. This was a most harmonious meeting and as the Trade Marks Act had been passed in 1905 making provision for a registration of Standardisation Marks, it seemed to be novel opportunity to end the increasing practice of offering mill-spun tweed as genuine Harris Tweed.

Harris Tweed means tweed which has been hand woven by the islanders at their homes in the Outer Hebrides, finished in the islands of Harris, Lewis, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist and Barra and their several purtenances (The Outer Hebrides) and made from pure virgin wool dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides.

The late 90s are a difficult time for the British textile industry and Harris Tweed is no exception. However there is confidence that the hard decisions taken to reform the industry will eventually bear fruit and secure the future of this unique product.

In 2004 Nike bought ten thousand metres of Harris Tweed and produced a range of Harris Tweed trainers for women. Nothing like this had been done and it gave the island producers the boost they needed.

May Harris Tweed survive, without it what else is there?

By: Patrick McMurray

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Here you will find a rare collection of handmade silk ties and cufflinksby renowned British designers including, Patrick McMurray, Timothy Everest, Ian Flaherty, Cressida Bell, Simon Carter, Shane McCoubrey, Neil Bottle, Louis Feraud and Michelsons, tie makers since 1937.