A tweed suit is made from the rough wool fabric known as tweed.
Tweed suits are usually associated with Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and the United Kingdom. Countrymen first wore them on cold days, fishing in streams or shooting grouse on wet moors. The original name for these suits was “tweel,” which came from an old Scots word meaning “spun wool.”
They came in various colors and were made with different cuts and styles of jackets. Today, they are worn mainly in Scotland but are also commonly seen throughout the British Isles.
Origins & History of the Tweed Suit
The word “tweed” comes from the Scottish Gaelic word tùiseadh, meaning “wool cloth”. Tweed is an example of a twilled fabric made by interlacing two yarns to produce a woven fabric.
The tweed suit, in its various forms, dates back to the 17th century in Scotland. At that time and for many years afterward, the sheep grew a luxurious fleece for wool production up until the 20th century. When woven or knitted, these fleeces were dyed in various colors, and the fabric produced the tweed.
The tweed became a popular fabric for clothing, especially for suits worn by men in all kinds of weather. Tweed was relatively easy to spin but was not very durable and required careful handling to avoid fraying and ripping. It is not known when the first tweed suits appeared in Scotland, but from their earliest days, they were always cut with an eye toward practicality.
That practicality was especially important in the country, where men wore tweed suits when shooting grouse on wet moors or fishing salmon in cold streams. Many early tweed styles were named after the areas in Scotland where they were popular, like Argyll, Galloway, and Donegal.
How to Wear a Tweed Suit
Mens Tweed suits are more casual than worsted wool suits and are often worn in less formal settings. Some of the most common combinations for tweed suits are with either a t-shirt or sweater and boots.
The tweed pattern gives the outfit a dressed-down look that could be used in almost any setting except for formal affairs. Most men also wear a tweed jacket with khakis or even jeans on an informal level since both are comfortable choices that pair well with this jacket style.
What made them Popular?
In the 1980s, Mr. Bean, played by actor Rowan Atkinson, wore a tweed jacket for most of the series. During this time, many men found a new appreciation for this classic style, and many began to wear them in place of their old suits. Tweed today is still popular due to its warm and casual nature, especially with modern fabrics that are more durable than older examples.
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Exploring Different Styles Of Tweed Suits
If you want to make tweet suits a part of your wardrobe this season, you can explore the styles I have discussed here.
Sport Coat Style
A tweed suit with a sport coat will not be buttoned up or strictly structured. The relaxed form of the coat makes it stand out from the rest.
Wear the tweed suit with formal loafers or mules to fetch compliments for your fashion choices.
Classic Fit English Wool Tweed Suit
If you want a tweed suit with a classy touch, get an English wool tweed suit that comes with a classic fit. Shades like grey and brown are most suitable for classic-fit English wool tweed suits. These create a perfect contrast with formal shirts in lighter shades.
Along with a solid pattern, you can also choose a light-colored shirt with subtle stripes or self-work to wear with this suit.
Keep your choice of footwear simple to go with this tweed suit. A pair of moccasins or derby shoes will be an excellent choice.
Tweed Suit With Peaked Lapels
Do you want a tweed suit with a sharper style? Why don’t you go for a tweed suit with peaked lapels? This is a welcome relief from the usual notched lapels. The peaked lapel gives the suit a sleeker appearance.
You can wear it with a white button-down shirt, Oxford shoes, and oodles of attitude to make a distinct style statement.
Tweed Sport Suit With Herringbone Pattern
Do you want to infuse classic English elegance into your fashion statement? Choose a tweed suit with a herringbone pattern. The herringbone pattern gels well with the distinct finish of tweed fabric.
Further, the sport style and wide lapels of the suit make it stand out. You can wear the suit with a formal shirt and Oxford shoes. For winter days, you can wear a cable-knit sweater beneath the houndstooth jacket.
Tailored to perfection, a tweed sport suit with a herringbone pattern is suitable for evening parties and formal occasions.
Irish Tweed Suit
Irish tweed has a distinct finish that makes the outfits classy. Also, an Irish tweed suit will be your go-to choice if you want to spruce up your formal fashion. With the right cuts and tailoring, this suit can have a contemporary touch.
Wear the suit with Oxford shoes or Brogues to walk in style.
To complement the tweed suit, you will need a button-down formal shirt in a blue or black shade. You can even accessorize the suit with a statement lapel pin or brooch.
Houndstooth Tweed Suit
Do you want to wear a tweed suit in Scottish style? You can opt for a tweed suit with a houndstooth pattern. You can wear this suit for the perfect semi-formal look. It will also be suitable as a party outfit.
You can wear this tweed suit with a button-down shirt and a pair of moccasins to make a style statement.
This houndstooth tweed suit also exudes a country or Western vibe. So, for a perfect cowboy look, you can try teaming this suit with a cowboy hat and boots.
The use of tweed suits to portray an image.
Tweed suits have a specific and unique look that is recognized worldwide. They have been featured in family films and comedies and have been used in numerous television shows, movies, and commercials.
That use has made tweed popular among men who wish to wear an easygoing style that projects the image of being relaxed and comfortable. A tweed suit is also an option for men who find an older classic style too formal or old-fashioned.
Further, the tweed suit has enjoyed a long and varied history. Today it remains popular, especially with young men who wish to wear a classic style without looking dated or old-fashioned. Tweed suits are also fashionable for older men. Moreover, it is for those who wish to project a relaxed, warm, and comfortable image.
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