Men's Tweed Suits | Donegal & Herringbone (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between tweed and herringbone? ›

Tweed is a type of weave--a twill weave which describes how the fibers are woven together. Tweeds are twills that are generally understood to be wool, coarse, and durable. Herringbone is a popular tweed where the diagonal slant alternates. Twill weaves are also done in other materials like silk and linen.

Check Tweed

Pair it with your tailored suit trousers and crisp white shirt for a formal affair or tone it down with a pair of well-fitted jeans and a sweater. Avoid pairing this jacket with a checked or patterned shirt as it would make the outfit loud and mismatched.

Today, tweed suits are still popular among those who want a stylish and practical garment. They are perfect for cold weather climates, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Grey: Grey is a classic tweed colour that is versatile and timeless. It can be paired with a wide range of colours, making it a popular choice for suits, jackets, and trousers. Grey tweed also looks great in home decor items such as cushions and throws, and can be used to create a modern or traditional look.

Herringbone tweed is characterised by its distinctive V-shaped pattern, which resembles the bones of a herring. This pattern is created by alternating rows of diagonal lines that run in opposite directions. A herringbone pattern consists of columns of slanted parallel lines.

This most versatile of patterns is ideal for sports jackets as well as overcoats or more formal suits, and for the winter season, but also for the summer season in blends such as wool, linen and silk, in a lighter interpretation.

In the past there's been a misconception about tweed in that it was purely for landed gentry or country types. In recent years however, the distinctive, versatile fabric has enjoyed a resurgence, and not just for shooting jackets or country attire but rediscovered for modern jacketing, coats and waistcoats.

Due to the versatility that tweed offers, you can experiment more freely with the style of your footwear. Whilst loafers and Oxfords provide seamless classic looks, you can also experiment with a Chelsea boot for a contemporary finish to your attire.

Tweed jackets, in particular, have a long and illustrious history. Here are a few reasons why they remain highly sought-after: Classic Styling: Men's tweed jackets boast classic designs that are both timeless and versatile. They can be dressed up or down, making them suitable for various occasions.

A tweed jacket pairs perfectly with a plain shirt, ideally in white or blue. However, you can always experiment with the fabric (twill, poplin or textured dobby) or the collar type (button down, cutaway or pin), to add more character.

When should a tweed suit be worn? ›

Because of its thickness, the material is most frequently worn in fall or winter because it will keep its wearer warm. However, it isn't rare for it to also be worn in summer. Some tweed is designed to be light-weight and retain less heat, making it sufficient to wear in the warmer seasons.

Traditionally made from wool, tweed features natural fibers that provide excellent insulation and ventilation. Tweeds unique weave allows for increased airflow, preventing overheating and ensuring you stay cool on hot summer days.

The most famous brand named Tweed is of course Harris.

Harris Tweed has an open, loose twill weave that is rough to the touch. First woven in the 18th century by crofters in the Outer Hebrides, it was introduced to the British aristocracy in the 1840s by Lady Dunmore.

While tweed suits aren't immune to such damage, they are less likely to rip or tear than suits made of other materials. As a result, many men -- especially those in laborious jobs -- prefer tweed suits over other suits. The durable, high-quality construction prolongs the suit's life and protects it from damage.

Tweed suits can be suitable especially in autumn-themed weddings. Opt for earthy tones like brown or deep green. Pair it with a tie and a crisp dress shirt for a polished look that exudes warmth and charm. Choose a classic colour like grey or navy, and pair it with a dress shirt and a tie.

Tweed can be compared with Cheviot and Shetland. They are the same in texture, yarn, weight, feel and use.

Although Tweed is most associated with traditional patterns like herringbone and houndstooth, the most common pattern style of all is essentially plain. This means where the overall effect is of a single uniform colour.

Unlike tweed, which has a checkered pattern that is distinctly rough to the touch, a classical houndstooth motif is a smooth, two-toned pattern of broken or jagged checks. These checks are formed by alternating bands of vertical and horizontal black and white checks in a woven pattern.

The history of herringbone fabric can be traced back to ancient Roman times, where it was originally used in the construction of roads and other public works. The name "herringbone" comes from the shape of the bones of a herring fish, which feature a similar V-shape pattern.