Gentlemen don’t wear the same suits year round. After they build their basics, they branch out into more pragmatic pieces for the seasons. Tropical wools, linens, and the like for spring and summer. And more pertinent to this time of year, think of flannels, cashmeres, and tweeds. Heavier weight fabrics aren’t only functional, insofar as they keep you warm, but they also offer a sophisticated aesthetic and story. Consider Tweed.
Originally known as tweel, the Scottish word for twill, it morphed into the more common Tweed over time. Various urban legends suggest why: from a simple misspelling on an order form, to its birthplace near the Tweed River in Scotland. Whatever the case, tweed has been a staple in the gentleman’s wardrobe for decades.
Tweed is a coarse wool in a loose twill weave, making it an exceptionally durable and warm fabric. Originally made for sportsmen, one can stick a nail through it without damaging the integrity of the fabric (feel free to ask us for a demonstration!).
Capable of lasting for decades (literally), you’ll often find sport coats with leather patches in areas that encounter the most wear, especially the elbows. But it’s just not for jackets anymore. Fine purveyors of tweeds, such as Holland & Sherry of Scotland, have been blending finer tweeds with a hand suitable for even a pair of pants. So go ahead and give tweed a try, even if it’s one leg at a time.