Harris Tweed

[scottish steve]

Hi guys. Been away for a while and very glad this sub-forum's been thought of. Thanks B&B. BBC4 have recently had a Scottish Theme running for a few weeks and I was fascinated by there 3hr exploration of the Harris Tweed industry and attempts to get it back off its knees after some pillock decided to ruin it, the unironically-named Mr Haggas. Anyway, putting any aesthetic differences to one side, there is no doubt that this is a Heritage cloth and about as good quality as you can get. I have a couple or three tweed jackets, one of which is Harris (absolute mint condition, never been take out of the wrapper, 2 button, 2 vent houndstooth from Dunn & Co, made in the 60s and a perfect fit.) and the robustness & hand-made feel is apparent from 10 feet away. But I was wondering how many of you out there wear/would like to own a Harris Tweed item? Is it off the radar in the States?

[Unknownsoldier]

Hi guys. Been away for a while and very glad this sub-forum's been thought of. Thanks B&B. BBC4 have recently had a Scottish Theme running for a few weeks and I was fascinated by there 3hr exploration of the Harris Tweed industry and attempts to get it back off its knees after some pillock decided to ruin it, the unironically-named Mr Haggas. Anyway, putting any aesthetic differences to one side, there is no doubt that this is a Heritage cloth and about as good quality as you can get. I have a couple or three tweed jackets, one of which is Harris (absolute mint condition, never been take out of the wrapper, 2 button, 2 vent houndstooth from Dunn & Co, made in the 60s and a perfect fit.) and the robustness & hand-made feel is apparent from 10 feet away. But I was wondering how many of you out there wear/would like to own a Harris Tweed item? Is it off the radar in the States?

Only time I'd wear Harris is when it's required by the "shoot", otherwise the smell when wet puts me off, over here it's worn by older "country" men and the middle class "Horsey set" who want to show off. The upper classes still wear it, but only when it's appropriate. It's not a daily cloth.

Tom

[galopede]

I too have a fairly old Dunn's Harris Tweed jacket. It's the only "smart" jacket I possess!

I also have Donegal tweed flat cap. I like tweed.

Gareth

[scottish steve]

I'm sorry to hear the old image of tweed is still held, but glad it still gets support! As far as I'm aware it hasn't smelled in years. Have emailed the Harris Tweed Authority and will raise it. As a daily cloth in cold and damp weather tho, its practically unbeatable!

[Unknownsoldier]

Most of the guys I know who wear it have probably had their jacket 20+ years, so LOL :D You can smell them coming that's certain ;-) LOL

Tom

[scottish steve]

Ouch! I can assure you I'm odour-free! In the West End of Glasgow its mostly student-types and those "in the know" who wear it and it's no longer compulsory to get HT that you could climb Everest in...every designer totally rates it. I really hope the message gets thru. I mean, its just really good wool, not a political affiliation.

[Dennis]

If it is any consolation, Harris tweed has a good rep here. :biggrin:

[Rudy Vey]

I have a couple of sports jackets made from Harris Tweed, they are some 20 years old, but they still look and feel like new. I love this stuff.

[scottish steve]

Am I right in thinking it can get pretty cold in Michigan? If so, that might explain Tweed's reputation there. Don't know about NJ. You can imagine what its like where I live- every September we're like "that's the rain on till March". The extremely long life of all good Tweeds (don't forget Derby and Irish!) is, to me, a big deal- not forgetting that after 30 years it'll be just as in or out of style as the day you bought it!

[Dennis]

Am I right in thinking it can get pretty cold in Michigan? If so, that might explain Tweed's reputation there. Don't know about NJ. You can imagine what its like where I live- every September we're like "that's the rain on till March". The extremely long life of all good Tweeds (don't forget Derby and Irish!) is, to me, a big deal- not forgetting that after 30 years it'll be just as in or out of style as the day you bought it!

Yup, 4 solid seasons here. NJ should be pretty similar but Michigan is affected by being surrounded by Lakes so we get pretty hammered in spots with "lake effect" snow. As far as Harris tweed goes, most would consider it here for a sport jacket for the fall and spring. It can run fairly pricey over here.

[Doc4]

HT has a good rep here ... or at least it used to the last time I paid attention. My dad always spoke highly of HT sportscoats as being high class. It does tend to have a bit of "retired British gent" to the reputation as well. I haven't seen much of it at all in stores for ages, and the little I saw was pretty lightweight/flimsy stuff you wouldn't want to get caught wearing in a light rain (which is IMHO not what HT is supposed to be like.)


Hi guys. Been away for a while and very glad this sub-forum's been thought of. Thanks B&B. BBC4 have recently had a Scottish Theme running for a few weeks and I was fascinated by there 3hr exploration of the Harris Tweed industry and attempts to get it back off its knees after some pillock decided to ruin it, the unironically-named Mr Haggas. Anyway, putting any aesthetic differences to one side, there is no doubt that this is a Heritage cloth and about as good quality as you can get. I have a couple or three tweed jackets, one of which is Harris (absolute mint condition, never been take out of the wrapper, 2 button, 2 vent houndstooth from Dunn & Co, made in the 60s and a perfect fit.) and the robustness & hand-made feel is apparent from 10 feet away. But I was wondering how many of you out there wear/would like to own a Harris Tweed item? Is it off the radar in the States?

Two questions ... what exactly did Mr. Haggas do that so threatened the industry? Do tell (for those of us who can't see the doc?)

... and ... how can you tell the jacket fits perfectly if you haven't taken it out of the wrapper?? :confused1

[Phog Allen]

Put me down as another fan. Agree with the retired British gent sort of image, and I like it.:wink: I do not currently own a jacket but would buy one in a heartbeat. I have a flat cap that was woven in Ireland by J Hanly & Co. ltd. It is of superb quality and certainly no stench. Harris Tweed has a grand reputation around here. At least by those who know of it.

Regards, Todd

[scottish steve]

Harris Tweed has, over more than a century, developed organically, producing around eight hundred different patterns from the inhabitants' craft on hand-powered looms, passing on skills for generations. Mr Haggas, as far As I'm aware, spent a fortune buying the rights to these patterns and getting the majority of the weavers to come and work for him. THEN, he DID AWAY with all but 4 Tweeds and tried to punt only two styles of readymade jacket, ignoring Saville Row's pleas. He then closed the mill.

[scottish steve]

(I'm posting from my mobile so limited to the No of words in each post.) ...He had to close the mill as nobody was buying his jackets (he was totally ignorant of the whole POINT of Harris Tweed!), and many of the weavers have found other work. Some courageous and wonderful people from The Row and elsewhere, including Glasgow, have been doing wonders setting up and supporting the remaining weavers to keep the only cloth in the world which is protected by Act of Parliament. I wish them well.

[Phog Allen]

Wow Steve. That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard of. I have known for years that Harris Tweed was not a single "brand" so to speak of woolen cloth. It was more a consortium of local weavers and patterns so to speak. I don't know the exact details but I did know there were Parliamentary laws that affected it. Why do these dolts buy up something as traditional as the patterns for Harris Tweed and then make only four of them? Who did he think he was selling to, twenty somethings? I understand the patterns were not really geared toward "old people", they were just considered old fashioned. I have a hard time mocking something that has stood the test of time for several hundred years. Harris Tweed enjoys a reputation here in the States for QUALITY fabric. I applaud those from Savile and Glasgow who are trying to keep this alive. If you run into Mr. Haggas, do us all a favour and slap the water out of him.

Regards, Todd

[scottish steve]

I will definitely give him a slap! I think his website is harrisTweedscotland or something and when buying any new jacket I will be checking THOROUGHLY that it didn't come from his mill. For all you tweedies out there there's a decent vintage market- try vintagewhistles.co.uk...but hands off the 42 shorts!

[AZShaver]

Steve, I would love to have a sport coat of HT. The trouble is, the only 2 days a year cold enough to wear it would be something you might consider summer. We had 114 days of 100 degree F. this year.

[scottish steve]

Thanks! I must admit to a certain protective sentiment on this subject. It is very climate-specific and would be heat-exhaustion-inducing in anything but mild heat. Do you wear linen by any chance? That's great stuff (but not grown in Scotland).:frown:

[AZShaver]

Actually, more cotton and rayon, excellent stuff, think Aloha shirts, do you know about them in Scotland? I didn't see any when at the Tattoo in 1991.

[scottish steve]

Actually, more cotton and rayon, excellent stuff, think Aloha shirts, do you know about them in Scotland? I didn't see any when at the Tattoo in 1991. don't know rayon and never worn a hula shirt but cotton's good, if not quite as good as its rep. Would LOVE a casual sports jacket in the same HD cotton as my judo jacket. When i lived in Japan I basically looke American to dress for the heat. Don't forget hemp either. Brilliant

[TenorClef]

I'm a serious Harris Tweed jacket fan :lol: Last count i was up to 9 jackets which is probably as many as i can get into my wardrobe. I tend to match my HT sport jackets up with a pair of jeans or chinos and an open neck shirt and brogues or DM's. My understanding is that their are some 7000+ varieties of HT cloth and Mr Haggis tried in vain to narrow that to 4??? People like choice, 4 is not choice IMHO.

Big fan of the Hounds tooth designs but wear a plain one for church or a check for around town. The orange one i save for my Dixieland gigs. (I play trombone)

[Phog Allen]

Nice collection!

Regards, Todd

[TenorClef]

and here's another photo cycling around my local river on a Pashley Sovereign Roadster-

[dklaiman]

Love the one second from the left. I don't suppose it's a 42R and that you want to part with it.:001_smile

[TenorClef]

Sorry would never part with my HT's, i'm a 46 short any way. What I really like about HT jackets is that they stand the test of time and whilst most guys walk around in jeans and t-shirts made in some sweat shop in the far east, i can wear my UK garment with pride. Sorry that sounds like absolute tosh i know but i do like the individuality the jackets project.

[petr]

These are amazing.

[Pumpkin]

I will definitely give him a slap! I think his website is harrisTweedscotland or something and when buying any new jacket I will be checking THOROUGHLY that it didn't come from his mill. For all you tweedies out there there's a decent vintage market- try vintagewhistles.co.uk...but hands off the 42 shorts!

Thanks for the pointer towards vintagewhistles (http://www.vintagewhistles.co.uk/) :thumbup:

I've just been thinking about looking for a (2nd hand) tweed jacket....was resigned to trolling round more antique shops! :lol:


EDIT: That should be thrift/charity shops...I'm too used to looking for other antiques :thumbup:

[scottish steve]

Thanks! Just make sure you've got someone handy with a tape-measure in case you're proportions aren't quite what you thought they were.

TrebleClef....loooving the Pashley- but what about the weight? I ride a Lemond Fillmore with upgraded pedals, saddle and seatpost, one brake and ride with no lights or mudguards...and just gliiiiide along in bliss. Is the Sovereign not a tiny wee bit heavy?

[Phog Allen]

Sorry would never part with my HT's, i'm a 46 short any way. What I really like about HT jackets is that they stand the test of time and whilst most guys walk around in jeans and t-shirts made in some sweat shop in the far east, i can wear my UK garment with pride. Sorry that sounds like absolute tosh i know but i do like the individuality the jackets project.

I see this thread has been nicely resurrected. I know I am quoting a post from some time back but I had to comment. No, it is NOT tosh to wear Harris Tweed and take some pride in the UK. I personally am happy to see it. Many of us in the West have allowed our heritage and traditions to be treated as antiquated and somewhat suspect. Pardon my language but bollocks to that. All the isles in the Irish and North seas have contributed much to the world in cultural and fashion ideas. Anyone who doubts this need only research the history of Savile Row and indeed, Harris Tweed in particular.

We have pretty much the same issue here in the States. At times slovenly dress seems the norm. And as much as people always trash U.S. style it is really a misunderstanding. It was not this way till the rowdy sixties came along. In my mom and dad's dating days(1955) you were expected to wear a collared and buttoned shirt and dress trousers if you were going out anywhere near dark of evening. And almost always you would have had at least a sports jacket as well. It was just considered bad form to do other if you were out in the company of a young lady or your parents or other elders. My mum and dad were dirt poor when they were married in 1956. Their combined income was $40 per week, and that is not a typo. Yet they told me many times dad would not have dreamed of going to the theatre or anywhere else in the evening without collared shirt and jacket. Even if they had to borrow things from friends and siblings. Mum would have had a nice dress or knee plus length skirt with collared blouse. They could not go out often but when they did they had a certain pride in not looking like ruffians. What a difference ten or fifteen years made. By the 70's, "fashion" as we know it took a knife to the jugular here.

Sorry for the rant but I suppose it is long routed way of saying good on ya for wearing your tweed jackets and please continue!

Regards, Todd

[Pumpkin]

For all you tweedies out there there's a decent vintage market- try vintagewhistles.co.uk...but hands off the 42 shorts!

You're okay...I'm a 44R :001_smile

[john parker]

For vintage tweed you might check Bookster1uk on ebay. Has had a nice collection. He also has his own site somewhere, but I failed to bookmark it. Would also mention that Harris tweed comes up in discussions on Ask Andy About Clothes site.

[scottish steve]

In my mom and dad's dating days(1955) you were expected to wear a collared and buttoned shirt and dress trousers if you were going out anywhere near dark of evening. And almost always you would have had at least a sports jacket as well.
Regards, Todd

My (late) grandfather was rushed to hospital a couple of years ago, having lost 3 pints of blood. We went to see him two days later, after he was stabilised, and he was on his bed in an ironed shirt, jumper. tie and polished leather shoes. He really was an incredible man, like so many of his generation.

I've been subjected to derisory comments for wearing a felt hat and Driz-a-bone, by a youth in a T-shirt and track suit bottoms.....in the middle of a full on rainstorm! The fact that he was shivering like a drowned rat about to die of pneumonia and I was snug and dry didn't make any difference to the moron. This is how far we've fallen.

[Pumpkin]

I've been subjected to derisory comments for wearing a felt hat and Driz-a-bone, by a youth in a T-shirt and track suit bottoms.....in the middle of a full on rainstorm! The fact that he was shivering like a drowned rat about to die of pneumonia and I was snug and dry didn't make any difference to the moron. This is how far we've fallen.

But you do get a smug inner glow, knowing he's trying very hard to remove himself from the gene pool :lol:

[MichaeltheRomanHistorian]

Count me in as another tweed wearer (both Harris Tweed and other tweeds from Scotland, I also haven't tried Donegal tweed from Ireland yet). I even went so far as to commission a dark brown herringbone three piece tweed suit from Bookster (they sell vintage and also do MTO as well).

Now, it does throw people off to see an American-Chinese chap in tweed sometimes but I rationalise it as my being an English trained classicist. Well, mostly as an eccentric academic. :P Plus, how could one not love tweed? The patterns, the texture, and the its longevity.

At present I have two Harris tweed jackets and one non-Harris tweed suit. One of the jackets is Made in England and the other elsewhere, alas. I'm partial to brown tweeds, at the moment. Which drew derision from my brother but I'm the one his lady friends complimented rather than him. ;)

[Doc4]

... eccentric academic ...



= tweed three-piece suit. :thumbup1:

[TenorClef]

I think the tweed thing is addictive, since sporting tweed jackets a couple of years back there are now several of my peers donning tweeds, one chap said he now has 4 jackets in as many weeks!

As for sizing I find Marks & Spencer's Men's department quite good as a tape measure. I'm somewhere between a 46 to 44 short. Whilst recently looking at M&S winter selection I could not help but note the weight of the jackets is considerably lighter than the vintage tweeds i am accustom to.

Here is a snap of M&S's latest offerings, made with Shetland wool and quite nice colours but a little to light for a cold winter IMHO-

[john parker]

Suspect heavier tweed on the rack is disappearing with the rise of central heating. Probably have to look to bespoke. And isn't Shetland lighter than Harris anyway?

[Rivguy]

I have had HT in my wardrobe for many years. I have several with the loden green being my favorite.

Regards,

Doug

[Crixus]

Harris Tweed lover here, too. It appears the talk here is slanted toward coats and jackets, but HT can be made into some fine hats in the right hands.

This is NOT me, but I do now own these two little gems. They have a wonderful silkish lining to keep your noggin comfortable, and the wool keeps cold breezes and mists at bay. I love 'em.:001_smile

[TenorClef]

The hounds tooth caps are absolutely stunning......PM sent for more info.

[TenorClef]

TrebleClef....loooving the Pashley- but what about the weight? I ride a Lemond Fillmore with upgraded pedals, saddle and seatpost, one brake and ride with no lights or mudguards...and just gliiiiide along in bliss. Is the Sovereign not a tiny wee bit heavy?

Yup, Pashley's are not light weights but they make such a BOLD statement around town. Once the bike is moving its no big issue any way. Its funny but I also think wearing a Harris Tweed jacket also has the same effect.

Speaking of Harris Tweed, I had a look today at- www.harristweedshop.com and wondered what about pairing up one of my sports jackets with a matching pair of trousers. I have a lovely blue herringbone jacket and thought it might be nice to turn that into a suit by getting some matching trousers. May request a Blue Herringbone sample to see if they match up.

[Crixus]

Speaking of Harris Tweed, I had a look today at- www.harristweedshop.com and wondered what about pairing up one of my sports jackets with a matching pair of trousers. I have a lovely blue herringbone jacket and thought it might be nice to turn that into a suit by getting some matching trousers. May request a Blue Herringbone sample to see if they match up.I think you're on very dangerous ground there. It is almost impossible to match exactly two large clothing items from completely different dye lots. You won't be able to tell with a little swatch sample, either. It could be an expensive mistake if you end up not wearing your new "suit" because of a mismatch. The outdoor lighting will pronounce even the slightest variance.

I suggest you think about a nice pair of tweed trousers in an overall solid that will handsomely complement a couple of your HT jackets. Plus, the tweed trousers can be worn with a worsted jacket for a smart textured look.

It's none of my business, but I reemphasize the caution light about trying to "build a suit" out of two completely separate articles of clothing. Many men before you have tried, and you can spot them a mile away.:001_smile

[TenorClef]

I did have a chat with a chap from the Harris Tweed Shop and he also had some reservations about my idea. I think i may just hold off and go the whole hogg next year and have a nice two piece made up in either Barleycorn or Herringbone weave.

[Sandhurst.]

A good friend and tailor once told me of a test for genuine H.T.
Take an uncapped biro and poke it through the weave to the full pen diameter, remove, and with the fingertips briskly brush the hole.
A good H.T should rejoin the warp and weft, leaving no trace.

I should think that in a retail outlet, this should be carried out surreptitiously...
I must agree that tweed weights are lighter than of old.

[TenorClef]

Having done a bit of google I've found a company here that looks promising-

http://www.tweed-jacket.com/

Any body on the forum have any experience with the quality from this vendor?

[binowatch]

I love tweed, wear it in the cooler seasons-sportcoats, topcoats, hats-Harris and Donegal my favorites. The older bullet proof Harris tweed was great-am less enthralled by the lightweight versions. I understand the Harris tweed industry in the Outer Heberdes was seriously hurt by a business man who got control over much of it and reduced the patterns and styles produced. I heard that the jackets of his production are selling 75-90% off in the UK and that the Brit gov't is stepping in to try to restore this uniquely UK industry.

[MichaeltheRomanHistorian]

Having done a bit of google I've found a company here that looks promising-

http://www.tweed-jacket.com/

Any body on the forum have any experience with the quality from this vendor?

I've used them, actually. Friendly service and good quality tweeds (with a good selection of Harris tweed and other Scottish tweeds (and some Irish, too). I have a 3 piece dark brown herringbone tweed suit made up by them. I know folks on a clothing forum I belong to also speak highly of Bookster (www.tweed-jacket.com). I hope to get a medium grey herringbone 3 piece from them soon, too. :) I have no reason to take my custom elsewhere.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4429301967_84f9e23903_z.jpg?zz=1

There I am testing the suit out for the first time and before it was pressed (I was wearing it to a mate's wedding up in Alaska back in late August). I was sporting a cream round collar shirt with a mustard tie in the photo (with silver cufflinks). Would anyone guess I'm a Classicist (Imperial Roman historian)? ;)

[TenorClef]

I'm not sure i can 'pull off' a 3 piece suit, i do own one but have not worn it, two piece suits with or without a tie seem slightly more modern for me but then I'm still more inclined towards jacket and jeans. Jackets can then be quite informal, Bladen, John G Hardy, Simpson and yet still look quite relaxed with jeans.

I note that the Harris Tweed Shop and Bookster are about the same price for a 2 piece Harris Tweed suit. Whilst gravitating towards the modern I do rather like the look of old school braces on trousers, there's something about the comfort factor and retro cool aspect....

[MichaeltheRomanHistorian]

Yes, the option of adding braces buttons is handy (my three piece above has no belt loops, just braces buttons inside so I can use braces which are covered up by my waistcoat). The only thing that prevented me ordering a suit from the Harris Tweed Shop is that their only option was to have a centre-vented suit (I prefer side vents like I have on most of my English suits). Call it a personal quirk.

I've been eyeing some of the tweed jackets from the Harris Tweed Shop but the high cost of postage out to the States is a bit of a limiting factor for me (even with no VAT) and so I have stuck with Bookster for my suits and their good customer service has contributed to that decision as well. Have you ordered from the Harris Tweed Shop before?

[Doc4]

I'm not sure i can 'pull off' a 3 piece suit, i do own one but have not worn it, ....
Go for it. I have several 3-piecers, and yes they do seem a bit strange to wear at first, but you get used to it, become comfortable wearing it, and it's all gravy from there. The 3-piece is fairly uncommon, so you will get a fair number of compliments for it.

The only thing that prevented me ordering a suit from the Harris Tweed Shop is that their only option was to have a centre-vented suit (I prefer side vents like I have on most of my English suits). Call it a personal quirk.



That's one quality quirk, in my mind. :thumbup1:

[scottish steve]

I've used them, actually. Friendly service and good quality tweeds (with a good selection of Harris tweed and other Scottish tweeds (and some Irish, too). I have a 3 piece dark brown herringbone tweed suit made up by them. I know folks on a clothing forum I belong to also speak highly of Bookster (www.tweed-jacket.com). I hope to get a medium grey herringbone 3 piece from them soon, too. :) I have no reason to take my custom elsewhere.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4429301967_84f9e23903_z.jpg?zz=1

There I am testing the suit out for the first time and before it was pressed (I was wearing it to a mate's wedding up in Alaska back in late August). I was sporting a cream round collar shirt with a mustard tie in the photo (with silver cufflinks). Would anyone guess I'm a Classicist (Imperial Roman historian)? ;)


Lookin good Michael!
Its nice to see someone who knows when a jacket that actually fits. Perfect sleeve length and nice waisting. All you need now's a good briefcase!

[MichaeltheRomanHistorian]

Thanks! I didn't have time to get the sleeves adjusted when I put on the suit my shirt sleeves peek out about 1/4" or so when I wear that suit). It's one of my favourite suits and I am trying to rein in my ADs here so I can indulge in my suit AD. ;) As I said, I'd like a medium grey herringbone three piece suit from Bookster... Oh well, a man can dream. ;)

[Phog Allen]

Indeed Michael, excellent taste. Love the suit and the tie as well. Long live Harris Tweeds!

Regards, Todd

[Lesmore]

I'm retired now, but I always had a Harris Tweed sports jacket.

It was important to get an actual Harris Tweed as certified by the Harris Tweed association...(could be wrong about name, it's been many years) in Scotland

Excellent wearing, robust cloth.

Besides the fact that I liked the look and the feel of Harris Tweed....I'm also of Scottish ancestry, therefore I felt it my ethnic responsibility to wear Haris Tweed. :biggrin1:

[TenorClef]

The weather here in the North of England is so cold at the moment, rarely a day goes by when i don't wear one of my Harris Tweed jackets. A little photo of current wears, Harris Tweed Jacket, Orivs Tweed trousers, Christy's trilby, Fox umbrella and UK made Dr Martens (Cherry Red to match the scarf!)

[W_B_K]

Looking sharp there TC! :thumbup1:

I love vintage Harris Tweed as well. Today we picked out our Christmas tree... good tweed weather! My little guy is helping pull the tree cart here. :001_smile

http://i53.tinypic.com/e64rvs.jpg

[Soul Surfer]

I have one Harris Tweed coat, and it's among my favorite pieces of clothing. It presently lives at the office, where it keeps me warm and looking dapper througout the cold winter days.

As for the quality, it's nothing short of mind-blowing compared to a lot (if not most) of what else is out there. Even the hanger that it comes with is a thing of beauty - I was almost as excited about it as I was the jacket!

Great stuff indeed!

:thumbup1:

[Salty O'Rourke]

When I was growing up in western Virginia in the 60s/70s Harris Tweed was a staple in most men's wardrobes. My dad had a gray Harris tweed jacket that he wore in the fall and winter months. When I moved to the coast in the early 80s I bought a sort of tan Harris tweed jacket and wore it several seasons until it suddenly and inexplicably shrank (or else I got bigger....) By then they had sort of disappeared. I actively looked for one a couple of years ago and every men's store I visited told me "oh it's too warm here, they really only sell well in New England or the upper midwest".

Joseph A. Bank sells Harris tweed jackets in four shades - I looked at one in the store. It has all the familiar Harris Tweed tags/labels, but the jacket was assembled in Bangladesh.

[buddydog]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5216646386_4b1fefbcaa_b.jpg

[TenorClef]

Decided to buy a full Harris Tweed suit from http://www.harristweedshop.com over Christmas and got an e-mail today to say it should be with me by tomorrow. Can't wait :lol: I'll post up a picture when I get a chance to try out it out.

[Gophred]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5216646386_4b1fefbcaa_b.jpg

Pretty cool but the do-rag has to go.
-Fritz

[Alacrity59]

I just stumbled across this thread. I don't see as many tweed coats as I did back in the 80's when I first had to wear a coat for work. I will say that as a young man I was well served by the Harris Tweed coats I owned. The ones I had wore like iron. They didn't wrinkle . . . but in a shower you ended up smelling a bit like a sheep if you were unlucky enough not to have a raincoat or bumber chute.

Flexible . . . choose right and it goes with jeans

Mine tended to be grey . . . I had one with a bit of a blue tint that I was very fond of. Lately I've been embracing the brow side . . . well maybe one out of five days in a week . . . maybe it is time to pick up another coat of this well loved durable venerable standard.

Mike

[buddydog]

Pretty cool but the do-rag has to go.
-Fritz
A do-rag is for the head.....

That neckerchief is not on my head.

[bandrus1]

A do-rag is for the head.....

That neckerchief is not on my head.

yeah forget that guy.... looks great

[TenorClef]

So finally did it! I ordered a 3 piece Harris Tweed suit in Atlantic Blue Herringbone. Photo's are not great but photo 3 gets the detail across.

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn229/kornflakes77/HT2.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn229/kornflakes77/HT3.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn229/kornflakes77/HT4.jpg

[Crixus]

So finally did it! I ordered a 3 piece Harris Tweed suit in Atlantic Blue Herringbone.Finally got 'er, huh? Looking good. Now that you have the suit "made as a suit", aren't you doubly glad you didn't pursue that initial whim of trying to match separate pieces from different dye lots?:001_smile

[john parker]

Very nice! How did you go about the fitting? By post or did you visit?

[TenorClef]

Finally got 'er, huh? Looking good. Now that you have the suit "made as a suit", aren't you doubly glad you didn't pursue that initial whim of trying to match separate pieces from different dye lots?:001_smile

Yeah decided a route around this was to buy a pair of black Harris Tweed trousers they seem to go with almost all my other HT jackets. Very pleased with the 3 piece suit.

[TenorClef]

Very nice! How did you go about the fitting? By post or did you visit?

The suit is a surprisingly good fit but its not bespoke. I just went off what sizes i normally wear and gave these to the HT shop. I figure any one who wears a suit regularly enough will know what size chest and arm they are. Same with trousers, just waist and inside leg.

Typically Harris Tweed allows for some movement, they are after all 'doing' suits, sports, hunting, golf, playing the trombone......that sort of thing. :001_smile

[john parker]

Thank you for the information, TenorClef. The suit really looks nice!

[Crixus]

Typically Harris Tweed allows for some movement, they are after all 'doing' suits, sports, hunting, golf, playing the trombone......that sort of thing. :001_smileAnd I'd never consider playing the trombone wear anything but...