I've been interested in trying to get a Harris Tweed sports coat from a local higher end shop in town. It fits well and I like the pattern. But I'm a bit hesitant because it seemed to be fused. I'm new to nicer clothes and I've heard that it is best to get something that is at least half-canvassed. But I've wondered with a heavy fabric like a Harris Tweed, does it matter if it is fused rather than fully or half-canvassed? If it matters, the sports coat is made / tailored in the USA, though the sales associate wasn't sure who makes it for them as it is labeled only with their house brand and the Harris Tweed patch. I suppose part might depend on price, which would be a little under $450 out the door. It would be a significant purchase and I'd want it to be something that would last. Any thoughts? Things that I should think about?
Does it always matter if a sports coat is (half-)canvassed?
- Thread starter Blue-EyedSon
- Start date
Fused construction only really becomes a problem after repeated dry cleaning or moisture exposure. If you're looking to have this coat for decades then it may be worth the (not too much) extra money to get a fully canvassed suit. If you don't mind me asking, where were you getting this jacket?
We wore plenty of Harris Tweed sports jackets in the 70s and 80s, and they saw lots of use. I doubt many if any were other than fused, and they held up fine (other than some wear at the elbows if you wore it at a desk a lot). Were I to pay up for a canvas construction suit or jacket, it would be one of a lighter and more versatile material than the Harris. Something that is appropriate anywhere, and may be cleaned on a regular basis throughout its lifetime.
P
pdillon
I just read this post this weekend and I think it answers your question:
http://putthison.com/post/35710706689/why-youre-unlikely-to-tell-between-a-fused-and
So considering that, IMHO you should get it. You will most likely never notice the construction.
http://putthison.com/post/35710706689/why-youre-unlikely-to-tell-between-a-fused-and
So considering that, IMHO you should get it. You will most likely never notice the construction.
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I have quite a few tweed jackets, none are harris tweed branded material but are tweed nonethless. I do find the fused ones have a stiffness to the front that is noticeable when wearing it while my fully canvassed jackets have more "bend". I much prefer fully canvassed jackets, but maybe its just in my head 
Good article to explain the difference, but ... they don't say you won't be able to tell the difference, just that the "pinch test" won't be a good guide to find out quickly.
