Harris Tweed

[avsmusic1]

Hello all

I know I've seen some threads around here in the last few years about Harris tweed but I'm hoping for some additional info. I am looking at picking one up on ebay but I wanted to get people opinions first.

What has everyone's experience been? Are they relatively true to size? Durable? Warm? How do they compare to some of the alternatives (eg. a camel hair blazer, winter weight wool blazer, etc)

Thanks!

 

[Cuttingboard]

Harris Tweed manufacturers their own suits/blazers but also sells fabric to other designers who make clothing. You'll see a Harris Tweed label in each jacket that uses Harris Tweed fabric. Harris Tweed makes many different fabrics, here's a link for more info: http://www.harristweedshop.com

 

[john parker]

Think the sizing is going to depend on who made the garment from the Harris tweed fabric. Based on my experience, Harris tweed is a hard wool fabric, very durable; not soft. Believe it is a more open weave than something like camel's hair, so cannot speak to relative warmness. However, that is also going to depend on whether the garment is lined full or partially. My Harris tweed is warm though only lined in the sleeves and front.

 

[DukeGrad]

My friend

It is best to view samples of the various tweeds. There is the Harris Tweed, and many other wools you may like.
I recommend looking at J Press just to get an idea. Leonard Logsdail does a hunters set of coats etc. Very expensive.
And there in the US is where the coat is made.
My advice, if you want a true Harris Tweeed read about the history of the tweed.
Also, Ben Silver ha a lot of different as well.
He is vere, very expensive, just browse.

Learn the history of the actual Harris.
I like the fleck, donegal tweed and it is softer.

Later
Jimmy

 

[john parker]

This is an interesting site to browse when thinking of vintage tweeds http://www.bookster1uk.com/index.asp

 

[DukeGrad]

John Parker


Nookster is a big hit at AA clothing forum. He does his own stuff too I think.
I agree,worth a browse.
First understand the term Harris Tweed.
Thc scots and english to date are specific regarding their goods.
The Harrs tweed for instance, has to come from the upper hebrides? I believe.

I know regarding scottish sweaters for instance. The wool has to be made in scotland, and milled and the article made there as well. Very few have this claim, William Lockie is one I love his cammel hair and cashmere.
Harris Tweed is a specific wool, but there are so many tweeds. Sofetr, and many other types.
The sites I recommend are good to see the various tweeds. Ben Silver is expensive as well as Leonard Logsdail ( ESPECIALLY)

Also, browse Farlows fishing outfitter.
He carries Lasken/Schoefel/Chrysalis/Musto all european brands made high end.
I think Lasken doen the Manor coat at Orvis.
I suggest looking at Farlows just to let you know the different tweed out there.

My advice, I have new I have bought over the past 10-15 years.
I get more compliments on my ragged, worn tweeds that are 40-50 years old.

EBAY is great for tweed. Have not done it.
Bladen is a well known tweed, that many, many men scarf up. A well known tweed coat as well. Goes 600-800and up new
Can be had for under 70-100 am told.
Not a bad deal, and it is canvas chest!

Good Luck

Nice day
Jimmy

 

[DukeGrad]

My friend

Look at Orvis as well. Orvis , in their high end wool coats has them made in Germany or England.
The Manor coat is Laksen and made in Germany. They also have Rascher, a nice Bavarian, tweed, loden that I have admired for yeras.
Again, expensive, and will not see much discount on sale.

Farlows, when end of season, in their sale section, is where, the high end German?british/Scotish tweeds go an sale. Wait till the pound is kind befor doing this. This is where have picked up items myself. John Norris as well.

Again, I am an EBAY fan but only for Bamboo fly rods.
A lot of nice, old looking tweeds are there as well.

Nice day
Jimmy

 

[Blue-EyedSon]

Check out the documentary films linked in this thread. I've managed to find some nice vintage ones at thrift shops or on eBay. When going the eBay route, I've generally been able to figure out whether one will work by measuring an existing well-fitting jacket and comparing it to the measurements provided in the listing. As others have noted, Harris Tweed refers specifically to the cloth itself, which is then used in the construction of jackets, sports coats, etc. by various manufacturers or tailors. Sizing will vary depending upon who makes the item with the cloth.

I've found the ones I've purchased to be both very warm and durable. I also really like the depth and subtlety of the color to Harris Tweeds as well. There is a very distinctive look to them that I really like.

 

[galopede]

Did you know that there was an outcry when it was discovered that the Harris Tweed style jacket Doctor Who wears is made in China?

Gareth

Quite a lot of real Harris Tweed jackets etc to be found in charity shops in Britain and also on the bay as mentioned. I bought a really nice one a couple of years ago that was real Harris cloth and made by Dunn's meanswear. a now defunct gentleman's outfitter. Finally went under as their stuff was too good quality for most people these days.

Gareth

 

[DukeGrad]

My friends

I am glad to see a couple of Ebay fans for the vintage tweed look. It took me 60 years to achieve this in a couple tweeds.
Now, for much less than the real things, you can get that look for under 100 bucks.
FUI J Press runs 600 and up.
Brooks, iffy, have no idea who does his stuff, word is Southwick, which is sliding down hill.
Ben Silver 800 bcuks, am told these are with canvas. But too much IMO.
The Leonard Logsdail tweed is made in England/USA and CHINA. He charges a lot for his, up to 1000 and over. IMO too much for foreign.
Again, the best way is British, Irish and overseas or Ebay.

The market for European is Bladen/Mg Gee ( Irish) and sear the above as well.
Schoeffel is a very good, German I think outdoor look. He does Holland and Holland clothes and Purdey as well.
Their hunting stuff.

Ebay it, especially for bamboo fly rods

Nice day my friends

Jimmy

 

[john parker]

All this talk of ebay reminds me of my experience. Had a Harris tweed jacket which I loved! Bought it in Scotland many years ago; it was almost too small then, but it was the only on the shop had that evening. And, of course, I outgrew it; ultimately gave it to my nephew. Some years later I saw a Stafford-made (JCPenney) Harris tweed just like it on ebay. Since the seller was literally 15 miles away, purchased it online for $5!!! with agreement that we would meet and negate all shipping costs. Looked so good and fit so perfectly I gave her $10 after trying it on when we met! Great deal!!!

 

[DukeGrad]

Long story short, get a cheapl old one with some minor holes in it.
The elbows thin.
This is the exact old one I have, and get a lot of compliments.
EBAY

Nice day guys
Jimmy

 

[avsmusic1]

Thanks everyone for all your insight. I have some homework to do and then it's off to ebay

 

[john parker]

Thanks everyone for all your insight. I have some homework to do and then it's off to ebay

BEFORE you go to ebay, make certain that you have all your jacket measurements written down, and check/ask for all the measurements of the garment you are considering on ebay. Thought I had an excellent site bookmarked that tells you how/what measurements to have, but old computer died and I don't have it anymore. If you look at some of the better ebay stores, at least one of them will have the info.

 

[john parker]

Think I found the link! If this doesn't work, search for How To Measure A Jacket on the Ask Andy About Clothes home page.
http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/clothing/style-tips/how-to-measure-a-jacket

 

[Bob the aged Lurcher]

To answer the question about durability, if you had a Harris Tweed suit made and wore it properly rotating it and storing it properly it will last you a life time. Then your offspring will wear it, it will last them a life time, it will probably be serviceable for your grandchildren. Are Harris Tweeds warm, I wear them in a Ukrainian winter without any problems. As mentioned above the bookster option is a good one, I have one of their suits and will purchase a second soon.

 

[GeorgeTurner202]

Before you do an on-line purchase of a Harris Tweed, let me re-emphasize how important it is to get your size correct! You really might be best in getting yourself sized by trying on Harris Tweeds in a retail place. For me, they have always been snug unless I got (at least) a size up from what I think my jacket size is. Heavier wool weaves like this one don't give you much "play room" as to comfort in the fit. They aren't supposed to fit like summer weights but they aren't supposed to look like life jackets either.

 

[LarryDarrell]

You can occasionally pick up one at thrift stores, especially in older neighbourhoods.
Anytime you're in a thrift or vintage store go the rack of men's jackets and just run a hand over the shoulders, the feel of tweed is instantly recognizable amongst the polyester, of course you then have to check the labels, the condition and whether it fits, but after the first time you find a winner it will become a habit.