The Complex Guide to Tweed

Tweed is a cold weather fabric from Europe. It's got roots in hunting, then evolved into a wardrobe staple that kept dudes looking warm and classy. A holdover from the days when dressing "casual" meant not wearing a tuxedo, but still looking respectable with a tucked-in shirt and probably a tie.

Over time tweed has been reinterpreted into many forms, to slim-fitting sportcoats and trousers and outerwear like jackets, and even sneakers. Learn yourself something new today and check out The Complex Guide to Tweed.

Harris Tweed: The most prolific maker of tweed, it's the only tweed manufacturer that has its goods protected by an act of Parliament. Woven in Scotland's Outer Hebrides, Harris Tweed continues to stay relevant by offering fabrics in time-tested patterns and collaborations with companies like Topman and Nike.

Magee of Donegal: Ireland's Magee of Donegal has also been churning out tweed for centuries. Their most popular product, Donegal tweed, their trademark has been using locally-derived dyes from plants like blackberries and moss.

Linton Tweeds: This English company was founded by a Scotsman and is notable for providing various tweed fabrics to fashion houses like Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, Balmain, Marc Jacobs, and many others.

Peal & Co. Leather & Tweed Boots, $598

This classic chevron pattern got its name from the zig-zag pattern that resembles the skeleton of a herring fish. It's the signature of renowned tweed maker Harris Tweed, and the v-shaped pattern is usually a characteristic of twill. Given that the term "tweed" evolved from the Scottish word for "twill," it's fitting. It's also said that tweed takes its name from the River Tweed that flows through the Scottish Borders textile area. These Peal & Co. boots combine the outdoor fabric in a herringbone pattern on the tops of these boots to create a classically modern interpretation.

Perfecto Brand by Schott Bertie Jacket, $750

It's clear where this pattern got its name from, the interlocking squares look like, well, windowpanes. The Bertie jacket from Schott's Perfecto Brand uses genuine Harris Tweed in this pattern for a modern-day mash-up of two classic pieces.

Locke & Co. Hatters Harris Tweed Flat Cap, $140

Taking its name from the Glenurquhart valley in Scotland, this design combines small and large checks. It was popularized by the Duke of Windsor when he was the Prince of Wales, which is why it's also referred to as a "Prince of Wales" check. This cap is a perfect way to get into the pattern without committing yourself to a bold jacket or pair of pants.

Amongst Friends Varisty Jacket, $171

These small, oval weaves kind of look like bird's eyes, hence the name "Bird's Eye." Here, it gets interpreted on a dope varsity jacket.

Gant by Michael Bastian Houndstooth Hat, $38

This abstract pattern is created by four-pointed shapes woven together in a tile-like pattern. It originated in Scotland and is also known as a "gun club check," for its history with hunters. Legendary University of Alabama coach Paul "Bear" Bryant regularly rocked hats with this loud pattern. Channel his gridiron style with this subtle, micro-houndstooth hat from Gant by Michael Bastian.

CAMO Single Suit Jacket, $545

Similar to a Bird's Eye pattern, speckled tweed is known for small, contrasting, "flecks" of color that are woven into the fabric, that become more noticeable the closer you get to it. This decidedly casual feel started with Irish company Donegal, who wove flecks of color made with local dyes into its fabric, and has made its way back into prominence in collections from brands like Our Legacy and this version from CAMO.

Topman Design Harris Tweed Overcoat, $500

A little of a cross between a windowpane check and herringone chevrons, gameskeeper's tweed takes its name from the fabric's hunting history. It also made a resurgence amongst preppy kids in the '60s. Now you can channel that in this slim overcoat from Topman.

Cherchibi Tweed & Leather Backpack, $492
Vans Tweed 106 Vulcanized Sneaker, $70

Known for its durability, tweed also makes for some luxurious but heavy-duty accessories. Take this backpack and pair of sneakers for example. Both combine a hardy tweed fabric with leather accents that step up your game tremendously when it comes to style and quality.