Tweed has been produced in the north of Ireland, primarily in Donegal and Tyrone for many generations. Originally a cottage industry with entire families involved in spinning, dyeing and weaving local wool. When tweed making later moved away from homes and into mills it became more industrial, but the tweed was still hand-loomed.
Donegal tweed is slightly different to Harris tweed - of the Outer Hebrides, it’s a little bit softer to touch and also has specks of colour which are known as 'flaws'. Although these flaws are not hugely noticeable from a distance, when viewed up close, they give the cloth character and as a result, no two pieces of Donegal tweed are ever the same. This is what makes Irish tweed fabric so unique.
Today most manufacturers of tweed produce their fabric industrially using power looms. But there are still those who stick with the old methods, using hand looms operated by highly skilled weavers producing very high quality tweed in both traditional tweed patterns and innovative new designs.
This tweed is very much a premium product, highly sought after by international fashion designers. Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, Armani and Hugo Boss are among those who regularly feature hand-loomed Irish tweed in their collections.
If you are buying Irish tweed, look for hand-loomed. Yes, it will be more expensive, but it’s the real thing and its higher quality means you’ll be buying a garment that will be in your wardrobe for many many years.
A hat made from a good hand-loomed tweed is warm, beautiful and naturally water resistant. Moreover it will last for years, acquiring a comfortable lived in look with wear.
Unique Colours
Irish tweed fabric is known for its natural colours – mossy greens, the soft purples and and blues of heather, deep berry colours and earthy browns and golds.
This is not surprising, as originally the dyes used were entirely natural, made from lichens, flowers, berry and other plants in the surrounding countryside.
While nobody goes out collecting berries or moss for the dyes today, much of the tweed produced still uses these natural shades. However more vibrant modern tweeds are also produced for a younger market, along with a more contemporary range of clothing which might surprise those who think only of traditional Irish hats and jackets.
Where to Find Irish Tweed Fabric
Kevin & Howlin, on Nassau st in Dublin city centre, is a family owned company which has been selling tweed jackets, suits, hats and other items for almost a century. They stock a wide range of clothing but can also make jackets, coats and suits to order, for both women and men. This is also a great store for buying tweed fabric and they are happy to take orders from their website.
Look no further to find the best online resource for traditional Irish tweed hats and flatcaps which can be found on our Caps page!
