June 20, 2011
Do You Need The History Of Harris Tweed Jacket? A Must Have For Men
Harris Tweed jacket has a lot of story surrounding it. The Harris Tweed began as a trade product before it advanced into the more comfortable, durable and stylish garment that we have today.
Tweed Jacket- The beginning of tweed jacket
There was a need for garments that can be used during the cooler month in Scotland in the 18th century, then the islanders in Outer Hebrides started using hundred percent virgin wool to create a cloth. They are mostly produced by hand and left in its natural color. This product was mainly used for personal purposes in a weaver’s home, or it would be used to trade for other products that the weaver needed.
In 1846, the Dunmore’s wife brought about the idea of producing and selling tweed products to boost the economy in Scotland. By then, there were severe deaths caused by High Potato Famine.
For people to accept this fabric, she commissioned for it to be used for family Murray tartan. She then requested for these tweeds to be made into tweed cloth for her wealthy friends and acquaintances in Scotland and London. These tweed cloths were successful, so she planed to market them to other areas. She then started changing the mode of production from hand-made to machine-made.
This success was not without a price. Many other manufacturers started producing Harris tweed when wealthy men started buying. The Harris tweed Association was formed in 1909 to protect the production of the real tweed. Another innovation called the “Harris Tweed signature” came in 1910 which is placed on every single production of tweed. These are formed to protect the mutual interest of manufacturers and consumers.
Buying Tweed Jackets- How This Cloth Got It’s Name
The cloth that we all know as tweed was not originally called by this name. It was first known as tweel, the Scottish word for twill. People believe different things as to how the name finally came to be tweed, one of which is about a merchant who misread tweel for tweed. The merchant went on advertising the cloth as tweed.
Tweed Jacket Today
Although some of the manufacturing has changed, the tweed jacket is still mostly hand-made on the four islands Lewis, Harris, Uist and Barra near Scotland. The cloth that it is made from is still one hundred percent virgin wool. Harris Tweed Jackets are sold all over the world now, are available in three different weights of cloth, and can be dyed almost any color. This is a rather unique story that distinguishes tweed products.
Tweed jacket should therefore be the choice of every man. It shows a sign of distinction and rich story. Get the best tweed jacket now
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