Originally worn by farmers in Scotland and Ireland, tweed made its entry to the upper class echelon in 1848. Tweed is a rough woven fabric usually made from wool that can either be a plain weave or a twill weave. It is extremely warm and is usually thick and can frequently be a bit stiff. The fabric originated in the Scottish highlands in the nineteenth century, and is still used today for tweed jackets, coats, suits, and more. Prince Albert, who purchased Balmoral Castle in Scotland and designed the unique Balmoral tweed, introduced the tweed jacket in the 1800’s. Since its introduction there has been no looking back for this stylish addition to any wardrobe. Tweed became wildly popular in the 1820’s and 1830’s when British and Scottish royalty favored the material and began wearing it to special events, as well as while hunting. The wool material was warm, durable and water resistant. Fast forward to modern times and without fail, the tweed jacket can be found on the runways of luxury designers year after year.
The classic Chanel tweed jacket was first spotted on Coco Chanel herself in the 1920’s. While there are 8 different types of tweed, named for the sheep they come from, the Chanel tweed jacket remains iconic and is in demand to this day. In fashion, designing something so recognizable that it lasts well beyond its creator’s lifetime is not an easy feat to achieve. A real Chanel jacket is a must have. Thanks to its unstructured softness and the iconic metal chain sewn into the hem of the jacket to add weight and help it drop neatly and evenly, the Chanel jacket has become the industry standard for the tweed jacket. It has become the measure of make and style for the tweed jacket.
Weather Appropriate
One reason the tweed jacket has remained a popular staple for any wardrobe is because of the warmth it provides. While the tweed jacket can be worn all year round, it is usually worn in the cooler months. While the fabric is known to be versatile and breathable, it is made from wool. This makes it more likely to be worn in the fall and winter, than the summer. For those living in colder areas it provides the insulation needed to remain warm on those brisk, cold days while maintaining a sense of style and fashion. It is a personal choice as to when the best time to wear tweed is as most fashionable people will tell you any time is a good time for tweed.
Versatility
A tweed jacket provides diversity allowing it to be worn for both work or play. It can be dressed up for the office by wearing it with a pretty scarf or it can be dressed down by adding a more rugged wool scarf. By staying with the basic black, brown or gray colors the jacket can be worn all the time. Adding a pop of color with your accessories can really dress it up.
Durability
The final reason to purchase a tweed jacket is its durability. The Chanel tweed jacket, for example, is an investment in your long term wardrobe as a statement piece. Because of the material you will not have to worry about the color fading or it losing its beauty. The jacket is a timeless piece that you will find yourself going to season after season and year after year. There are a number of brands who sell tweed but be sure to choose carefully to ensure you are getting the quality you pay for and the value for your money.
Still wondering why you need the tweed jacket? The benefits of owning a tweed jacket also include the variety of the types of tweed. With 8 different types of tweed, each one is unique giving you a number of choices. Besides keeping you warm when wearing the tweed jacket, the material is also moisture resistant. While it isn’t waterproof it will definitely help to keep you dry during inclement weather. Best of all, the material is smooth and wrinkle free. Suits frequently develop wrinkles after a long day of wear. Tweed is a tightly woven wool construction that makes it less vulnerable to wrinkles than other types of suits. Looking as neat at the end of the day as in the beginning of the day is an added bonus to wearing a tweed material jacket.
While the tweed jacket may have started out with farmers, it has definitely changed course and is now considered a must-have luxury item and a beautiful addition to any wardrobe. The most notable designer of the tweed jacket is Chanel but there are a number of other designers that need to be noted including Valentino, Gucci and Celine to name a few. Buyma has some “must have” jackets on their website that would make a great addition to both your holiday and everyday wardrobe.
The Valentino tweed jacket is definitely a showstopper. It features a shawl lapel, single-breasted styling and front welt pockets. This jacket would look great with a dress or even denim jeans.
The Gucci tweed jacket is another luxurious option for those looking for a tweed jacket. It has an oversized fit, peak lapels and front flap pockets. This jacket would be perfect for a formal event or even just to wear out on a chilly day.
Finally, the Celine tweed jacket is another great option for those looking for a designer tweed jacket. It has a tailored fit, notched lapels and two front pockets. This jacket would look great dressed up or down depending on your needs.
No matter which designer you choose, you can’t go wrong with adding a tweed jacket to your wardrobe this fall. The tweed jacket has become the staple statement piece for any wardrobe. Thanks to its durability and its keen sense of style the jacket can be worn all year round for both work and play. It should be considered an investment in a timeless piece of fashion that you will have for years to come. It will definitely make you feel as amazing as you will look once you choose the stylish jacket you will be adding to your wardrobe.
