WHAT IS TWEED?
Tweed is a type of woven fabric commonly made from wool. It is often used to create high-quality coats, jackets, and trousers and is perfect for crisp fall and winter seasons.
HARRIS TWEED
Harris Tweed, in particular, is renowned as one of the finest fabrics in the world. It is a wool blend handwoven by islanders in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Tweed jackets have a rich heritage, making them a classic menswear staple that evokes images of country estates and the English countryside.
Tweed may not always be considered "fashionable" these days, but classic styles are often the best choice in menswear. After reading this post, I hope you'll recognize just how versatile and handsome a tweed sport coat can be!
WHAT IS A SPORT COAT?
DEFINITION
The sport coat, also known as a sports jacket, is generally seen as more casual than a suit jacket. Like a blazer, it is a standalone piece of clothing. Sport coats come in various colors, materials, and patterns—more so than blazers—and can be dressed up or down depending on the chosen colors and fabrics.
HISTORY
Unlike a blazer, however, the sport coat has a reasonably concise history. All you need to know is that men traditionally wore this garment while sporting, hunting, or fishing in the countryside, hence the name.
MATERIALS
Like blazers, sport coats can be made from wool, cashmere, cotton, flannel, etc. A particularly sharp and classic material for sport coats is (you guessed it) tweed, which is reasonably rugged and hardy.
The patterns and designs make the sport coat fundamentally different from a blazer. Sport coats can have herringbone, windowpane, checked or houndstooth patterns, etc.
Sport coats often have patched pockets and are unlined with no canvassing, further elevating the garment's casual nature.
WHEN TO WEAR
The sport coat is best worn when you want to look put together without dressing too formally.
Perfect for dates, reunions, nights out with friends, or casual parties, it is the quintessential casual jacket for any gentleman who wants to be the best-dressed man in the room without trying too hard (even if he secretly is).
CHOOSING THE RIGHT TWEED COAT
Consider the style you’re looking for: modern, classic, or a mix of both. Think about the occasion: formal, business casual, or everyday wear. Look for a coat that fits and flatters your frame with a timeless, modern, and ageless style.
Check the price: tweed jackets can range from affordable to investment pieces, depending on whether they are made from 100% wool or a wool blend.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Look for Harris Tweed or other high-quality tweed fabric weavers (such as Moon). Choose a weight that suits your needs, from lightweight to heavy. Remember that tweed is inherently heavier and hardwearing, but not all tweed is the same.
Tweed jackets come in various patterns and colors, so choose one that suits your personal style. A solid color such as brown, grey, or earthy green is always a great choice because it works well with other neutral colors. As always, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and storing your coat.
When searching for tweed coats and jackets, looking for reputable retailers specializing in these items is essential. Explore online marketplaces to find various options from fabric weavers based in Europe. Additionally, consider purchasing directly from Scotland or the Outer Hebrides, known for its Harris Tweed.
PROPER FIT & SIZING
If you can, try on the coat before buying it. Remember, fit is essential! Check the retailer's sizing chart to ensure you choose the right size. If the coat doesn’t fit perfectly, you might consider altering it for the ideal fit. If you're unsure about the fit or style, don’t hesitate to ask a sales associate or stylist for assistance.
HOW TO WEAR A TWEED SPORT COAT
OUTFIT #1: BUSINESS CASUAL
Here’s a classic and conservative way to wear a tweed jacket: pair it with a white pique polo shirt, classic khaki chinos, leather cap-toe boots, and a matching leather belt. While some may call it basic, this outfit perfectly fits a fall business casual dress code. It is a timeless look that will remain in style for decades to come.
You simply can’t beat the classics.
OUTFIT #2: DRESSY BUSINESS CASUAL
To elevate your look, consider this stylish example of a more dressed-up business casual outfit: a light blue dress shirt (without a necktie) and wool hopsack dress pants, all complemented by a pair of suede oxford dress shoes.
The hopsack wool trousers add texture, enhancing the outfit's visual interest, making it ideal for a dressy yet casual day at the office.
OUTFIT #3: BOLD WHITE TROUSERS
I feel that I need to include a white pants outfit in every styling article I write because they are versatile and often underrated. So, here it is!
Denim has a beautiful texture when paired with tweed. For this look, I’ve chosen a denim button-down shirt, brilliant white jeans, brown cap-toe boots, a matching belt at the waist, and a coordinated watch on my wrist.
And if you're concerned about wearing white after Labor Day, don’t be! White can be worn year-round.
OUTFIT # 4: TEXTURED ELEGANCE
A tweed jacket always pairs well with a textured pair of odd trousers. When I say "odd," I don't mean "weird" or "bizarre." I'm referring to pants that stand out from the jacket. Since tweed has such a bold texture, it's an excellent opportunity to combine it with something like corduroy dress pants.
I understand this look isn't for everyone, so I've made it a bit more casual by adding a turtleneck sweater. The result is simple, elegant, and timeless. If you appreciate classic menswear, I believe this look will appeal to you.
OUTFIT # 5: AUTUMN VIBES
I love pairing a cozy sweater with my tweed jacket; this combination exudes sophistication. To stay warm while looking polished, consider layering a dress-collar polo or a crisp oxford cloth button-down (OCBD) shirt with a neutral crewneck sweater.
Complete the look with dark denim jeans and stylish service boots. I've anchored this outfit with oxblood lace-up boots, which I think are perfect for the crisp fall season.
OUTFIT #6: ULTRA-CASUAL
We're taking a more casual approach here (a significant shift). Some men's style purists might not appreciate this, but I believe that incorporating timeless pieces, like a tweed jacket, in a modern way successfully bridges the gap between classic and contemporary styles.
A plain white t-shirt, olive green chinos, a suede leather belt, and classic German Army Trainer (GAT) sneakers harmoniously create a neutral-toned outfit. The GAT sneakers effectively tie together the various neutral shades found throughout the ensemble.
Additionally, the trainers' gum sole pulls in the belt's light brown tone on my waist, adding a degree of visual consistency. Ideal for a casual autumn stroll or a date night with that special woman in your life.
OUTFIT #7: SUITED & BOOTED
This outfit embodies one of my core philosophies when buying a suit: maximizing versatility. The tweed jacket featured throughout this guide was purchased as part of a complete suit, which included matching trousers. I enjoy mixing and matching my suits as much as possible.
The sturdy and classic texture of the tweed jacket allows it to serve well as a standalone sport coat. Similarly, the tweed trousers can be used as an additional pair of odd trousers, much like the corduroy pants highlighted in the fourth outfit on this list.
Many of my other suits have also been designed or purchased with this level of versatility in mind. I always recommend selecting suits that can be tastefully separated and styled in different ways as separates.
NOT JUST FOR YOUR GRANDPA
It's easy to associate tweed with older gentlemen, but let me assure you that a quality tweed jacket in a brilliant neutral tone is a timeless and classic menswear staple that commands respect.
Whether you style it in a traditional or modern way, this jacket is not just another piece destined for a museum. Tweed is an incredible fabric that can elevate many of your favorite fall and winter outfits, helping you turn heads wherever you go.