Winter means frosty mornings, dark evenings, and (often) a considerable dip in temperatures. The great outdoors — and even chilly downtown streets — aren’t particularly inviting at this time of year. But the modern gent doesn’t have to go into social hibernation just because winter is on its way.
A gentleman can look his best and stay warm this winter with the right attire. How? we hear you ask. With a little sartorial secret called tweed.
Tweed winter coats, jackets, and suits look impeccably stylish. But is tweed warm? Is tweed good for winter? And is tweed a winter fabric? Let’s peruse. Â
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Is Tweed a Winter Fabric?
Yes — there’s no denying it — tweed makes an excellent winter fabric.  Tweed dates back to 18th century Scotland, when outdoor types sought out a dense and heavy cloth to protect them from the harsh climate.
It was originally worn by Scottish farmers who — thanks to their tweed outerwear — could spend all day outside, all year round, even in the most challenging weather conditions.
A resounding endorsement if ever we heard one.
Via the upper echelons of English society, tweed material made its way into the present day, where it continues to resist the worst weather a winter day can throw at us.
Is Tweed Good For Winter? 7 Reasons Why it Is
The team here at Tweedmaker can vouch that tweed is suited to any month of the year. That said, tweed comes into its own as winter hits its stride.
Here are seven excellent reasons why tweed is the perfect fabric for winter months.
1. Tweed Material Is Warm
First priorities first. Is tweed warm for winter?
Tweed material is made from wool — but not just any wool. Tweed wool is left unstraightened, giving the material its characteristic rough finish. It also helps to trap in lots of heat, which is exactly what you want when the temperature plummets.
As we mentioned earlier, Scottish farmers gave tweed their seal of approval. So you can rest assured that, when you don a tweed suit or overcoat, , you're getting the very best thermal performance.
Whatever the winter weather throws at you, your tweed is up to the task of keeping you warm.
2. Tweed Is Water-Resistant
Another great feature of wool? It’s naturally water-resistant.
So if you get caught in a wintery shower that weather forecasts failed to predict, your tweed can be relied upon to keep you nice and dry.
Just remember to hang your tweed up where you get home and let it air dry to keep it in the best possible condition. Things won’t go well if you bung it in the tumble dryer or stick it on a radiator.
3. Tweed Is Great for Layering
Layers are the key to successful winter dressing. Don and divest yourself of layers correctly and you can move seamlessly from the blustery blizzard outside to your spot by the fire — glass of port in hand.
With tweed, it’s easy to layer up or down and keep each new ensemble befitting of a modern gent.
A tweed winter coat and newsboy cap, a men’s tweed winter jacket and trousers, a tweed waistcoat… combine or mismatch all of these elements (along with appropriate shirt and neckwear) for a splendid sartorial statement — whatever the venue or conditions.
4. Tweed Pairs Well With Boots
In summer months (and even into early autumn), tweed looks impeccable when paired with a refined brogue. But the beauty of tweed is its adaptability.
It looks just as stylish when paired with a warm pair of winter boots. Think plain toe or cap toe lace-ups, brogue dress boots, or a super stylish Chelsea boot.
With appropriate footwear, your tweed can still make an appearance in less favourable weather conditions — and you still get to look your best.
5. Tweed Comes in Lots of Beautiful, Wintery Colours
Tweed’s luxurious texture is well suited to a range of beautiful, natural colours.
Think tweed suits in moss green, light brown, and stormy dark grey. You can also take things in a festive direction with beautiful wine red and olive green tweed ensembles.
With tweed, you can forget the boring dark blues and blacks of traditional winter suit attire. Instead, you can dress with personality, embracing a whole new world of refined colour and understated pattern — even during the darkest months of the year.
6. Tweed Is Versatile
Tweed is a master of versatility. It’s smart enough for the office but casual enough for a cosy dinner with friends. It’s warm enough for a blustery walk to the nearest drinking establishment and elegant enough for a winter wedding. Wherever you find yourself this winter, you can count on tweed’s classic style fitting right in.
A tweed suit can even be your first port of call throughout the rest of the year, even during the summer — yes, really! Wool is breathable and wicks away perspiration, so you won’t overheat when temperatures start to rise.
7. Tweed Is an Investment
If you make just one investment in your wardrobe this winter, tweed makes an excellent choice.
Why? First, because a tweed suit is a classic that has stood the test of time. Gents have been wearing tweed for over 200 years. And interest in this beautiful fabric has yet to wane.
Second, because tweed is durable and long-lasting, you can count on wearing a tweed winter coat, jacket, or suit this winter, next winter, and for many years to come.
And lastly, because you can style a tweed three-piece suit in a variety of ways, mixing and matching the individual elements to create a wide range of outfits.
Find Your Winter Tweed at Tweedmaker
Tweed is warm, water-resistant, and breathable. So it makes the ideal winter fabric.Â
Here at Tweedmaker, we have a wide range of three-piece suits, Harris Tweed winter coats and Harris Tweed winter jackets, handmade to order in a variety of colours.
From classic red to brown check to olive green, there are lots of beautiful winter shades sure to add timeless style to your wardrobe.
Whether you want something snappy for the festive season or something elegantly stylish (but warm) to see you through till spring, we have the suit for you.
Discover yours today! Take a look at the range and find your winter tweed here.
