Irish Tweed is a quintessentially Irish style statement that can be worked with in a variety of ways to accessorize your favourite looks. From hats and waistcoats to scarves and jackets, tweed is a very popular choice with fashion conscious individuals across the world and we’ll take a look at how the stars are styling it this year.

If you’re looking to stand out for all the right reasons, you’ll find that Irish tweed is a great choice, adding a touch of unique style to your outfits for special occasions or everyday wear. Whether you already enjoy wearing tweed or you have yet to take the plunge, you’ll love our guide to accessorizing with Irish tweed and our collection of the hottest options available right now.

 

Irish Tweed in Context

Irish tweed is made from 100% wool, which is breathable, warm and water-resistant, which makes it a great choice for changeable climates across the world. It can be worn in all seasons, providing extra insulation and warmth or simply adding a touch of style and helping to regulate the body temperature when the weather is warmer. Tweed is durable and will last a lifetime if cared for correctly, and it’s an environmentally sustainable choice made from organic, natural fibres so you can do your bit for the planet while you’re looking fantastic!

Ireland’s cultural heritage is rich, and the craftspeople who create Irish tweed today are following in the footsteps of a centuries-old tradition that was originally developed as a practical choice for workers. Over time, it became a popular choice for the upper classes and aristocracy, becoming synonymous with outdoor pursuits such as shooting and walking, and it is often seen on catwalks today.

 

What is Special About Irish Tweed?

 

Irish tweed was traditionally handwoven on looms, and today it is still made by hand or by machine loom and finished by hand. The patterns and textures created in Irish tweed show off the talents of local artisan producers and there are many different styles, including Herringbone, Houndstooth and Plaid. These are all striking options that are used to create unique jackets, coats and caps, and the colours of the designs often reflect the colours seen in the Irish countryside.

Irish tweed has seen a resurgence in popularity since being featured as a key element in the Peaky Blinders outfits, bringing gangland chic into popular culture. Celebrities such as David Beckham and Idris Elba have been spotted wearing traditional Irish tweed caps, such as this Donegal Tweed Herringbone Flat Cap in brown. Caps like this can be worn with most outfits and are often selected to complete a wedding suit in style. However, they are equally well suited to a casual look, and are a flattering choice for most face shapes.

 

Irish Tweed Jackets

 

Irish tweed jackets are a classic style statement and the Casement Green Classic Fit Tweed Jacket is the perfect choice for day or evening events. It’s made with beautiful Donegal tweed, and pays tribute to its Irish heritage as it is named after Roger Casement, who was a legendary Irish revolutionary. You’ll notice the quality of the Herringbone green tweed fabric, which reflects the colours of the landscape around Donegal, and the lapel and pocket detailing are especially eye-catching.

For a flattering, robust style, we love the Sean Tweed Overcoat in Charcoal, Wide Herringbone, which is a classic raglan sleeved coat with high quality tailoring and an open collar lapel. The Herringbone tweed is designed to draw the eye with flecks of colour and attractive button hole detail. This is a classic coat that will look great with tailored trousers or boot cut jeans, and you can relax in the knowledge that you’re doing your bit for the environment because the fabrics and trims are sustainable and recyclable, too.

Tweed jackets for women embrace the traditional style and take it further with unique colour combinations and daring cuts that blend contemporary style seamlessly with historical design. The Donna Tweed Blazer in Teal Earth is a beautiful example of modern country attire, and is made from 100% Shetland wool for a comfortable and luxurious feel.  You can’t beat the flattering silhouette created by this feminine design, and the lining is made from short pile faux fur for an extra special finish. This jacket can be paired with dark coloured jeans or tailored trousers, and layering it over your Aran sweater will create a stunning look for all occasions.

If you prefer a more colourful look, you’ll love the Emma Tweed Herringbone Coat in Donegal Red, which is woven in Ireland from a rich wool blend. The bright, rainbow tones will ensure that you turn heads for all the right reasons and the velvet trim on the pockets, cuffs and edges make it a true pleasure to wear. With delicate detailing and high quality fabrics and construction, you’ll want to wear this coat all year round - and the good news is that it will complement almost every outfit you own so you can wear it over jeans and a sweater just as easily as a miniskirt and tights or leggings.

 

Irish Tweed Hats

 

Did you know that the cult TV show, Peaky Blinders, is based on the history of the gangs who lived and operated in Birmingham during the early 19th century? The real Peaky Blinders, from whom the series takes its name, were historically important in the area in earlier decades, but the gangs that took their places were a product of their experiences and the show combines historical fact and legend throughout. The tweed flat caps and driving caps worn by the gangs sported peaks that were used to hide razor blades, which they used as weapons, although it is believed that the original Peaky Blinders would not have done so as razor blades were rare and expensive prior to the First World War. However, Tommy Shelby and his brothers take to the streets in the 1920s and 1930s, by which time it was a common gangland practice, and the tweed caps seen in the show have become iconic as a style symbol.

We love the salt and pepper tweed effect in this Vintage Tweed Flat Cap, which is based on the style worn by many generations across the world. Handmade in Ireland, it is made from 100% wool tweed, and is delicately flecked with colours inspired by the Donegal countryside. A flat cap can be worn to suit your style, as a warm, water-resistant accessory while you’re out walking or as a stylish nod to gangster chic for a special occasion. The Touring Cap is similar in style, with a natural curve and sewn down peak to identify it, and the Tweed Skipper Cap is a unique style inspired by the sea and worn by generations of seafarers for protection against the elements. This is a great finishing touch to your outdoor wear and we love the brown Donegal tweed with brown flecks in this design, which pairs well with a natural or white Aran sweater.

For your more casual occasions, don’t forget the Tweed and Suede Green Box Check Baseball Cap, which combines traditional fabric with contemporary style. With a suede effect peak and button top detail, it stands out as a classic for the modern day. This is the ideal choice for a day on the golf course or out walking, or you can wear it to a casual occasion with family and friends with jeans and a shirt or sweater.

 

Irish Tweed Scarves

 

A scarf is a great way to pull an outfit together, keeping you warm and snug while adding an extra element of style to your look. Whether you wear a narrow Herringbone scarf to complete a formal look with a long coat, tailored trousers and heels or a flowing wrap style scarf that adds an air of mystique to your outfit, you’ll find that a scarf gives you a versatile and cohesive way to finish off your style.

If you’re looking for a smart casual look, for a wintery walk or a day at the office, you’ll love the Lambswool Heritage Scarf in Blue Box Tweed, made from 100% pure brushed lambswool. This is a unisex design that is popular with men and women, and the simple style will complement any outfit.

If you’re looking for something truly special, the Birchdale Wool Tweed Fringed Stole may be exactly what you need. This beautiful stole features a gorgeous pheasant motif that is created with an intricate jacquard on century old looms, with hand knotted fringes to finish the classic style. This can be worn as a scarf or wrap and is a warm, stylish choice made from 100% wool Tweed, so you can wear it over a long or short dress for a formal occasion, or wear it with your jeans and sweater for a more relaxed look.

 

Irish Tweed Waistcoats

 

The Tweed waistcoat is another style that has historically been worn by men and boys of the working classes and has transcended its roots to become iconic as a style statement. Also worn by the stars of Peaky Blinders, the waistcoat can be dressed up or down to complement a casual look or a more formal outfit. A waistcoat can help to create a slim silhouette, and good tailoring, such as we see in the Irish Tweed Herringbone Waistcoat, is a flattering option for most people. This is a classic style that reflects the traditional Irish design and the wool Tweed is expertly woven by master craftspeople in Killarney, County Kerry. We love the rich charcoal and red Herringbone, perfect for wearing over a shirt and tie or a more formal sweater.

A waistcoat and flat cap are often worn together, and this can work well if the two are made from the same coloured Tweed, but you may wish to create a unique look by pairing a more daring patchwork driving hat or Newsboy cap with a plain waistcoat. The Irish Tweed Herringbone Waistcoat in Forest Green contrasts well with more unusual colours and you can make this look work for a casual or more formal event.

Waistcoats for women have increased in popularity in the last few years and the Heidi Tweed Waistcoat in Deep Green is a sophisticated style that works well with matching skirt or trousers or worn alone with jeans for a striking look. This stunning waistcoat is made from sustainable and recyclable fabrics and trims, and is cut to be complimentary to the female figure. With discreet, functional pockets and statement button detail, this is a great way to accessorize your outfit for any event or occasion.

Our Tweed bags are the perfect way to finish off an outfit, and we know you’ll love the versatile designs, ranging from small clutch bags to larger shoulder bags with plenty of space for all your essentials. See our full collection handbags and satchels.

 

Irish Tweed Accessories For All Occasions

Our range of Irish tweed jackets, waistcoats, caps and scarves are designed to work well with casual or smart outfits and can be styled to create the look you want. We also have an extensive range of Aran sweaters, ponchos and wraps, so that you can mix and match to find outfit combinations you love. Our mission is to preserve the traditional Irish craftsmanship that has been so important to Ireland for centuries, and we are committed to manufacturing practices that contribute to a more sustainable future.

Our Irish catalogue includes a stunning range of Celtic jewellery and children’s toys so you can choose the perfect gifts for all of your family members and friends, and we can help you to find the best options for everyone. If you’re planning a trip to the Emerald Isle, come and see us in one of our stores across Ireland, located in Killarney, Kenmare, Dublin, Galway, Glengarriff and Kinsale. Alternatively, you can explore our online catalogue at Weavers of Ireland.