Safari Jacket / Herringbone Lovat

The use of tweed became widespread at the end of the Victorian era in England for the practice of old sports (such as hunting) or new ones (such as cycling or golf). Good society appreciated tweed for its country spirit and rusticity, as opposed to the smoother, more formal fabrics used for city clothes like the morning coat or the frac.

Tweed was strong, warm and durable because it was woven from very strong woolen spun. Many regions of northern Europe produced tweeds of various qualities: Harris tweed in the north of Scotland, Shetland tweed in the islands of the same name, Donegal tweed with speckled effects in Ireland, softer Saxony tweed in Germany, etc… Therefore, tweed is not material (like wool or cotton) nor a way of weaving (like flannel or velvet).

It is in fact a word that designates a rather rustic fabric (wool, wool & cashmere, why not lambswool) woven in canvas or herringbone, plain or checked. At Scavini, we classify fabrics that fit this description as tweed. Tweed is a rustic and warm spirit for winter. A fabric with a character that smells like walks in the woods and fishing parties. Very pleasant in the city too, as a complement to a Barbour.

Dry cleaning is highly recommended for wool. However, it should not be done often: only once a year, or even less! A simple steam ironing at home or at the dry cleaner’s is enough in most cases to remove odours, bacteria and to make the trousers look good again.