Harris Tweed : History, Authenticity and Why It Still Matters Today

Some fabrics are fashionable and others are simply timeless. Harris Tweed firmly sits in that second category. Every time I work with it I’m reminded why it has been loved and appreciated for generations and why it still resonates with men who care about quality, character and authenticity.

Harris Tweed is more than just a tweed cloth - it’s protected by law and that alone tells you how special it is. To be called Harris Tweed it must be hand woven by islanders in their homes in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, finished in the Outer Hebrides and stamped with the Harris Tweed Orb. If it doesn’t carry that Orb, it simply isn’t Harris Tweed. There are no shortcuts and no exceptions.

That heritage matters because it translates directly into how the fabric looks and feels. Harris Tweed has a depth and texture that’s almost impossible to replicate; the colours aren’t flat or uniform, they’re layered, flecked and alive. Greens woven with hints of blue, browns with flashes of rust and charcoal, subtle patterns that reveal themselves more the longer you live with them. It’s a cloth that really rewards attention.

Historically, Harris Tweed was born out of necessity. It was made to withstand harsh weather, long days outdoors and constant wear. That practicality is still baked into the fabric today - it’s naturally insulating, breathable and incredibly robust. It keeps you warm without feeling heavy and it holds its shape beautifully over time. Unlike many modern fabrics, it improves with age rather than breaking down.

One of the things I love most about Harris Tweed is how versatile it is in a modern wardrobe. Yes, it has deep British roots, but it travels incredibly well. This week we sent two Harris Tweed jackets to a British client living in Spain. That might surprise some people, but it makes perfect sense. At cooler times of year and even milder winters, a Harris Tweed jacket worn over knitwear or a shirt is ideal because it regulates temperature well and feels comfortable rather than restrictive (especially when combined with our particular method of bespoke tailoring, engineering our garments to feel weightless when worn!).

There’s also something emotionally grounding about wearing Harris Tweed. In a world full of fast fashion and disposable clothing, it feels reassuring to wear something that’s been made slowly, properly and with pride. It connects you to a lineage of craft that goes back generations and that connection is part of its charm.

In terms of style, Harris Tweed works beautifully when paired with modern pieces. You can wear it with denim and boots for a relaxed look or combine it with flannel trousers and a roll neck for something sharper and more sophisticated (my mind wanders back to the good old days of the late 60s and early 70s if you recall Clint Eastwood in the Dirty Harry movies or Steve McQueen in that classic, Bullitt) . Throw it over a shirt and tie if you want a nod to tradition but the point is it’s adaptable without ever losing its identity.

From a tailoring perspective, Harris Tweed is also a joy to work with. It shapes well, holds structure and allows us to create jackets that feel hard wearing and full-bodied but never stiff. It’s the kind of jacket you reach for year after year because it feels right - comfortable, familiar and dependable.

At Roberto Revilla London, we tailor Harris Tweed jackets for clients who want something with real substance, something that tells a story without shouting. Jackets that feel just as good worn casually as they do dressed up. Pieces that earn their place in your wardrobe rather than fighting for attention.

If you’ve never owned a Harris Tweed jacket, it’s one of those garments that once you have it, you wonder how you managed without it - and if you already have one, you’ll know exactly what I mean.