Harris Tweed

Harris Tweed at Wellington of Bilmore

Harris Tweed is at the heart of the Wellington of Bilmore collection and embodies British heritage fashion like no other material. Hand-woven on the Outer Hebrides in Scotland, Harris Tweed stands for the highest quality wool, craftsmanship passed down through generations, and a longevity that makes clothing an investment again – an attitude currently being re-discussed under terms like "Old Money" and "Quiet Luxury," and one that has shaped Wellington of Bilmore's collections for decades.

Women's Collection in Harris Tweed

Wellington of Bilmore's Harris Tweed women's collection embodies timeless elegance and stylish sophistication. Our collection includes eleganttweed skirts, sophisticatedtweed blazers, warmtweed coatsas well as matchingtweed jacketsandtweed vests. Each garment is made from high-quality Harris Tweed fabric, known for its distinctive texture and durability – ideal for elegant occasions or as luxurious everyday wear.

Men's Collection in Harris Tweed

Wellington of Bilmore's Harris Tweed men's collection is a prime example of traditional British elegance combined with modern fit. Our collection includes high-qualityHarris Tweed suits, stylishtweed blazers, warmingtweed coats,tweed jackets,tweed vestsas well as matchingtweed trousers. Each piece offers a perfect blend of classic cuts and excellent craftsmanship.

Features of Harris Tweed

Harris Tweed is far more than just an elegant material. The characteristic fabric offers excellent thermal insulation, is particularly durable and resistant to wear and tear. Its natural flexibility and breathability ensure all-day comfort without sacrificing style – ideal for both formal and casual wear. Complement your Harris Tweed look with matchingHarris Tweed accessorieslike caps and scarves.

An Overview of Classic Designs

Harris Tweed is produced in a variety of characteristic weave patterns. Four designs are considered classics and return every season – with different color combinations and variations.

Herringbone: The most well-known tweed pattern. V-shaped zigzag lines create a structured surface – subtle, elegant, and particularly versatile. Works well in both business and classic country looks and is the most common choice for tweed blazers and coats.

Glencheck (Glen Urquhart Check): A small checked fabric with overlapping cube structures, often with a contrasting overcheck line. Traditionally woven in the Scottish Glenurquhart Valley since the 19th century and also known internationally as "Glen Plaid."

Tartan:The classic Scottish checked pattern, in which crossed colored stripes combine to form distinctive squares. Each historic clan tartan is associated with a Scottish family clan – in Harris Tweed, these traditions are used in a modernized, often subdued form.

Houndstooth (Pied-de-poule): A small, jagged pattern in two contrasting colors. Subtle yet striking – particularly popular for women's blazers, skirts, and caps.

History of Harris Tweed

Harris Tweed has a long and venerable history dating back to the 19th century. The fabric originates from the Outer Hebrides in Scotland and is still hand-woven on the islands today. In 1993, Harris Tweed was officially protected – it may only be called such if it was woven in the Hebrides. This centuries-old tradition makes Harris Tweed a symbol of British craftsmanship and luxury.

Harris Tweed Authority and the Orb Certificate

The authenticity of Harris Tweed is monitored by the Harris Tweed Authority – an independent body based in the Hebrides, tasked with brand management by the Harris Tweed Act 1993 of the British Parliament. Only fabrics that meet the strict criteria may bear the official seal of quality: the so-called Orb Mark.

This distinctive orb emblem – a crowned orb with a cross – was registered as a trademark as early as 1910 and is one of the oldest continuously used seals of quality in Great Britain. Every meter of Harris Tweed receives a numbered, sewn-in label with this certificate. Every Harris Tweed product from Wellington of Bilmore also bears this label visibly on the sleeve or lining. Those who look for this seal can be sure to hold a genuine piece from the Outer Hebrides – woven by one of the approximately 200 home weavers who still work on the islands of Lewis, Harris, Uist, and Barra today.

Frequently Asked Questions about Harris Tweed

What is Harris Tweed?

Harris Tweed is a virgin wool fabric that is exclusively hand-woven on the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. The designation has been legally protected since the Harris Tweed Act 1993 – a protection that is unique worldwide for a textile fabric.

How do I recognize genuine Harris Tweed?

By the sewn-in Orb certificate from the Harris Tweed Authority. The label shows a crowned orb with a cross – it is only awarded to fabrics woven in the Hebrides according to the specified criteria. Without this label, a fabric may not officially be called Harris Tweed.

How do I properly care for Harris Tweed?

Harris Tweed is naturally wrinkle-resistant, dirt-repellent, and very durable. The care instructions on the sewn-in care label are always paramount. Generally, professional dry cleaning is recommended if needed. In between, airing it out briefly and gently brushing it with a soft clothes brush is sufficient.

What designs are available for Harris Tweed?

Classic designs include Herringbone, Glencheck, Tartan, and Houndstooth. In addition, there are countless color and pattern variations, which are created by mixing differently colored virgin wool threads before weaving.

Who makes the Harris Tweed fashion at Wellington of Bilmore?

Wellington of Bilmore is a traditional German company based in Werther (Westphalia), founded in 1899 and now family-run in its fifth generation. The Wellington of Bilmore brand has existed since 1984 and features Harris Tweed as a core material focus in its men's and women's collections. The cuts are optimized for body measurements in the DACH region, and the fabric comes directly from the home weavers of the Outer Hebrides.

Harris Tweed: timeless fashion beyond trends

While the fashion world is currently rediscovering the "Old Money" and "Quiet Luxury" aesthetics – subdued colors, high-quality materials, logo-free elegance – Harris Tweed has never left this attitude. AHarris Tweed blazer, atweed coator atweed skirtare not seasonal pieces, but investment pieces that grow with you over decades and develop their own patina. Wellington of Bilmore has been producing this style for decades – with a consistent focus on British-inspired heritage fashion and a fit that wears well in Germany. Discover the entire collection forHarris Tweed for MenandHarris Tweed for Womenat Wellington of Bilmore.