Suiting Fabrics and Cloth: Weaves and Designs: Tweed and Harris Tweed

Tweed is the generic name for a very wide variety of stubbly coarse woollen cloths


Typically of multi coloured carded yarns and twill construction. Tweed clothing is a popular form of leisure wear, it can be tailored into suits or coats used for hunting, coursing or other equestrian and outdoor activities. In a lighter weight, tweed is also used for dresses. Tweeds are an icon of traditional Irish and British country clothing, being desirable for informal outerwear, due to the material being moisture-resistant and durable, are commonly worn for outdoor activities such as shooting and hunting, in both Ireland and the United Kingdom.

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The Gabardine Suit

For the ultimate in light-coloured suit fare, nothing beats the colonial gabardine


Since its introduction in the thirties, the classic gab has consistently ranked right up there on the list of idealized dress suits. Costly to weave, expensive to tailor, sometimes problematic to press. The top-quality gabardine is delicate, luxurious and has limited wearability.

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Suiting Fabrics and Cloth: The Weaves and Designs: Pinhead

Pinhead, also known as pin-dot or nailhead is similar to the birdseye pattern, but smaller


It is a worsted wool suiting with a twill weave covered with small dots, that look like they have been hammered in with nails or pins. It has the appearance of tiny white or light coloured dots appearing in rows both vertically and horizontally. The fabric can hold a sharp crease, which makes it exceptionally well wearable, but also a good fabric to work with for the tailoring process. It is inclined to shine with wear.

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