Tweed is a material that has been manufactured in Scotland since the early 18th century and originally appeared as a subtly patterned material made from merino sheep’s wool. The material can be woven in a plain weave, twill or herringbone structure, resulting in different looks in the pattern. One of the most important milestones in the life story of tweed was probably the moment when Coco Chanel grabbed it from the men’s wardrobe and declared it elegant for women. In 1924, she commissioned a Scottish factory to produce tweed fabric for Chanel dresses, making it one of the house’s trademarks. As the popularity of tweed grew, the fashion industry began to incorporate the tweed look into their own collections, while also translating it into more affordable designs.
Why you should order Tweed:
For the coming season, tweed two-piece suits have received a modern update as fashion houses try to bring the classic style to a younger clientele as well. This has led to tweed sets merging with current fashion trends favored by Gen Z. For example, looks from the 90s and 00s that are given a new coat of paint with tweed. In addition, sets are also in line with the trend towards more casual office looks, which has taken hold following the end of lockdowns earlier this year and the slow return to the office environment. Tweed can be found both among women and men: in the form of suits or in suits, sometimes combined with a skirt, as well as in the combination with a t-shirt and shorts.
Where we saw him:
Tweed, or tweed-inspired looks, were particularly colorful in womenswear for FW22. Versace spearheaded the trend, offering oversized blazers, mini skirts and dresses in statement tweed materials. A similar aesthetic was used by Oscar de la Renta for the brand’s pre-fall collection, which featured an oversized check pattern. Halpern also showed colorful sets, albeit color-blocked with neon tones, while Coperni opted for more natural gray tones. Chanel, on the other hand, stayed true to its tweed roots, sending a wide range of its signature designs down the runway, each updated in different pastel hues and clean-cut silhouettes.
How to combine it:
When you mix and match pieces for your clientele, consider placing contrasting materials and colors underneath the sets so they stand on their own. This can be a button-up shirt with a satin effect, which makes the style more elegant, or a simple t-shirt if you want to take it easy. Although sets are often intended to be combined with each other, you can of course also use them individually. For example, a tweed jacket can also be paired with jeans or other trousers, while a tweed skirt can be worn with a jacket or blouse in a contrasting color or material.
The tweed set is a classic that has been transformed through modern design into a look that also suits a younger clientele. The material itself makes it either a statement piece for the fashion savvy or a set effortlessly suited to everyday work.
This article was previously similarly published on FashionUnited.uk. Translation and editing: Barbara Russ