TEXTURAL TWEED

Tweed clothing has a nostalgic quality. It looks look like it belongs in your grandfather’s cloakroom or a second hand clothing stall. However, this textured treasure is making a serious comeback with a fresh 2019 reinterpretation and will be making an appearance all over the fashion features in the months to come.

¨As a material, it´s sharp and sassy. From the city to the country, tweed allows you to achieve that effortlessly timeless yet contemporary look ¨ – Hilary Alexander

Wardrobe staples such as hats and jackets can nod to nostalgia and heritage, as can newly born urban accessories such as tweed high top trainers and slip on shoes. The trick to remember though is no to overpower your wardrobe and utilise the fabric in moderation. Most men can’t pull off more than one tweed item at a time, so don’t try to put together a head-to-toe tweed look or you will end up looking like an extra from ´Peaky Blinders.´

For whatever reason; here’s how you can integrate tweed into your day-to-day wardrobe, be it for country or for city;

The Classic: Tweed Jackets

The highlight of stylish daywear tweed jackets was back in the halcyon 1960´s (think those cool male leads in Daphne Du Maurier´s Rebecca). But in today’s mainstream market, it’s hard to find someone who will specifically sport a tweed jacket for a run to the post office. As a result, tweed jackets should be worn for dates or long lunches. We recommend trying to capture certain carelessness such as a tweed jacket over a white t-shirt, paired with jeans. Classic yet elegant. If you want to look more proper then try a tweed jacket with wool trousers and suede shoes. A look which can even carry you through to the office.

Ralph Lauren Polo Houndstooth Sport Coat €380, Billy Reid Gray Loring Slim Fit Cashmere Blend Tweed Jacket €870, Haggar Men’s Houndstooth Windowpane Blazer €180, Ralph Lauren Tweed Wood Blazer Gray €320

Tweed Trousers

Tweed trousers are most effective when they are paired down and muted. Opt for colour like multi-purpose greys and chocolate browns. However, if you really are a non-conformist then check out tweed sweat pants, a concept which has just hit the market in a normcore mixed with classic tweed for the ultimate off duty style.

Ralph Lauren wool tweed David Pant €450, BAR III Carnaby Collection Slim Fit Flat Front Dress Pants €130, Beams Plus Slim Fit Sweatpants €90

Tweed Accessories

Without looking like a history teacher, tweed ties are rather hard to pull off. They’re not quite formal, but they’re also not quite casual. The objective here is that you should only wear them when you aren’t required to wear a tie, so these are perfect for less formal situations when you are still wearing a jacket and button down shirt. Keep them as the focal point and team them with a white or light blue shirt.

Burberry London Rohan Donegal Tweed Skinny Tie €150, Jack Spade Men’s Bowman Tweed Tie €115

Tweed Trainers

Trainers have now over time become the preferred footwear for literally any occasion. You can safely upgrade your style with some tweed sneakers for anything from a trip to the supermarket to a night out with friends (or a special date) to get noticed for all the right reasons.

Diesel tweed high-top sneakers €145, PF Flyers Tweed Sneakers €70

So, the next time you are sifting through the markets of London´s Camden Town or the infamous Porte de Clignancourt in Paris, keep a look out for some pre-loved tweed classics. Not only will you look ´fine and dandy´ paying homage to your grandparents, but you will also look surprisingly bang on trend.

Article: Charles Daniel McDonald

Photography: Each Prospective Designer