The tweed fabric is a favorite among luxury custom brands, and with the rise of Chanel's "little black tweed jacket," it has become even more popular. This article will introduce you to the origins of the tweed jacket, care tips, and classic styling to help you become a high-fashion expert.
When you think of "tweed," Chanel's iconic tweed jackets undoubtedly come to mind. Chanel created a classic design that captivated women worldwide. Various high-end and affordable brands also offer tweed options for both men and women. Today, you'll discover the fashionable allure of tweed, the different styling variations, and how to care for it.
But what exactly is the origin of the tweed jacket's fabric? Contrary to popular belief, it didn’t originate from the aristocracy.
What is the fabric of the tweed jacket, known as "tweed"?
Tweed, which originated in Scotland and Ireland, was initially a handwoven fabric designed for farmers to withstand cold and damp climates. The texture of tweed is thick and rough, making it somewhat uncomfortable to wear, and it primarily featured earthy colors, serving as a uniform for the working class. Interestingly, how did tweed ascend to the upper echelons of society?
In the 19th century, British Prince Albert purchased Balmoral Castle in Scotland and designed a unique tweed pattern for hunting, allowing hunters to blend into their surroundings. Subsequently, more aristocrats began to imitate Albert, purchasing or renting estates as their recreational retreats. The original owners and retainers of these estates wore family tartans, prompting these nobles to adopt similar styles. Thus, tweed became one of the fabrics favored by the upper class.
As we can see, tweed was originally a fabric exclusively for men. So how did it transform into the luxurious outerwear worn by modern women?
The Rise of Women's Tweed Jackets
The inspiration for the iconic Chanel tweed jacket came from Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel (Coco Chanel) and her lover, the Duke of Westminster, during their trip to Scotland. The Duke's comfortable, tailored, and stylish coat inspired Coco to create tweed garments for women. She set out to design a piece that combined casual elegance, leading to the creation of the now-famous "Tweed Jacket." This design liberated women from the constraints of corsets while still flattering their figures. The jacket was crafted from a type of tweed known as "tweed" (soft diagonal weave), marking a significant evolution in women's fashion.
The Evolution of Modern Tweed Jackets
The term "woolen" refers to fabrics made from wool, and originally, tweed was crafted solely from pure sheep wool. Today, the material has evolved to include a blend of various fibers, such as silk, cashmere, and alpaca wool. This fabric is wrinkle-resistant, durable, elegant, and offers excellent warmth, though it can be challenging to clean, often requiring professional care. Due to its robust and resilient nature, tweed is commonly used for high-end suits and formal garments, including jackets and coats.
The unique patterns of tweed allow for easy pairing with special materials like chains, feathers, and velvet, adding diversity to the typically subdued look of traditional tweed coats. Coco Chanel incorporated these innovative elements into her dresses and jackets, further enhancing the versatility and appeal of tweed in modern fashion.
Later, in 1983, the legendary Karl Lagerfeld joined Chanel and transformed the tweed jacket by altering proportions, cuts, and the combination of materials, making it more diverse. Lagerfeld famously stated, "Some things will never go out of style: denim, the white shirt, and a Chanel tweed jacket." His innovative approach helped to solidify the tweed jacket as a timeless staple in fashion, blending classic elegance with modern flair.
Cleaning Methods for Woolen Coats
【Dry Cleaning】
If you're short on time and concerned about damaging the fabric, taking your coat to a professional dry cleaner is the best option. Many cleaners also offer special treatments to maintain the coat's waterproof properties, ensuring comfort and longevity.
【Hand Washing】
Never put your woolen coat in the washing machine. While tweed is tough, it’s still made from wool, which can shrink and deteriorate during the wash process due to water speed and heat. Always wash by hand.
Washing Steps:
1. Use cool, clean water, keeping the temperature below 30°C (86°F).
2. Use a very mild detergent; baby shampoo works well.
3. Gently create suds—never wring, rub, or stretch the fabric.
4. Rinse with clean, cold water, repeating until the coat is clean. Avoid lifting the coat entirely, as the weight can stretch and deform the fabric.
5. Lay the coat flat on a few towels, reshaping it to its original form. Keep it away from direct heat or sunlight to air dry naturally.
Cleaning a woolen coat isn’t difficult, but attention to detail is crucial, especially for high-value garments. Professional cleaning is often a more convenient and safe choice.
Styling Your Woolen Coat:
A classic look for women is pairing a woolen coat with jeans and a white shirt, suitable for any occasion. For a more casual vibe, accessorize with a leather hat, boots, or heels for a chic touch.
Woolen fabric has traditionally been used to create high-end tailored suits, making it a coveted essential for many women. This year, Leader Tailor is launching spring/summer and autumn/winter collections featuring woolen materials, offering bespoke suits designed specifically for women. Our custom services are available at any time, and if you want to effortlessly mix and match for an elegant, luxurious look, a woolen coat is undoubtedly your best choice!