Weekly Tweeds

What is Harris Tweed®?

July 30, 2026 1 min read

All about Harris Tweed:

It is the only fabric in the world that is protected by its own Act of Parliament, meaning that by law, the cloth must be made from pure virgin wool which has been dyed and spun on the islands and handwoven at the home of the weaver.

For well over a century, islanders of the Outer Hebrides of Scotland have woven the beautiful and intricate cloth known as Harris Tweed®.

From start to finish, the cloth remains in the hands of skilled and experienced artisans who oversee every stage of production, drawing on generations of knowledge to create a product defined by quality and style. Harris Tweed® is crafted by hand without the use of automation or electricity, using only natural materials.

Handwoven

All Harris Tweed® is woven on a treadle loom in a weaver’s home, rather than in a mill. The warp and weft yarns arrive from the mill, where the weaver then sets to work, hand-tying the new yarns to the tail ends of the previous weave, making it easier to thread onto the loom.

100% natural

Harris Tweed is made from 100% British wool, naturally renewable, biodegradable and recyclable. Add to this that wool is breathable, wind and waterproof and flame resistant, all without the need for additional finishes.

Harris Tweed® is far more than a unique handwoven cloth; it is a living expression of island heritage and craftsmanship. Produced exclusively in the Outer Hebrides, it preserves generations of specialist weaving and textile making skills within remote rural communities, supporting sustainable employment and ensuring these treasured traditions continue to be passed down through generations of islanders.