Irish tweed is one of the great specialties of Irish craftsmanship. Made in the village of Ardara, this textile has become a must-have for Irish caps and full costumes!
Irish tweed caps – © StephenBridger – Getty Images
The origins of tweed in Ireland go back to ancient times. However, precise documentation on the exact date of its appearance is limited.
What we do know is that wool weaving in Ireland has a deep-rooted history, dating back to pre-Christian times.
Fragments of woollen cloth dating back to the Iron Age have been found in Ireland, indicating that spinning and weaving techniques already existed thousands of years ago. These early forms of tweed were probably quite rudimentary and served mainly practical purposes, offering warmth and protection from Ireland’s often harsh climate.
Tweed has remained a common textile in Irish history… From pre-Christian times to the 18th century, it was spun by hand in Irish homes. Everyone had their own spinning technique, handed down from generation to generation.
However, tweed experienced a real turning point in the 19th century. The industrial period and the introduction of mechanical weaving mills made tweed increasingly refined, produced in larger quantities and with more consistent quality.
This period also saw the emergence of distinctive patterns such as Donegal tweed, renowned for its colorful neps.
Tweed
What distinguishes Irish tweed from Scottish tweed is its thick texture and slightly rough appearance. Yarns are traditionally spun from local sheep’s wool, giving the fabric superior quality and resilience.
This wool is often less treated, retaining more lanolin (wool’s natural wax), which makes the fabric naturally resistant to water and wind.
Patterns are often less structured than in tweeds from other regions, with a predilection for bright, varied colors evocative of the Irish landscape.
Irish tweed uses a variety of weaving stitches, but the most characteristic is that associated with Donegal tweed. Called “salt and pepper” (pied-de-poule in French), it uses high-contrast white and gray colors, with the final fabric appearing as if iridescent. This creates a rich visual texture and a somewhat irregular appearance, which is the charm of Donegal tweed.
What’s more, this tweed is renowned for its exceptional quality. It is warm, hard-wearing and naturally water-repellent, making it ideal for garments intended to be worn in harsh weather conditions.
Historically, it was used for outdoor workwear, but today it is also appreciated in haute couture and urban fashion for its unique style and rustic elegance.
Irish tweed – © Tverdokhlib
Tweed in Ireland is no mean feat, and there’s something for every taste!
From the timeless Irish cap to jackets and coats, Irish tweed can be used for everything, combining tradition with contemporary style!
You’ll find them in most traditional clothing stores in Ireland, but they’re mainly produced in County Donegal, nearArdara, which makes them the flagship of its local craft industry.
Technically speaking, tweed is a particularly hard-wearing woollen fabric with a repeating weave. Made by hand from carded yarn.
The difficulty of making Irish tweed means that its price is quite high. So expect to pay between €60 and €90 for an Irish cap, or over €200 for a tweed jacket. The cost may seem high, but this type of investment gives you a virtually indestructible product that can last a lifetime!
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