Trav: Tweed is one of those timeless fabrics that has been present in wardrobes for generations. With the recent popularity of tweed, it is no longer the fabric only worn by grandpas and old college professors.
There are three different types of tweed: Donegal tweed, a handwoven tweed manufactured in Ireland, Silk tweed, a hand woven fabric made of raw silk, and of course, Harris Tweed, a luxury cloth handwoven in Scotland.
There is some interesting history behind this fabric: Harris Tweed was originally woven by hand centuries ago by the people of the Western Isles of Scotland. The fabric was used to battle the blistering winters and later became a source of barter. Rumor has it that the original name for the fabric was “tweel”, but around 1830, a merchant received a letter referring to the fabric and misunderstood the handwriting to read “tweed”, thinking it referenced the River Tweed in the borders region of Scotland. The name stuck and to this day we call the fabric by the mistakenly given name.
Vintage tweed blazer- Uniqlo oxford- vintage tie- Topman trousers- Tanner Goods belt – Clarks desert boot
Fit Description : I picked up this tweed blazer for about $10 just a few months ago and, of course, had it tailored. I love it and I’m actually thinking about adding some suede elbow patches to give it a little extra pop. I’m not really a fan of Topman’s quality but i must say that these specific trousers are very well made and the fit is perfect.
Vintage Woolrich coat – Pendleton Shawl sweater – BR Utility shirt – APC New Cure Jeans – Bostonian Saddle shoes
Fit Description : From time to time you search all over the retail landscape, from in-store to online, looking for a piece that’s just simply not produced anymore. I was exploring eBay for vintage goods, hoping to find something eye catching for an unbeatable price when I came across with this beautiful tweed coat. This vintage Wool rich coat was bought for a single digit price, and although in need of drastic tailoring, it was another fantastic vintage find. The slightly over-sized lapels, wide sleeves and unfitting body gave away the piece’s vintage past, but after taking it to our friend/tailor Pablo, the jacket was perfect.
Tweed garments seem to last the test of time and age beautifully especially after witnessing Josh’s great vintage find . The great aspect about vintage finds is that after tailoring the piece’s history is now apart of you. Pictured below is a young Stephen Fry in a fine tweed blazer.
posted on January 24 , 2010 :
Good to see Trav rocking that wide lapel… nice pickup for $10! Tailoring was probably twice the cost of the blazer…haha.
posted on January 24 , 2010 :
Amazing find! Can’t believe that jacket only cost 10 bucks! I never have any luck with vintage, but you just inspired me to give it another shot. Thanks!
-@LaDolceVitaInfo
posted on January 24 , 2010 :
Been scared to trust the tailors where I am, so I never cop vintage things unless they fit. May have to just drop some stuff off to the homie Pablo next time I’m in the city!
Both of the jackets are great. I was wondering what saddle shoes those were when you posted the sneak peek pic on twitter Josh…I like I like. Good things as always.
-Matt.
posted on January 24 , 2010 :
Hey my dudes where are you going dressed like that?
I swear if ninjas are going to dress up to just hit up the local Bodega and Walgreens, its time to invest in some hoodies, joggers and comfortable running shoes….im just saying
posted on January 24 , 2010 :
i think that you just have to pay attention when you are in a vintage store to find some beautiful things like that jacket ,and i really love your shoes Trav.
peace chrys from paris
posted on January 24 , 2010 :
now this is what I’m talking about … a chunky sweater , classic shoes and a nice peacoat ! I’m glad you both are on London bloke style
posted on January 24 , 2010 :
Shout out to Stephen Fry. Good post Trav, you guys are looking more and more like London blokes
posted on January 24 , 2010 :
Fantastic as always guys. I just recently picked up a Harris Tweed jacket to keep me warm here in Edinburgh. Beautiful and functional, what more could you want. We even have similar gloves! Any details on the pair you’re wearing?
posted on January 24 , 2010 :
Wow. I really wish all men dressed like you boys.
posted on January 24 , 2010 :
I’m more and more impressed with you guys every time I check out your site. The attention to detail, the textures, colours, the little history lesson, I love it all.
It aslo helps that Trav is so gorgeous he makes a girl want to pack up her shoes and move a continent and a half. NYC never seemed so tempting.
posted on January 24 , 2010 :
@Anonymous:
forgot to sign my post
TeoV from HB
posted on January 24 , 2010 :
Trav – that has to be my favorite fit from you, the clarks set off the fit too!
Josh – that jacket is sick
posted on January 24 , 2010 :
Beautiful black men is what I have to say period.
posted on January 24 , 2010 :
I am always on the lookout for good tweed, or rather Harris tweed to be specific. Living in Chicago it isnt terribly hard to find vintage pieces as most here don’t know the significance of it. I have been able to amass a respectable collection of blazers, sportcoats, vests and overcoats. The best part of this is that I have found a great tailor to alter when needed. My latest venture is looking for great old pieces (jackets, coats, etc.) that will just not fit under any circumstances and using the material to have vests made.
posted on January 24 , 2010 :
You guys and I stay on the same wavelength it is impossible to get off the same track…that I am pretty sure of. I think that this post came at a great time seeing how the winter time is coming to a past, is only right that you bring out the tweed pieces that mean something to us you really pay attention to details in fits. I think that Trav your look is simply crazy because of the color offset of the Clark’s in the fit. Which, ultimately bring out a burgundy in the tweed of the coat and tie. Plus, I think it is a major change up for you in a blazer which I think is dope that the change up came with a tweed blazer and it has been tailored to perfection. And, Josh man I think that the fit of that coat is phenomenal I think that you guys’ tailor is the shit. Also, I am a major fan of saddle shoes so to see the mocha and dark brown joints on the feet are a delight. Especially, with the fit it brings out the light hints of brown and red in the jacket kind of makes the colors of the shoes reflect a slight rust color, but that I think is the best part of the fit. I enjoy seeing you to get busy with the gear because in some of your fits I pick out little details I like and I test them on shit I wear when I am dressing up or dressing down a button down or some slacks/trousers. Overall, great way to end the only season that gives any one person the coldest shoulder they will ever have; literally. Haha
posted on January 24 , 2010 :
Love the 2nd jacket.
posted on January 24 , 2010 :
Great article. I love tweed, I remember the tweed jacket with the patches on the elbow, I had to have one. The shoes are too cool:))
With Grace and Charm,
Walethia
posted on January 24 , 2010 :
Great fits from the both of you. Trav must have a pretty sizable desert boot collection, never seen more variations of the boot than on Trav. I will probably need some tweed items come FW 2010/11. I decided to go to SVA also.
posted on January 24 , 2010 :
I’m always impressed by you guys. First how you look into the history of what you’re wearing. Second, the mastery of color and texture in your outfits. and Three, you know how important a very good tailor is!! Which I think is especially important for people that do the vintage/second hand thing. Otherwise, it looks too silly and costume.
posted on January 24 , 2010 :
Another great look guys!
Finding great, cheap finds at the thrift store always makes my day..
But I love the way you guys contrasted your colors to where it doesnt look to matchy-matchy, if you know what I mean Haha
-Lola
posted on January 24 , 2010 :
the amazing stephen fry, a try gent and a legend in the UK. tweed rules and it just so happens i picked up a brilliantly smil fitting tweed blazer is a greeny/grey colour complete with grey suede elbow patches for £25 last week. labels says 1963, very chuffed. you guys should own the domain “dapper.com”!
posted on January 25 , 2010 :
Great great stuff guys making want to go indulge in my dads closet for some of his tweed blazers
posted on January 25 , 2010 :
nice.
i have a fitted 40s harris tweed blazer that i thrifted a while back. and i mean really fitted. it’s so ladylike and feminine and curvy but warm too.
that Woolrich coat is a serious gem. i want that!
posted on January 25 , 2010 :
Tweet is always a go to fabric in the cold fall and winter months and sometimes has the tendency to look very old fashioned but, I like the way you all show how to wear it in a new and cool spin on it.
posted on January 25 , 2010 :
excellent! there can never be enough tweed in the world…especially when done like this!
posted on January 25 , 2010 :
I love the vintage tweed pieces. Shopping for vintage pieces is ALWAYS a challenge but very rewarding when you find that special piece. Keep up the quality post. You are educating and enlightening your readers.
posted on January 25 , 2010 :
This must rank as my favourite post you have put up so far.
I recently got a vintage Harris tweed jacket from a small outfitters in London. It is a pale green and brown flecked weave. It looks like it is at least 20 years old, and amazingly it had never been worn!
I agree with what you say on the insulation properties. Tweed is so warm. I remember reading that the early British mountaineers wore it when they tried to climb Everest.
Got to love the heritage and craft of the past. It only improves with time!
posted on January 25 , 2010 :
To be frank, I adore tweed jackets and coats. I’m lucky enough to live in England, and also get to watch my brother’s rugby matches, so tweed isn’t an uncommon sight. When it’s worn right, nothing can be more stylish.
posted on January 25 , 2010 :
I really do love both of your looks. It’s professional without being uptight, stylish without being contrived. What I love most is the vintage shopping. It good for the environment and it does the look good. Best to the both of you!
posted on January 25 , 2010 :
Excellent use of using tweed here fellas nothing but applause from this side in the UK!
posted on January 25 , 2010 :
Josh – Which tailor did you take this to; was it the one on the LES? I have a camelhair topcoat I need to get cut and it looks like he did a good job on yours.
Trav – I would think twice about the elbow patches, but maybe that’s just me.
Love the post. Lookin sharp.
posted on January 25 , 2010 :
Really want to thank everyone for the phenomenal comments on this post and post prior to this. I just answered comments which were directed at me , Trav should respond to everyone in general soon.
Thanks Nich.
Matt Morris : Thanks man, yeah Pablo will do any hard duty tailoring you think your clothes need just drop by and witness lol
ForGentlemen.Blogspot.com : Thanks my friend
Swan Diamond Rose : It really is , it’s a piece I will keep in my closet for life maybe if my sons grow to be my same build and height they could keep it lol. That’s how far I’m gazing into the future. Vintage finds could be life time pieces if you find the right ones.
Telis : Yup I’ll add his info to the post and will also post it here below
Wow a camelhair topcoat sounds nice lets see some pictures when your done with it.
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
90 Stanton St
New York, NY 10002
(212) 353-9753
posted on January 25 , 2010 :
Stephen Fry is an absolute legend, delighted to be at the same University that produced such geniuses. With respect to the tweed, truly timeless. It’s classic yet transcends generations. It’s the type of thing you point out to a friend when you notice it on a sharply dressed elderly person, commenting on how that’s how you want to look when you grow up. The brilliant thing about it that we don’t have to wait till we’re grown. The gentleman is now.
posted on January 26 , 2010 :
You guys are brillant!! =)
posted on January 26 , 2010 :
Trav: those clarks are my fav i bought the same ones and a green pair from ebay
and i hart the tie as well.
posted on January 26 , 2010 :
hey wassup fellas..
long time i haven’t dropped in and left a comment.
i’ve only been reading, i made a couple of changes in my life.
and decided to spend less time online,
its very easy for me to get lost.
but i always check in on the blogs and sites i can’t stay away from and still love.
- this a very beautiful post, the photography work is very sharp and vibrant.
impeccable outfits, great work as usual. i love that you guys are consistent.
keep it clean, and keep up the great work here.
always a pleasure.. every visit!
you guys stay safe.
and keep an eye out for me. LOL
posted on January 26 , 2010 :
fabulous!
There is also Welsh tweed, but that is more colourful I think.
I’m loving that second outfit the most, lovely colours! I like how each piece is quite seperate but gets fused together by stylisitic charm.
posted on January 26 , 2010 :
shopping for life. yup. i’m totally into that. realized that when i moved 700lbs of clothes across the country. that these were clothes i wanted to keep forever if i could.
posted on January 26 , 2010 :
Absolutely brilliant, very informative post!
Your blog is just fantastic! Looking forward to your next post, will be following!
posted on January 27 , 2010 :
HI!
I love our outfits guys! You’re brillant, all your outfits are nice! I just can’t believe my eyes when I see you all! I know a French brand that could interest you cause it’s really the kind of clothes you could wear. It’s U-NI-TY. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you want more informations about it.
xo
Pauline
spygirl62@hotmail.com
posted on January 27 , 2010 :
Swan Diamond Rose : Wow 700 lbs of clothing is something of a serious matter lol , I think I’m building towards the same amount of just clothing I think I will wear for a very long time. I buy clothes casually then you start to see that a lot of the things you are buying are taking ultimately building your lifetime wardrobe probably with a little changes depending on the person.
posted on January 28 , 2010 :
oh man the shoulders on Joshua coat are fukin sick….i love the fact that its broad shoulders at the top then goes down very slimming… amazing fit and cut….good pic my man!
posted on January 28 , 2010 :
Great photographs! I really like the setting and the close-ups. A very jazzy 60′s feel with the city and the light. And I like your style!
posted on January 29 , 2010 :
Too smooth you guys. I’m witnessing the progression…Josh I will contact you for your tailor’s info. I have a coat from my pops that I need altered.
posted on January 29 , 2010 :
I love tweed. The beautiful pieces in these pictures are great representations of the fine fabric. Love the colours in Josh’s coat, and Trav’s is subtly elegant. I agree with Trav on the elbow patches…they would truly set it apart.
The posts get better and better! Can’t wait to see the next…
posted on January 30 , 2010 :
oh!
I love a fancy guy, they are not so many! They are pretty hard to find
posted on February 1 , 2010 :
Good buy! For such a burly and utilitarian fabric, Harris Tweed evokes a great deal of romantically nostalgic feelings. I have posted about it a number of times after I watched a BBC4 series devoted to the fabric. I caught up with the director last year, here is the link to the subsequent interview: http://stylesalvage.blogspot.com/2009/09/harris-tweed-hanging-by-thread.html
posted on February 3 , 2010 :
[...] by two young men (jkissi and trav) outta nyc called street etiquette. they did a nice post on tweed a few weeks back that i wanted to share. they have a engaging “full circle” approach [...]
posted on February 7 , 2010 :
Love the fits on both you guys; especially like the saddle shoes. Any more information on them? I’ve been looking around online but can’t seem to find anything.
Thanks
posted on February 10 , 2010 :
the tweed jacket is beautifully paired with the desert boots.
intenorandvogue.wordpress.com
posted on February 16 , 2010 :
Stephen Fry, not “Frye.”
posted on February 17 , 2010 :
I just found your blog. Must say, I really like your aesthetic and your style. (And I see my friend from Pret a Porter P is a fan.) Anyway, great stuff.
I’m adding you to my blogroll.
xo
posted on February 17 , 2010 :
Trav-
Where do you get your jackets tailored? I have a few I’d like taken in (for a reasonable price). Any suggestions??
Thanks.
D
posted on February 21 , 2010 :
A friend of mine turned me onto this blog and I can see I’m gonna be coming back whenever I feel the need to be inspired by color and style.
At first glance at that jacket I said hells no, but looking at the color and tweed pattern I gotta say hell yes! Finding that and tailoring it was smart, finding cloves that pick up some of the colors was genuis
posted on February 23 , 2010 :
i’ve been looking for a way to incorporate burgundy into my own wardrobe and those clarks truly caught my eyes to the point where i’m now viewing the photo for the 6th time in 4 days… the tweed blazer and outfit in general brought confidence in my ideas and it payed off as ive received many compliments for my tweed blazer that i have received from vintage shops(fancy word for 2nd hand wear ^_^) great post. that tweed coat is bananas!
posted on March 12 , 2010 :
Both of you have an amazing sense of style!
posted on March 15 , 2010 :
I love the combination of different prints patterns, and all the details are great. Its so nice to see men actually care about fashion. Thanks for giving me hope in the world lol
posted on March 17 , 2010 :
Hey I know you cats are big into tweed. Are you privy to this site: http://www.bookster1uk.com/
posted on March 21 , 2010 :
This is great
I’m in suits every week, welcome to the club fellas… lol
posted on May 25 , 2010 :
Come check out my Vintage clothing store, we have really great prices and great stuff.
Mystery train Vintage Boutique
38 Marcy Ave (entrance on Hope)
Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY 11211
posted on August 15 , 2010 :
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posted on November 2 , 2010 :
Hey Josh, I’m aware that this is an old post but I was wondering if you ever got that tweed coat tailored. The reason that I ask, is because I am currently in the process of purchasing a wool navy ww1 pea coat that seems to fit a bit generous around the mid-section.
Is it possible to have it taken in a bit? Or is it better to buy a new coat all together?
posted on February 19 , 2011 :
[...] appetite for figuring out what makes it tick. (Recommended: recent posts on vintage ties, tweeds, and letterman jackets.) They also have a strong sense of place (they’re from the South [...]