In search of tweed.

[Fedgunner]

I have been visiting the Harris website for over a year now. I'm going to have a new jacket and waist coat made. It will not be bespoke, but rather made to order. I keep trying to find a color that works. I saw a very small picture of Balmoral Estate tweed that sparked my interest, but I can't find a vendor for it. There are two things I would ask the rabble. First, do you know a vendor of the Balmoral? Second is, barring that, do you have any ideas?

[Liam]

Others who know better can advise, but this may be a ‘restricted’ tweed.

[Jock Scot]

I doubt that you will find it. I cannot speak for the Balmoral Estate of course, but I suspect that the tweed is restricted to those connected to the Estate, it is not meant for public consumption. Many Estate Tweeds are restricted and are often jealously guarded by those who have consent to wear it. Far, far more jealously guarded than most tartans.

[Mike S]

A quick search online shows items for sale made of the Balmoral tweed, including ebay. This would indicate that it is not likely a restricted tweed, and is available for we mere mortals to purchase.

[Jock Scot]

A quick search online shows items for sale made of the Balmoral tweed, including ebay. This would indicate that it is not likely a restricted tweed, and is available for we mere mortals to purchase.

I think we may be talking at cross purposes here. The OP is enquiring about Balmoral ESTATE tweed and is, I am almost sure(I would be amazed if it wasn't), restricted to Estate staff and those who the owner deems fit to wear their estate tweed. Balmoral tweed appears to be something quite different.

[Jock Scot]

I think we may be talking at cross purposes here. The OP is enquiring about Balmoral ESTATE tweed and is, I am almost sure(I would be amazed if it wasn't), restricted to Estate staff and those who the owner deems fit to wear their estate tweed. Balmoral tweed appears to be something quite different.

From the wonderful reference book "Scottish Estate Tweeds" by, Johnsons of Elgin, page 99. There is one Balmoral Estate tweed and another one very similar to look at that is not strictly an "estate tweed". Nevertheless, the first states that its "strictly confined to the Royal Estate" and the other is "strictly confined to the Royal Family". The subtle difference in the tweed to define "staff" and "family" is not unusual and is quite traditional. More usual though, "Staff" and "Family" wear the same tweed but family will wear a bonnet of a different tweed.

Hope this helps.

[figheadair]

A quick search online shows items for sale made of the Balmoral tweed, including ebay. This would indicate that it is not likely a restricted tweed, and is available for we mere mortals to purchase.

The Balmoral Estate Tweed is definitely restricted. It would be helpful if you could post a link to the versions you mention, that way we can offer informed comment.

[Luke MacGillie]

https://www.countryattire.com/christ...ark-green.html

https://www.hawesandcurtis.com/blue-...p-hhcos301-b03

Just a couple of links, both saying they are "Balmoral Tweed", but looking totally different

[OC Richard]

I think those are using the term "Balmoral tweed" in a general marketing sense.

As opposed to "Balmoral Estate tweed" which is the tweed used on that estate.

BTW there's a book, which I've not seen in person

https://www.johnstonscashmere.com/us...eeds-book.html

[figheadair]

I think those are using the term "Balmoral tweed" in a general marketing sense.

As opposed to "Balmoral Estate tweed" which is the tweed used on that estate.

BTW there's a book, which I've not seen in person

https://www.johnstonscashmere.com/us...eeds-book.html

It's a good book, written by the son of E.S. Harrison, author of the earlier Our Scottish District Checks. The latter is a little drier and more technical but in order to understand the history and development of Estate Tweeds and Checks one needs to read both.