Thoughts on a Donegal (Irish) tweed for an Argyll coat..?

[Graeme H]

I am currently in preparations (quite far ahead of time) for planning my window and showpieces for next season. With the recent surge in popularity in tartan and Highland wear that I have encountered in the South-East UK in the past 18 months or so, I was contemplating showing a semi-casual Highland ensemble that might be suitable for a country wedding (of the 200 or so bespoke commissions we get per year, probably 70% of the wedding commissions we get are in some form of tweed).

My father was raised in Donegal, Ireland, so as a result we are naturally quite fond of a proper Donegal tweed. There's something about the beautiful colour, heavy drape, clean lines and open weave that is particularly pleasing, and I thought it would lend itself beautifully to a highland jacket. Here's a lovely Navy blue herringbone Donegal I finished just a few weeks ago, for those that are interested:

donegal.jpg

Now, I would like to get the opinion of Highland wear purists as to whether this might be considered taboo..? From a tailoring etiquette point of view, really there's no problem. However I can myself often get a little uppity when people wish to make a dinner suit, for example, from a cloth that I would consider to be not really appropriate.

Would you like to see a Highland tweed made from a non-Scottish cloth? Or should I use something from Porter & Harding instead?

Your opinions would be greatly appreciated

[McMurdo]

I think perhaps you are over thinking things a bit. I see no problem with using Donegal tweed. Some of my Argyll jackets may be Harris tweed, however I don't see the origin of the cloth to be a major concern. Having said that it is nice to get everything from Scotland if possible.

[Graeme H]

I think perhaps you are over thinking things a bit. I see no problem with using Donegal tweed. Some of my Argyll jackets may be Harris tweed, however I don't see the origin of the cloth to be a major concern. Having said that it is nice to get everything from Scotland if possible.

It wasn't so much the origin of the cloth, but the style; Donegal tweed has a very distinctive look which, to those in the know, would be instantly recognisable as something which in this context is out of the norm.

[Terry Searl]

I am currently in preparations (quite far ahead of time) for planning my window and showpieces for next season. With the recent surge in popularity in tartan and Highland wear that I have encountered in the South-East UK in the past 18 months or so, I was contemplating showing a semi-casual Highland ensemble that might be suitable for a country wedding (of the 200 or so bespoke commissions we get per year, probably 70% of the wedding commissions we get are in some form of tweed).

My father was raised in Donegal, Ireland, so as a result we are naturally quite fond of a proper Donegal tweed. There's something about the beautiful colour, heavy drape, clean lines and open weave that is particularly pleasing, and I thought it would lend itself beautifully to a highland jacket. Here's a lovely Navy blue herringbone Donegal I finished just a few weeks ago, for those that are interested:

donegal.jpg

Now, I would like to get the opinion of Highland wear purists as to whether this might be considered taboo..? From a tailoring etiquette point of view, really there's no problem. However I can myself often get a little uppity when people wish to make a dinner suit, for example, from a cloth that I would consider to be not really appropriate.

Would you like to see a Highland tweed made from a non-Scottish cloth? Or should I use something from Porter & Harding instead?

Your opinions would be greatly appreciated

I like it but in more of shades toward a brown if I was to order one

[Steve Ashton]

Donegal Tweeds were the first Tweeds I was introduced to, so they say Tweed to me more than any other. I still prefer the flecks of color and the drape of Donegal over any other Tweeds.
I have made kilts and kilt jackets from them and they were received very well.

When I was prototyping my Kilt Kut Suit Coats it was my intent to use Donegal. Only fabric sourcing roblems pevented that plan.

My signature kilt photo, the one on my business cards, is one of my first Donegal Tweed jackets.

[kingandrew]

I think any good-quality tweed would look great as a kilt jacket, or even a kilt--as Steve points out. I look forward to seeing the finished item shared here on the forum.

The jacket in this post certainly captures a classic look.

Andrew

[Tarheel]

I am attracted to the blue jacket pictured in your photo. I do like Steve's brown jacket but prefer blue. I think your clients will buy a coat by color as long as the quality is consistent throughout your entire line of products.

[FossilHunter]

I am currently in preparations (quite far ahead of time) for planning my window and showpieces for next season. With the recent surge in popularity in tartan and Highland wear that I have encountered in the South-East UK in the past 18 months or so, I was contemplating showing a semi-casual Highland ensemble that might be suitable for a country wedding (of the 200 or so bespoke commissions we get per year, probably 70% of the wedding commissions we get are in some form of tweed).

My father was raised in Donegal, Ireland, so as a result we are naturally quite fond of a proper Donegal tweed. There's something about the beautiful colour, heavy drape, clean lines and open weave that is particularly pleasing, and I thought it would lend itself beautifully to a highland jacket. Here's a lovely Navy blue herringbone Donegal I finished just a few weeks ago, for those that are interested:

donegal.jpg

Now, I would like to get the opinion of Highland wear purists as to whether this might be considered taboo..? From a tailoring etiquette point of view, really there's no problem. However I can myself often get a little uppity when people wish to make a dinner suit, for example, from a cloth that I would consider to be not really appropriate.

Would you like to see a Highland tweed made from a non-Scottish cloth? Or should I use something from Porter & Harding instead?

Your opinions would be greatly appreciated

I don’t think it should be a problem at all. Lots of people buy jackets made of Pakistani tweed on eBay and generally the quality and fit is a bigger issue than the actual fabric.

I think a well tailored jacket in a high quality tweed will get nothing but compliments wether or not it’s irish or Scottish.

Additionally, the highlands and Ireland have a long intertwined history. I’d be surprised if Irish tweed never made its way into Scottish clothing anyway.

[Jock Scot]

My grand father used to wear a wonderful russet brown Donegal tweed kilt jacket made before I was born, so pre 1940, but I haven't seen many Donegal tweed kilt jackets in the last decade or two.

I do agree that tweed is not the cloth for formal attire and from a personal view I would avoid kilt jackets for day wear made of cloth with a blue hue. Why? It smacks of kilt hire fashions, along with tartan flashes, fly plaids, ruche ties, black bow ties worn during the day and white hose which on the whole, does not impress the eye of the more traditional kilt wearer.

[McMurdo]

It wasn't so much the origin of the cloth, but the style; Donegal tweed has a very distinctive look which, to those in the know, would be instantly recognisable as something which in this context is out of the norm.

I see what you are saying but still think there should not be an issue with Donegal tweed. I think it should look wonderful.