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

**Luke MacGillie** · 2nd February 18, 08:12 PM

As a Lamont, well things like Donegal tweed appeal to me greatly!

**David Dubh** · 2nd February 18, 08:41 PM

Originally Posted by 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.

So colour aside Jock and in the right formality are you okay with a donegal tweed?
You being one of the few highland scots on the forum tend to carry more clout on these matters. (Although we may not always follow it, we do carefully consider it)
David

**Jock Scot** · 3rd February 18, 12:27 AM

Originally Posted by David Dubh

So colour aside Jock and in the right formality are you okay with a donegal tweed?
You being one of the few highland scots on the forum tend to carry more clout on these matters. (Although we may not always follow it, we do carefully consider it)
David

Well thank you. I would be more than happy to have a kilt day jacket made out of Donegal tweed should I require another one and if I could find the right colour.

**Steve Ashton** · 3rd February 18, 03:40 AM

For those who may not be familiar with the difference between Donegal and other Tweeds -

Please note the distinctive colored flecks which are the hallmarks of Donegal Tweed.

If spelled with a capital "D" the name denotes a plain weave fabric. Herringbone and Twill weaves will usually be spelled with a small "d".

Unlike Harris tweed which is a trademark and can be of many different types and styles, Donegal Tweed denotes a specific and distinct type of fabric.

**John_Carrick** · 3rd February 18, 04:55 AM

If pleasing to the customer, Donegal Tweed is a beautiful cloth for all sorts of uses and it will help to support the economy in a remote part of Ireland.

Correct me if I am mistaken but does not Magee, the Irish clothing manufacturer manufacture kilt jackets in Donegal town?

**kingandrew** · 3rd February 18, 06:27 AM

Steve,

Thank you for the photo, which is not only informative, but is also a thing of beauty in itself.

Seeing how lovely those swatches look, I expect a few members of the Rabble may feel a jones to commission a jacket from you in the near future.

Andrew

**ibrew4u** · 3rd February 18, 09:08 AM

Originally Posted by Graeme H

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.

Sounds like the perfect item to pay tribute to your father's history. After all, wearing the kilt recognizes your Scottish heritage, why not accessorize with items that honor other family backgrounds.

**RichardtheLarge** · 3rd February 18, 10:10 PM

Originally Posted by Graeme H

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.

To my mind, tweed is tweed, and tweeds with kilts look marvelous. I have no qualms about this whatsoever.

**RichardtheLarge** · 3rd February 18, 10:13 PM

Originally Posted by 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

In my opinion, the real stunner would be a kilt suit with vest done up all in Donegal tweed! With cable knit hose, perhaps...

A man can dream.

**Graeme H** · 10th February 18, 02:35 AM

Originally Posted by John_Carrick

If pleasing to the customer, Donegal Tweed is a beautiful cloth for all sorts of uses and it will help to support the economy in a remote part of Ireland.

Correct me if I am mistaken but does not Magee, the Irish clothing manufacturer manufacture kilt jackets in Donegal town?

Absolutely correct, I actually carry some of their garments for ready-to-wear. They actually offer formal Highland garments which are extremely well put together, for those that might be interested. They also have their own weaving facilities and offer a number of handwoven Donegal tweed garments.