When shopping for a new men's suit, you may come across the term "donegal tweed."
Tweed, of course, is a type of rough woolen cloth featuring mixed flecked colors. While originally produced in Scotland, tweed is now made in other parts of the world. The fundamental characteristic of this fabric is its woolen construction with a mixed flecked design. Dongel tweed follows a similar pattern, though it features some subtle nuances that shouldn't be ignored. To learn more about Donegal tweed, keep reading.
Donegal Tweed: the Basics
Donegal tweed can best be described as a special type of high-end tweed manufactured in Donegal Country, Ireland. Here, artisans have been perfecting the craft of producing tweed for centuries. They use local materials available in their surroundings to produce high-end caps, suits, vests and other apparel and accessories. Donegal is known for its moderate climate that supports local sheep, blackberries, fuchsia, whins and moss. Using these resources, artisans can craft some of the world's highest quality tweed, known as donegal tweed. According to Wikipedia, The Royal Linen Manufacturers of Ulster began distributing roughly 6,000 flex wheels for spinning wool and 60 looms for weaving to some of the residents of Donegal. The purpose of this was to stimulate the region's production of donegal tweed. It's safe to say this plan worked, as Donegal has since become the world's leading producer of high-quality tweed, exporting this fine fabric to countless other countries. It's important to note that Donegal County produces tweed fabrics in a wide variety of designs, some of which including herringbone and checkered. However, the design for which this region is best known features a plain-weave cloth of different colored warp and weft, along with small pieces of yard cloth in a variety of colors that are woven into a heathered appearance. This design is often referred to as "donegal," because of its relevance to this region.
Benefits of Donegal Tweed
So, why should you choose donegal tweed over traditional tweed? Well, this is one instance in which the saying "quality over quantity" holds true. Donegal tweed, while rare and less available than standard tweed, offers a superior level of quality. It's made using only the finest materials and expert craftsmanship, which is apparent from the moment you first feel it. Donegal tweed offers a truly superior level of comfort that's unmatched by other fabrics and materials. It's soft, supple and comfortable on the skin. For these reasons, many men and women prefer donegal tweed over traditional tweed materials. In addition to its superior level of comfort, donegal tweed is also highly stylish, more so than other fabrics and materials. The picture above should a representation of the traditional donegal design. It's vibrant, colorful and unique -- a combination that's unique when choosing a suit. For these reasons and others, many people prefer the high-end look and feel of a genuine donegal tweed suit.
Donegal Tweed vs Harris Tweed: What's the Difference?
Harris tweed is another type of high-end tweed. So, what's the difference between it and donegal tweed? Well, harris tweed is similar in terms of construction, but it features a more varied design of weaves and colors. In terms of quality, both donegal and harris are on the upper end. The only real difference between the two is the design, with donegal featuring a more standard and universal design compared to its harris tweed counterpart.
Tweed vs Linen
Suits are made in a variety of different materials, only one of which is tweed. Another popular choice of material used in the construction of men's suits is linen. Linen is arguably the lightest suit fabric available on the market, making it ideal for use during the otherwise hot spring and summer months. If you're planning a beach wedding, for instance, you really can't go wrong with a linen suit. In comparison, a tweed suit is a better choice for the cooler months of fall and winter. Tweed is thicker and heavier, so it offers a greater level of protection from the elements. Tweed also possesses a unique design, whereas linen is usually a single color. Granted, you can find linen suits available in a wide variety of colors, but most feature just a single color. In comparison, tweed often features dozens of colors. The end result is a more visualized style that really pops on a high-end suit.
Tips on Choosing a Donegal Tweed Suit
- Only purchase a donegal tweed suit from a reputable vendor, such as StudioSuits. Other vendors may attempt to sell you generic wool suits while labeling them as donegal tweed.
- Choose the right size. This rule doesn't apply strictly to donegal tweed; it's important for suits of all fabric and material. If you buy a suit that's too big or too small, it may look awkward while being uncomfortable to wear. You can prevent this from happening by ordering your tweed suit from StudioSuits. We offer custom sizing at no additional charge, meaning you'll get the perfect fit without the hassle of shopping at countless retail and department stores.
- Consider whether you want a single-breasted or double-breasted suit. Donegal tweed suits are available in both styles, with many men preferring the traditional look of a single-breasted suit.
- Not all donegal tweed is heavy. If you're looking for a new suit to wear this summer, choose lightweight donegal tweed. As the name suggests, this fabric is characterized by a lighter and more breathable design that traditional donegal tweed, making it perfect for the hot summer months.
Hopefully, this gives you a better understanding of donegal tweed. The key thing to remember is that donegal tweed is a type of high-end tweed originating out of Donegal County, Ireland. Here, artisans use the surrounding resources to produce some of the world's highest quality tweed. The end result is a comfortable and stylish fabric that's later used in the construction of suits, hats and other clothes and accessories.
