What Makes Harris Tweed So Special?

Harris Tweed is a world famous brand of cloth that signifies high quality workmanship. Only tweed stamped with the Orb mark can legally call itself Harris Tweed and be sold as such.

To qualify as Harris Tweed the tweed must be hand woven in the Outer Hebrides by the islanders at their own homes and must be made from 100 per cent pure new Scottish wool. The other processes such as dying, spinning and finishing must also take place in the Outer Hebrides. When the cloth is inspected and passed, it is awarded the Orb mark and can only then be regarded as Harris Tweed.

The Orb mark is managed by the Harris Tweed Association who guard the reputation and brand of Harris Tweed fiercely.

Once thought of as the preserve of gamekeepers and the huntin' and shooting fraternity, Harris Tweed now graces the catwalks of Milan and Paris. The cloth, available in a huge range of colours and weights, is the darling of a host of top fashion designers and is even used by Nike for a special range of trainers.