There’s something special about tweed. Whether it’s pulling on a classic tweed jacket before heading out shooting, wrapping up in a tweed coat on a frosty morning, or finishing an outfit with a smart Tweed cap – tweed feels like more than just a fabric. It’s part of our countryside heritage, designed to stand up to long days outdoors while still looking timeless.
But here’s the thing: tweed will look after you only if you look after it. With just a little bit of care and attention, your favourite pieces will last for decades and only get better with age.
Our Everyday Tweed Routine
Over the years, we’ve learned that the best way to keep tweed looking good is to do little and often. After a long day outdoors, we always hang our tweed jackets somewhere airy – never shoved straight back into the wardrobe. A cool, ventilated spot lets the fibres breathe and shake off any dampness.
A quick brush down with a soft clothes brush makes all the difference. It flicks off bits of mud, dust, and debris before they have a chance to set in. Always brush in the direction of the weave – it keeps the fabric smooth and tidy.
And if there’s a mark (which can happen after leaning on a gate or carrying items outdoors!), simply dab it gently with a damp cloth. No rubbing, no scrubbing – tweed doesn’t like being treated too roughly.
When Tweed Needs a Deeper Clean
The truth is, tweed doesn’t need constant washing, in fact, less is more. Our rule of thumb is: if it’s a tweed jacket or coat, we take it to a trusted dry cleaner once or twice a season. They know how to protect the structure of the garment, and it comes back looking refreshed.
For smaller pieces, like a flat cap, we sometimes hand wash them ourselves. A bit of lukewarm water, a touch of wool detergent, and a gentle soak does the job. The trick is to press the water out afterwards (never wring it), then let it dry flat. And whatever you do – never tumble dry tweed. That’s a guaranteed recipe for shrinkage.
Storing Tweed Between Seasons
When the season ends and we pack things away, we take extra care with storage. We always:
- Hang jackets on sturdy wooden or padded hangers to protect the shoulders.
- Slip them into a breathable garment bag (never plastic).
- Pop in a few cedar blocks or lavender sachets to keep moths at bay.
It might sound like a fuss, but properly stored tweed jackets and coats can look as good years later as they did the day they were bought.
Refreshing and Repairing Tweed
Over time, even well-loved tweed can show signs of wear. Our approach is simple:
- Steam to revive fibres – gentle steaming lifts the weave and refreshes the garment.
- Fix small snags or pulls – carefully tuck threads back into place.
- Call in the professionals for bigger repairs – a skilled tailor can restore linings or mend tears without compromising the tweed.
Our Tweed Care Summary
- Air, brush, and steam regularly.
- Dry clean, when necessary, especially for structured jackets and coats.
- Store correctly to protect against moisture and moths.
- Repair promptly to extend the life of your tweed.
With these simple steps, your tweed garments will stay stylish, practical, and durable, ready to serve you year after year.