Tweed is a coarse, warm woollen fabric of twill or plain weave with a characteristic grainy, multi-coloured texture, whose homeland is Scotland and Ireland. Classic tweed was woven from undyed and plant-dyed wool, weaving in 'flecks' of different colours — hence its recognisable mélange surface; typical tweed patterns include herringbone and houndstooth. Strong and practically indestructible, tweed was for centuries the cloth of country and hunting dress, until Coco Chanel brought it into the high fashion of women's jackets. Tweed retains warmth and barely creases, but it is heavy and needs dry cleaning.
