The role of the Harris Tweed Authority is to promote and maintain
the authenticity, standard and reputation of the world famous Harris Tweed® cloth.
The Harris Tweed Act (1993) enshrines in law that every metre of Harris Tweed will conform to exacting standards and adhere to the legal definition of Harris Tweed. Where you see the Orb mark, you are guaranteed the cloth is authentically produced as outlined by the Act.
For well over a century, Harris Tweed has been woven with skill and care by crofters in their own homes, just as it is today. From the early 20th century's high living gentry to today's catwalks and couturiers, Harris Tweed has long been the choice of the discerning.
By law, all Harris Tweed must be produced in the Outer Hebrides and nowhere else. Every inch of wool is dyed and spun in an island mill. Every yard is handwoven at the home of aHarris Tweed weaver. These skills are passed down with pride from generation to generation of the island’s community.
Low-impact handwoven production methods and a legal requirement to rely on natural raw materials: Harris Tweed is a natural choice. Your supplier will provide you with the specification and details of your preferred cloth.
Harris Tweed is dyed, blended, carded, spun, warped, woven, finished, examined and stamped only in the Scottish Outer Hebrides by local crofters and artisans.
Made of 100% pure new wool, Harris Tweed is warm in winter and cool in summer. It resists water, wear and tear with ease, cleans easily and can be repaired with the simplest of tools.
You may pay a little more for your Harris Tweed but it pays you back by standing the test of time. The cloth never goes out of style and simply gets better with age.
Woven on treadle-powered looms, Harris Tweed is crafted by hand without the aid of automation or electricity. Weaver’s skills take months to learn and years to master and every step of the Harris Tweed process is in the hands of skilled islanders, from dyeing to delivery.
Harris Tweed is literally dyed in the wool, with separate pigments of wool carefully blended to special ‘recipes’ before being spun. Just one single yarn can contain several different colours in order to obtain the perfect tone or hue, each reflecting some aspect of our natural surroundings. Heathers, mosses, lochs, mountains and sky: all entwined to make beautiful Harris Tweed.
The world’s best designers, fashion houses and artists have embraced Harris Tweed, showing their appreciation through their wonderful creations with every passing season. And Harris Tweed is not just restricted to catwalks and couture; bespoke interiors also enjoy that rare touch of luxury only Harris Tweed can bring.