The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
THE NEED FOR TWEED
Beautiful, practical and durable, this traditional fabric is a smart choice around this time of year, writes Jacqueline Wake Young
Tweed and autumn go together like hats and gloves, tricking and treating and hot chocolate and marshmallows. There is something so pleasing about its scrumptious mix of colours that it can brighten the dreichest of cold days and bring comfort through its sheer beauty alone. As the weather becomes too chilly for a mac but not cold enough to dig out the full-on duvet coat, tweed is what you need.
Harris Tweed is perhaps the most wellknown, but there is also Shetland tweed, Donegal tweed and others – all with different designs and patterns.
Tweed comes in different weights and has always been a fabric for the outdoors, the heaviest being hardy enough to defend the wearer against the worst of the Scottish weather.
Most tweed is made from Pure New Wool, so it is best to wash it as little as possible, according to Perthshire-based country fashion retailer House of Bruar, which recommends dry cleaning it to maintain shape and look.
However if you insist on cleaning it yourself, their experts advise hand washing in cool, clean water, at no more than 30 degrees with liquid soap, a premium 2-in-1 shampoo/ conditioner or even baby shampoo, but never powder detergent.
Next, gently squeeze the suds through the garment, being cautious not to wring, rub or stretch the fabric while washing. Rinse and gently squeeze out excess water without lifting the garment up or it will stretch. Lay it on a flat towel and leave to dry naturally, away from direct heat and sunlight.