I bought the first tweed suit for my university graduation about 20 years ago. At that time, the Chanel tweed suit was made popular by the late Karl Lagerfeld. I recall supermodels like Cindy Crawford and Linda Evangelista walking down the runway modeling these powerful yet feminine suits. The fabric was a hit that turned into a symbol of opulence and elegance. But do you know the history of tweed fabric and how it became intertwined with fashion and Chanel suits?
History of Tweed Fabric
Tweed is a type of woven wool fabric traced back to Scotland. It was considered a practical and warm fabric made by peasants for outdoor work like farming. In the early 19th century, Victorian aristocrats wore weatherproof Tweed suits and coats while hunting in the Scottish countryside. It was then called estate tweed and became a symbol of sophistication and prestige for the wealthy men. In fact, it’s considered the first type of men’s performance wear which reflected physical fitness and adventures.
Tweed is a typo
The word “tweed” comes from the Scottish word tweel or twill which is a term that describes a weaving pattern. However, around the mid-1800s, a British merchant misinterpreted the word “tweel” with the Tweed river in Scotland. And since then the fabric has been called “Tweed”.
Coco Chanel’s Tweed Suit
Coco Chanel is famous for pioneering the modern two-piece suit which she introduced at a small show in her salon on Rue de Cambon in Paris. She was determined to free women from corsets and long skirts. And she wanted women to look elegant while allowing them to move freely. Coco frequently borrowed tweed suits from her then-boyfriend, the Duke of Westminister, because they were more comfortable than the traditional Victorian style fashion back then.
Chanel became enamored with the fabric and found inspiration in tweed suits. It just happened that her suits would cater to the principles of First Wave Feminists during the early 20th century. Initially, the course tweed fabric used in making Chanel tweed suits wasn’t considered a glamourous textile. However, Coco discovered the diverse use of tweed and worked on feminizing it by implementing new colors, materials, and textures.
The Rise of Chanel Tweed Suit
Some of the most female influencers were captured by the Chanel Tweed suits. Among the most famous style icons was First Lady Jackie Kennedy who wore the historical pink Chanel suit on the day her husband JF Kennedy was assassinated.
Tweed suits popularity dwindled in the 70s as it was considered an old lady’s look. Thanks to the genius Karl Lagerfeld who reinvented the Chanel tweed suit now considered the definition of elegance, and style.
Why should every woman wear Tweed suits
Tweed suits have been synonymous with feminism, women empowerment, and freedom since Coco introduced her Chanel Tweed suit in the 1920s. Not only does the suit translate to elegance and power, but it’s also comfortable, warm and versatile. It is designed to make women feel free and confident. I love wearing it in winter and matching mine with different pieces of clothing and fabrics.
Where to find tweed suits
As much as I dream of owning a Chanel tweed suit, I cannot currently afford the price tag. A Chanel tweed suit costs $10,000 CAN on average. The good thing is that tweed clothes are available in every price range. And a beautiful well made Chanel inspired tweed suit is attainable anywhere.
Here is our favourite tweed selection including jackets, bottoms, dresses and even accessories. You can score a Chanel vintage tweed piece for a great price here too.
Shop Tweed Jackets
Find Tweed Bottoms
Fetch Tweed Dresses
Get Tweed Accessories
Designer Inspired Tweed Fabrics
