Styling Guide: Tweed Suits & Separates for Men & Women

Published on September 4, 2024

Man wearing tweed suit, patterned pocket square, and brown sweater for everyday fall outfit.

Tweed Style Guide: How to Wear Tweed

Looking to elevate your fall and winter wardrobe with a touch of timeless charm? Enter tweed—a fabric that’s as stylish as it is practical. Known for its durability and classic patterns like herringbone, houndstooth, and checks, tweed has been a staple in fashion for centuries.

Originating in Scotland and made from wool, tweed is perfect for adding cozy sophistication to any outfit. In this guide, we’ll explore how to wear tweed in various ways, from laid-back casual to polished formal looks. Whether you’re eyeing a tweed blazer, skirt, or accessory, we’ve got the tips you need to make tweed your go-to textile this season.

Key Takeaways

Tweed is a durable fabric made from wool that can come in various patterns, including herringbone, checks, and stripes.
When curating an outfit, pair tweed with solid-colored pieces to avoid clashing patterns that can distract from your overall look.
To complete your outfit, men can reach for accessories like hats and scarves, while women can choose chic accessories like bags and jewelry.
Choose lighter tweed for warmer months and heavier tweed for cooler seasons to ensure you’re comfortable at any occasion.
Use tweed for stylish layering to keep warm and look sharp.

What is Tweed?

Tweed is a rugged and versatile woolen fabric that has stood the test of time, known for its distinctive patterns and robust texture. It comes from the Scottish Highlands, where it was first used for hunting and farming because it could stand up to the tough weather. Made from wool, tweed is perfect for the colder months, thanks to its warmth and thick texture.

Tweed is characterized by its unique patterns, including herringbone, houndstooth, checks, stripes, and plaids. These patterns come from the way the fabric is woven, mixing different colored yarns to create its unique look. The fabric’s natural insulating properties and durability have made it popular in the colder months and climates.

Looking back at the history of tweed, Scottish farmers and hunters wore this woolen fabric to stay warm and protected while working outdoors. As time went on, tweed became popular beyond the Scottish countryside. By the 19th century, it was a hit among the British upper class for activities like shooting and horseback riding. Nowadays, tweed is a go-to fabric for both classic and modern fashion, loved for its cozy feel and stylish patterns.

Tweed Outfits for Men

Man in elevator wearing simple, formal tweed suit with tweed vest and white dress shirt.

Man at cafe wearing cool casual tweed outfit for trendy men's fashion.

Tweed is a classic fabric that’s making a big comeback in men’s fashion. It’s perfect for adding a bit of texture and sophistication to your wardrobe, whether you’re dressing up for a formal event or keeping it casual. Let’s dive into how you can style tweed jackets, suits, and pants to create versatile and stylish outfits.

Styling a Men’s Tweed Jacket

Because of its versatility, men’s tweed jackets are a must-have for any wardrobe. You can dress it up for formal occasions or keep it casual for everyday wear. Tweed jackets come in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can find one that fits any style and occasion. Pair your tweed jacket with plain shirts, like white or blue, and add touches of personality with different accessories like pocket squares, cufflinks, and tie bars. When choosing your dress shirt, you can also experiment with different collar shapes, such as a straight point, club, or spread collar.

Tweed jackets are also perfect for men’s wedding guest attire, especially for fall and winter weddings when cooler temperatures roll in. If you want to style tweed more casually, pair your tweed with a chambray or flannel shirt.

Styling a Men’s Tweed Suit

Men’s tweed suits are perfect for those days when you want to look sharp but still keep things interesting. They’re great for events like weddings, parties, or even a stylish day at the office. When it comes to styling men’s suits made of tweed, a crisp dress shirt is a good start. White or light blue shirts are always safe bets.

Finish the look with a pair of Oxfords or loafers. These shoes add a touch of elegance and keep your outfit looking cohesive. Whether it’s a semi-formal event or a casual workday, a tweed suit can be your go-to for a polished look with a bit of character.

Styling Men’s Tweed Pants

Tweed pants are a fantastic addition to any man’s wardrobe. They’re versatile enough to be dressed down for casual outings or dressed up for more formal settings. For a laid-back look, pair your tweed pants with a plain white tee and some sneakers. This combination is perfect for running daily errands or grabbing coffee with friends.

For a more polished look, pair tweed pants with a matching suit jacket. This outfit can work for anything from formal vs. semi-formal attire to a smart-casual office environment. Tweed pants are excellent for elevating your style while keeping you comfortable and warm.

Tweed Outfits for Women

Woman on city street wearing tailored suit in tweed with suit vest and wide leg pants.

Tweed isn’t just for men; it’s a fantastic fabric for women’s fashion, too! Perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your wardrobe, tweed is versatile enough for various occasions, from business meetings to casual outings to formal wedding attire. Let’s explore how to style tweed blazers, dresses, skirts, and trousers to create chic and adaptable looks.

Styling a Women’s Tweed Blazer

A women’s tweed blazer is a wardrobe essential that can easily transition from business casual or business professional attire to a chic evening look. You can pair a tweed blazer with a matching skirt or trousers for a complete pantsuit, perfect for the office. For a more relaxed vibe, mix and match your tweed blazer with other pieces, like jeans or a different skirt.

Choose blazers in versatile colors like gray, navy, or classic houndstooth patterns. You can dress up a tweed blazer with a blouse and heels for a business meeting, then switch to a camisole and boots for a night out. It’s all about how you accessorize and layer your look.

Styling Women’s Tweed Dresses and Skirts

Tweed dresses and skirts are perfect for adding some texture and style to your outfit. They come in various colors and patterns, from classic checks to vibrant hues. A tweed dress can be a great option for cocktail attire paired with some statement jewelry and heels.

For skirts, you can accessorize with belts to cinch the waist and add definition. Pair a tweed skirt with a simple top and a sophisticated jacket for a polished look. These pieces are versatile enough to be worn to work, a casual outing, or even a semi-formal event.

Styling Women’s Tweed Trousers

Women’s tweed trousers are stylish and functional, offering a great alternative to jeans or plain dress pants. They often come in neutral colors like brown, gray, or navy, and can feature patterns like houndstooth or plaid.

Dress them up with a blouse and blazer for a professional setting, or dress them down with a cozy sweater and flats for a casual day out. Tweed trousers can also be a great choice for women’s wedding attire, especially for a more relaxed or rustic-themed wedding. They offer a chic, comfortable option that still looks put-together and well-thought-out.

Styling Tweed FAQs

Tweed is a fabric that stands out on its own, thanks to its unique texture and patterns. To keep your outfit looking polished, avoid pairing tweed with other bold or busy patterns. This means steering clear of shirts with loud prints, bright colors, or heavy patterns like large stripes or floral designs. When combined, these elements can clash with the intricate details of tweed, resulting in a look that's overly busy and mismatched.

Instead, opt for neutral and solid-colored shirts or pieces. Shades like white, grey, beige, or navy work well because they complement tweed’s rich textures without competing with them. This approach keeps the focus on the tweed itself, allowing its distinctive qualities to stand out. A clean, simple top lets the tweed jacket, blazer, or trousers remain the centerpiece of your outfit, creating a balanced and stylish look.

When it comes to accessorizing tweed outfits, the key is ensuring cohesiveness without having tones and patterns competing with one another.

For men, try adding classic accessories like hats and scarves to elevate your tweed look. A well-chosen hat can add a touch of sophistication and complete your ensemble. Scarves are another great option—they can add warmth and texture, and a wool or cashmere scarf in a solid color can balance the pattern of your tweed.

If you’re sporting a tweed suit, complement it with ties or bowties that coordinate without overpowering. Solid colors or subtle patterns work best to enhance the overall look. Don't forget to add a pocket square for a touch of elegance. Experiment with different types of tie knots to add some personal flair to your outfit.

For women, accessorizing tweed offers plenty of stylish options. Hats can give your look a chic finish. Scarves are also versatile—opt for a silk or wool scarf in a coordinating color to add a pop of sophistication.

When it comes to handbags, choose one that complements the tweed’s texture and color. A structured bag or a stylish crossbody can elevate your outfit. Jewelry should be kept simple yet elegant; consider pieces that add a touch of sparkle without overshadowing the tweed.

By choosing accessories that enhance rather than compete with your tweed, you’ll create a cohesive and polished look that makes a statement.

Tweed is versatile and can be worn year-round, but it’s especially great for layering in colder months. Opt for lighter tweed options in warmer colors like tan and light gray during the warmer months, such as when creating a men’s summer wedding outfit. For fall and winter, go for heavier tweed fabrics in dark, rich shades like charcoal gray and navy to keep warm.

Remember, tweed is perfect for layering, so use it as a stylish way to stay cozy. And while tweed might not be the first choice for men’s beach wedding attire, it can definitely make a statement at cozy fall and winter events along the shore!

Wedding group of groomsmen wearing tweed suits with suspenders and brown dress shoes.

Pulling Together the Perfect Tweed Outfit

Tweed is a classic fabric that’s incredibly versatile, making it perfect for various occasions, from casual days to formal events. Whether you’re styling a tweed blazer, suit, dress, or trousers, remember to keep patterns and accessories balanced to make the most of this sophisticated fabric.

When it comes to finding the perfect tweed outfit, SuitShop is here to help. We offer a fantastic selection of accessories and of course the can't-miss new tweed styles. For those looking for destination wedding attire, cool everyday suit style, or any special occasion, SuitShop has got you covered.

Don’t forget to use our Fit Finder and Fit Guide to ensure your outfit fits perfectly and looks sharp. With these tools, you’ll find the right fit with ease and get ready to make a stylish impression.