You have probably seen the words “Harris Tweed” on a bag, a jacket or a cap, and you may have wondered what actually sets it apart from any other checked wool fabric. The short answer is that Harris Tweed is not just a style. It is a genuinely protected cloth with a legal definition, its own Act of Parliament, and a famous trademark that guarantees the real thing. Here is what that means, and what to look for when you buy.
What exactly is Harris Tweed?
Harris Tweed is the only fabric in the world protected by its own Act of Parliament, the Harris Tweed Act of 1993. That Act sets out a strict legal definition, and any cloth that does not meet every part of it simply cannot be called Harris Tweed.
To qualify, the cloth must be made from pure virgin wool that is dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, then “handwoven by the islanders at their homes”, and finished in the Outer Hebrides. In other words, every single length is woven by hand on the islands, not in a factory and not anywhere else in the world. That is what you are paying for, and it is why no two pieces are ever quite the same.
The Orb mark: how to know it is genuine
The easiest way to spot real Harris Tweed is to look for the Orb. The Orb is a small trademark shaped like a globe topped with a cross, and it is one of the oldest trademarks in Britain. It is applied only to cloth that has been inspected and certified by the Harris Tweed Authority, the independent body created by the 1993 Act to protect the fabric.
On finished products you will usually find the Orb on a woven label or a small tag. If a bag or accessory carries that mark, you can be confident the tweed inside it is the real thing. Every genuine piece we sell carries it.
Where it comes from and how it is made
Harris Tweed comes from the Outer Hebrides, the chain of islands off the northwest coast of Scotland that includes Lewis, Harris, Uist and Barra. The wool is dyed and blended to create those rich, layered colours, spun into yarn, and then delivered to weavers who work the cloth on looms in their own homes.
That home weaving is central to the whole story. It is a genuine cottage industry that has supported island communities for generations, and it is the reason the finished cloth has such depth of colour and character. When you buy Harris Tweed, a little bit of the Hebrides comes with it.
Why Harris Tweed makes such a good gift
Beyond the heritage, there are practical reasons it makes a lovely present. It is hard wearing and ages beautifully, so a good tweed bag or purse lasts for years. It has a timeless look that never really dates. And it carries a real story, which makes it feel far more thoughtful than something mass produced.
At Contempo we carry Harris Tweed across a whole range of pieces, from everyday essentials to proper statement bags:
- Harris Tweed bags, including satchels and backpacks
- Purses and card holders for smaller gifts
- Wallets and gloves
- The full Harris Tweed collection in one place
How to care for Harris Tweed
Looked after well, Harris Tweed will outlast almost anything else in your wardrobe. A few simple tips:
- Spot clean small marks with a damp cloth rather than soaking the fabric.
- For a deeper clean, take tweed garments to a professional dry cleaner.
- Let it air and dry naturally if it gets damp, away from direct heat.
- Store it somewhere dry, and give bags an occasional brush to lift the pile.
Wool is naturally resilient, so most of the time a quick freshen up is all it needs.
Harris Tweed at Contempo
We are a proud independent stockist of genuine Harris Tweed, and we handpick the pieces we carry from makers such as Islander and Maccessori. Every item carries the Orb mark, so you know you are getting the real thing, woven on the islands.
Ready to find yours? Explore the full Harris Tweed collection →
Frequently asked questions
What makes Harris Tweed different from ordinary tweed?
Harris Tweed is protected by the Harris Tweed Act of 1993. To carry the name it must be made from pure virgin wool dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides, woven by hand in islanders’ homes, and finished in the Outer Hebrides. Ordinary tweed has no such protection.
How can I tell if Harris Tweed is genuine?
Look for the Orb mark, a small globe and cross trademark applied only to certified cloth. On finished pieces it usually appears on a woven label or tag. Every genuine item carries it.
Where is Harris Tweed made?
In the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, across the islands of Lewis, Harris, Uist and Barra. The wool is dyed and spun on the islands and the cloth is woven by hand in weavers’ own homes.
Is Harris Tweed worth the money?
It is hard wearing, ages beautifully and carries genuine heritage, so a well chosen tweed bag or accessory can last for years and makes a thoughtful, lasting gift.
How do I clean Harris Tweed?
Spot clean small marks with a damp cloth, air it if it gets damp, and use a professional dry cleaner for a deeper clean. Keep it away from direct heat and store it somewhere dry.
