When it comes to Scottish style, two fabrics often steal the spotlight: tartan and tweed. Both are rich roots in the endless Scottish tree, but what actually are they? And are they just the same thing in different fonts?
Well, no. But that’s why we’re here. So sit back and get ready to scroll as we’re away to expand your knowledge of Scottish fabrics one thread further: here’s everything you need to know to distinguish tweed from tartan.
What Is Tartan?
The easiest foot to start upon is this: tartan is a pattern, not a fabric. It’s defined by its distinct criss-crossed horizontal and vertical stripes in multiple colors. These patterns and colours are distinct to every individual tartan, and these colours and strips form a ‘Sett’.
As you may know, tartan has been around in Scotland for centuries and was notably worn by Scottish clans a few centuries ago. Nowadays, tartan can be worn for any occasion your heart deems it to, but is most commonly worn to formal and special events like a traditional Scottish wedding.
Tartan is no longer just reserved for Scotsmen though, as many fashion designers like Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen and Dior have been known to use a huge amount of Scottish influences within their work. Dior even held their 2025 Cruise Show last year in Scotland with tartan everywhere you looked (see our blog; Styling Scotland; The 2025 Dior Cruise Show for more details).
Tartan is also often associated with bright and bold colours that ensure a stand out look for everyone. As well as this, tartan is woven in a range of materials like wool, cotton and synthetics.
What Is Tweed?
Tweed, on the other hand, is a fabric, not a pattern. It’s a rough, durable, and often heavyweight woolen textile, originally developed in Scotland and Ireland as a practical material for outdoor wear. Designed to withstand the harsh weathers and rugged terrains, tweed is tightly woven and traditionally dyed in earthy, muted tones to blend into natural landscapes, much like that of weathered tartans. Tweed is normally formed in a twill weave and is made from wool. For a Scottish company who are rocking the tweed game, look to the Harris Tweed Authority. They have been forerunners in tweed since 1846 and have many beautiful tweed pieces (some of which are available within our stock.
Tweed is commonly used in tailoring, think structured blazers, tailored trousers, and country coats, and it often features subtle patterns such as herringbone, houndstooth, or checks.
Tweed is also infamous for being used in traditional British tailoring, and have often been used in resemblance to old money, country living or academia.
The Mix Up
So if tweed and tartan are so different, how do they get mixed up? Well due to the fact you can get tweed tartans!
Tweed tartans are tartans that are woven in those more durable materials and the traditional setts of the specific tartan but exist in those muted and earthy hues that tweed is infamous for.
Pair the two together and you end up with a new variation of your favourite tartan that is rich with a new set of textures and shades that will have everyone stopping you to ask what kind of tartan it is!
