Harris Tweed is the only fabric in the world protected by its own Act of Parliament. Under the Harris Tweed Act 1993 it must be made from pure virgin wool, dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides, and hand-woven by islanders at their own homes in the Outer Hebrides. Cloth that meets the definition carries the Orb mark; cloth that does not cannot legally be called Harris Tweed.
Despite the name, it is woven across Lewis, Harris, the Uists and Barra, and in practice more of it is woven on Lewis than on Harris.
Harris Tweed is a hand-woven woolen cloth that is made on the islands of Lewis, Harris, Uist, and Barra in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. If you’re looking to buy Harris Tweed on the Western Isles, there are several places where you can find it:
Harris Tweed Hebrides produces and sells Harris Tweed fabrics, garments, and accessories. They have a showroom and shop in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, where you can browse their collection of Harris Tweed products.
Harris Tweed Isle of Harris produces and sells Harris Tweed products, including clothing, accessories, and home furnishings. They have a shop in Tarbert on the Isle of Harris, where you can find a range of Harris Tweed products.
Harris Tweed and Knitwear is a shop located in the village of Carloway on the Isle of Lewis. They sell a range of Harris Tweed products, including jackets, hats, scarves, and bags, as well as other local products such as knitwear and crafts.
The Harris Tweed Company Grosebay is located in the village of Grosebay on the Isle of Harris. They sell a range of Harris Tweed products, including clothing, bags, and accessories, as well as other local products such as crafts and gifts.
Abhainn Cottage Crafts is located in the village of Tarbert on the Isle of Harris. They sell a range of Harris Tweed products, including bags, purses, and accessories, as well as other local crafts and gifts.
These are just a few of the places where you can buy Harris Tweed on the Western Isles. There are many other shops and outlets that sell Harris Tweed products, and you may find Harris Tweed products in other gift shops or local markets as well.
In short
Harris Tweed is protected by the Harris Tweed Act 1993: it must be pure virgin wool, dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides, and hand-woven by an islander at their own home in the Outer Hebrides. Genuine cloth carries the Orb mark. It is woven across Lewis, Harris, the Uists and Barra, and can be bought from shops and mill outlets in Stornoway, Tarbert, Carloway and Grosebay.
Frequently asked questions
What makes Harris Tweed different from other tweed?
It is protected by the Harris Tweed Act 1993. To be called Harris Tweed the cloth must be made from pure virgin wool, dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides, and hand-woven by an islander at their own home in the Outer Hebrides. Genuine cloth carries the Orb certification mark.
Where can I buy genuine Harris Tweed on the islands?
There are shops and mill outlets in Stornoway, Tarbert, Carloway and Grosebay among others, listed on this page. Look for the Orb mark on the cloth or the label, which is the only reliable guarantee.
Is Harris Tweed only made on Harris?
No. It is woven across the Outer Hebrides, including Lewis, Harris, the Uists and Barra, and in practice a good deal more is woven on Lewis than on Harris. The name refers to the protected designation, not to the island alone.
Can you watch Harris Tweed being woven?
Yes, several weavers and mills welcome visitors, and some run demonstrations. It is worth calling ahead rather than turning up, since weaving is done in people’s homes and sheds rather than in visitor centres.