Harris Tweed Care Guide
Harris Tweed is woven from 100% pure new wool and built to last for decades. With proper care, your Harris Tweed piece will develop a beautiful patina and become even more distinguished with age. Follow these guidelines to keep your item in perfect condition.
General Care Principles
Why Harris Tweed is Low-Maintenance
- Naturally water-repellent: wool fibres shed water naturally
- Resists odours: regular airing removes smells without washing
- Naturally dirt-repellent: surface dirt brushes away easily
- Durable weave: the dense hand-woven structure resists wear and damage
Care by Product Type
BAGS & ACCESSORIES (Satchels, Tote Bags, Shoulder Bags, Cross-Body Bags, Purses)
Daily Cleaning
- Light dust and dirt: Gently brush with a soft-bristled brush or soft cloth
- Keep fresh: Air outdoors regularly (even 1-2 hours) removes odours naturally. This is often better than washing.
Spot Cleaning Stains
- Act quickly: Blot spills with a clean, absorbent cloth (do not rub)
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For light marks:
- Dampen a soft cloth with lukewarm water
- Gently dab the affected area
- Always test on a hidden area first
- For stubborn stains: Use a proprietary wool stain remover or dry cleaning fluid sparingly; follow product instructions carefully
- Final step: Wipe with a clean, dry cloth
Full Wash (if required)
- Not often needed: most Harris Tweed bags never require washing
- If washing becomes necessary:
- Hand wash only in cool water (max 30°C / 86°F)
- Use a gentle wool liquid soap or wool shampoo/conditioner blend
- Never use powder detergent: it leaves residue in the weave
- Gently massage soap through the material; avoid wringing or scrubbing
- Rinse thoroughly in fresh, cool water
- Gently roll the bag in a towel to absorb excess water (do not wring)
- Lay flat on a clean towel to air dry naturally, away from direct sunlight and heat
- This may take 24-48 hours
Storage
- Store in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Avoid prolonged folding or compression, which can crease the fabric
- If stored long-term, keep in a breathable cotton or linen bag (not plastic)
- Ensure storage area is free from moths and pests
CLOTHING (Jackets, Blazers, Coats, Capes, Waistcoats)
Dry Cleaning (Recommended)
All Harris Tweed is 100% pure new wool, and we recommend dry cleaning at a reputable dry cleaning outlet to maintain the superior quality of the cloth. This is the safest option for structured garments with linings.
Hand Washing (Alternative)
Only if the care label permits and the garment has no leather trim or complex linings:
- Fill a sink or basin with cool water (max 30°C / 86°F)
- Add a small amount of gentle wool detergent or wool shampoo
- Submerge the garment gently; do not wring or rub
- Gently massage the soapy water through the fabric
- Rinse thoroughly in fresh, cool water multiple times until all soap is gone
- Gently press out excess water (do not wring or twist, which distorts the weave)
- Lay flat on a clean towel, reshape as needed, and air dry naturally away from heat and direct sunlight
- Once dry, use a steam iron on a gentle setting to press if needed
Spot Cleaning
- Minor marks can be removed by hand using a proprietary stain remover and a light dabbing action. Test a small area first.
- For major stains, visit a professional dry cleaner
Regular Care
- Brush regularly: use a soft clothes brush to remove dust and lint
- Air frequently: hang outdoors to freshen; natural ventilation is your best friend
- Check buttons and seams: repair loose buttons or open seams promptly; a skilled tailor can restore your garment for decades
Storage
- Hang on a sturdy hanger in a cool, dry place
- Protect from direct sunlight to prevent fading
- Use a breathable garment bag (not plastic) for long-term storage
- Ensure space around the garment to allow air circulation
GLOVES & MITTENS
Quick Care
Do not wash. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
- For everyday dirt: gently wipe with a soft, barely damp cloth
- Allow to air dry completely before wearing
- To freshen: simply air outdoors for 30 minutes
Stubborn Marks
- Use a soft-bristled brush to gently brush away surface dirt
- For persistent stains, wipe with a cloth dampened in cool water and a tiny amount of mild wool soap
- Rinse with a clean, damp cloth
- Air dry flat at room temperature
Storage
- Store in a dry place (gloves can develop musty smells if damp)
- Avoid tight bunching; lay flat or hang loosely
HATS & CAPS
Daily Care
Tweed hats and caps can be cared for by removing stains using a bristled hat or clothes brush.
- Brush regularly with a soft hat brush to remove dust and lint
- For minor stains, brush gently with a stiff-bristled brush
- Spot clean with a sponge dampened in cool water if needed
Stubborn Stains
- Sponge gently with lukewarm water
- If stains persist, use dry cleaning fluid sparingly
- Dry flat at room temperature
Storage
- Store on a hat stand or in a hat box to maintain shape
- Avoid crushing or compressing
- Keep in a dry environment away from damp
FABRIC BY THE METRE
Harris Tweed fabric is naturally durable and low-maintenance.
Before Sewing
- Do not pre-wash Harris Tweed
- The fabric is already finished and shrunk during manufacturing
- Pre-washing can alter the natural water-repellent properties
- Proceed directly to cutting and sewing
After Sewing (for garments)
- Follow care instructions for the finished item (see Clothing section above)
- Test care methods on spare scraps first if available
Storage
- Store on a bolt or wrapped loosely to avoid creasing
- Keep in a clean, dry environment away from direct sunlight
- Protect from moths and pests
Common Questions
Can I machine wash Harris Tweed?
No. Machine washing can damage the delicate weave, cause matting, and strip away the natural water-repellent properties. Hand wash only if necessary, and dry cleaning is always the safest option for garments.
Is Harris Tweed really water-repellent?
Yes. The dense wool weave naturally sheds water. However, if your item becomes saturated, allow it to air dry naturally. Do not use artificial heat, as this can affect the wool's structure.
What about the smell?
A new Harris Tweed item may have a natural wool smell. This is normal and disappears with airing. Simply hang outdoors for a few hours, or leave in a well-ventilated room. This is often preferable to washing.
My Harris Tweed has a slight pilling or fuzzing. Is this damaged?
No. This is not a defect. New wool garments sometimes develop small pills (tiny balls of fibre) on the surface, especially in areas of high friction. This is normal and does not indicate poor quality. You can gently remove pills by hand or with a wool comb, but they typically diminish after a few wearings as the surface settles.
Can I use a fabric protector spray?
Yes. A fabric protector spray designed for wool can help repel spills and make cleaning easier. Test on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't alter the colour or feel. Apply in a well-ventilated area and follow product instructions.
How long will Harris Tweed last?
With proper care, Harris Tweed items often last for decades. Many Harris Tweed pieces are inherited, worn, refurbished, and re-tailored across generations. The patina that develops with age (subtle colour shifts and surface softening) is a sign of quality and authenticity, not wear.
What should I do if there's damage (torn seam, loose button)?
Repair promptly. A skilled tailor can mend seams, replace buttons, or restore linings. Repairing is almost always worthwhile and will extend the life of your piece significantly.
Can I dry clean items with leather trim?
Yes, but inform the dry cleaner that your item has Harris Tweed and leather components. A reputable dry cleaner experienced with fine fabrics will use appropriate solvents and methods.
Storage Best Practices
Long-Term Storage
- Ensure the item is clean and completely dry
- Store in a breathable cotton or linen bag (avoid plastic, which traps moisture)
- Keep in a cool, dry, dark place away from direct sunlight
- Maintain good air circulation to prevent musty odours
- Consider adding cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter moths (keep these in a small pouch separate from the fabric)
- Inspect periodically for signs of moisture or pests
Avoiding Common Damage
- Do not fold or compress garments for extended periods (causes permanent creases)
- Hang jackets, coats, and capes on sturdy wooden or padded hangers
- Lay sweaters and delicate items flat on shelves
- Avoid plastic bags and plastic-lined storage boxes
- Keep away from radiators, heat sources, and damp areas
When to Seek Professional Help
Visit a dry cleaner or specialist if:
- You have a major stain that won't budge
- The garment has a complex construction with multiple linings or trim
- You're unsure about the fabric content of lining or trim
- There is visible damage (seam separation, moth damage, etc.)
- The item requires reshaping or pressing beyond simple steaming
Choose a dry cleaner that:
- Has experience with fine wool and luxury fabrics
- Is willing to hand-inspect and test your item
- Guarantees their work
- Is conveniently located (finding a good cleaner is worth keeping for life)
The Harris Tweed Advantage
Your Harris Tweed is woven from 100% pure new wool by registered weavers in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. This is not mass-produced fabric. It is authentic, handcrafted, and built for longevity. The natural properties of wool (water-repellency, breathability, durability) mean your Harris Tweed improves with age and requires minimal intervention.
Resist the urge to wash. Most Harris Tweed pieces never need washing. A brush and fresh air are your best friends.
With mindful care, your Harris Tweed will become a lifelong companion.
Questions?
For specific care advice about your item, contact us at info@harristweedscotland.co.uk. We're happy to help.