The Topman Harris Tweed Collection – Fall 2010
“Everything old is new again.”
This is an odd pairing. Topman, which sometimes offers pieces that feel like they’re a poor man’s version of Thom Browne, has teamed up with none other than Harris Tweed to offer a small line available on Topman.com. This fabric which was probably favored by the likes of, oh I don’t know… Sherlock Holmes
Produced on the northernmost islands of Scotland, it’s an understandably expensive heritage brand. So some of the 15 pieces offered by Topman are pretty far out of reach. But that heritage also means that if you keep an eye out, you’re likely to come across a good amount of Harris Tweed pieces in your local thrift store. Here’s what’s worthwhile to buy new from Topman:
What’s Worthwhile
#1. The Harris Tweed Topman Gloves – $50.00: Not too expensive, and guaranteed you won’t find something similar at Goodwill. Right up there with these gloves from Ralph Lauren.
#2. The Harris Tweed Topman Brown Check Tie – $32.00: Wool ties are terrific. An honest to God Harris Tweed tie is something you’ll want to take care of and hang onto for a long time. Not too skinny either.
#3. The Harris Tweed Topman Waistcoat – $100: Yes it’s expensive. But if you’re the type that prefers your oxfords to be layered under something (say a sweater vest or chino blazer) then this waistcoat has the depth to carry that load. Throw a molehair blazer over it for more warmth.
Everything else is over the top expensive. Especially since the fabric appears to have been shipped off to China for construction (zoom in on the tag on the waistcoat). It’s tough not to love the three football button herringbone jacket, but for $360? That’s just not possible for most of us.
If you had to pick one item from the new Harris Tweed / Topman collection, which one would you buy? Leave any and all feedback in the comments section below…
*Also – points to Stephen for also noticing these pieces and sending in a style tip as I was writing them up.
I would get the waistcoat if it was cheaper. For the tie I would go to the souce for more color and style options.
Saw the gloves yesterday, and thought they would have been nice, had they put a leather strap and the snap closure on the top rather than the underside. As it is, the wrinkle caused by closing them looks to travel into the palm, and I’m pretty sure that would drive me nuts.
Have to agree with John. I saw the gloves in an email from topman and thought that they had good qualities but just looked “awkward.” Now that he mentions it, that probably is due to the position of the strap. I dunno, these gloves don’t really wow me. The vest and tie are nice though, but not sure I have a use for the vest.
$500 for a harris tweed harringbone suit, ill take it. I have been eyeing a Billy Reid harringbone suit that was gonna cost me 1000. I think im going to buy this one. Ill let you guys know what i think if i pick it up. I love all the thick fabrics for the fall and winter a tweed or herringbone suit a must in the winter rotation.
You’re not kidding about the molehair blazer. I just got the GAP molehair blazer and it was a godsend this evening when I spent a few hours outside in the cold. That thing really is wind resistant.
Target has a pair of tweed gloves almost just like the pair featured here. I couldn’t find them online, but I picked up a pair in the store for $20.
@Ken: They brought those back? Nice. Saw em’ last year. A friend has them and loves them.
Yeah, they’re pretty sweet. Definitely worth twenty bucks.
As a whole, the collection brings quality and style together…so the prices are definitely justified. I bought the gloves last week and they definitely keep my hands warm and fit perfectly snug. The trouble I usually have with gloves is that they lack functionality but Topman being Topman has put a little opening on the thumb, which adds just the perfect innovative touch for your texting needs. I think before anybody makes judgments, they should go and take a look at the pieces since the fabric quality is already justified with the Harris Tweed stamp.
And I actually don’t mind the placement of the snap button closure, especially because the back of the hand is usually shown, not the inside of the palm. If you think they crease, go up a size.