Born in the Scottish countryside in the 18th century, no cloth is more emblematic of British shooting than tweed — and few take it as seriously as Purdey. From the bold statement of a full set to the subtlety of a single piece, tweed offers enduring heritage and adaptability.
While the aesthetic appeal of a head-to-toe look is undeniable – and indeed, our signature tweeds are very much designed with this in mind – it’s often a different story in the field. Many seasoned shooters prefer to mix and match depending on location, terrain and weather. This practical approach allows for a more personalised, responsive kit.
Tweed is completely intrinsic to its surroundings, one of the most naturally hard-working, all weather fabrics with a history that speaks as much to British farm workers as it does to game wardens and Royals alike. From our classic designs to technical fabrics, all Purdey tweeds are woven in Scotland in colours that reflect this changing landscape: autumnal leaves, frosted fields and rustling hedgerows; muted tones to help you blend in, not stand out.
From our classic designs to technical fabrics, all Purdey tweeds are woven in Scotland in colours that reflect the changing landscape: autumnal leaves, frosted fields and rustling hedgerows; muted tones to help you blend in, not stand out.
Recently, we added our first official House tweed to this collection, the Tom Purdey tweed. A real milestone for Purdey, it’s a statement of character, of commitment to culture, craft and tradition, and to the standards of excellence instilled by Tom Purdey.
When it came to which Purdey family member should inspire this new tweed, the decision presented itself easily. Tom is among the most magnetic characters in Purdey history, and one that many of the team would still love to share a drink with. With a gregarious personality, he was a discerning man of great taste and considered a leading tweed aesthete of his time. His classic and refined personal style had the versatility to take him from days outdoors in the Highlands to infamous parties across the pond; Tom mixed in some very interesting circles. And it’s this balance of sophistication and high spirits that threads through each piece.
Tom Purdey himself favoured a dogtooth pattern, overlaid with a lighter windowpane check, which is reflected in the design of the House tweed. The cloth combines fine woollen spun lambswool and merino wool in 21 individually coloured yarns, used in 16 separate high-twist combinations. Every metre is woven on a four-harness classic twill construction, before being inspected and corrected by hand to ensure highest possible quality. The fabric is then finished locally and washed using the soft peaty waters of the Scottish Borders.
Beautifully refined and as unique as the man himself, the Tom Purdey tweed would be as well suited to him as it is to those who enjoy wearing tweed today. It sits comfortably in the full range of Purdey bespoke tweeds – explore the collection, and choose your favourites.
Our selection of tweeds
Morar
The Morar is a lighter tweed designed for brighter weather, ideal for year-round shooting trips where the landscape reflects the softer tones in the Herringbone pattern.
Rannoch
The Rannoch combines cashmere and wool, making it one of our more luxurious tweeds. With its strong green base and deep blue windowpane check, its subtle, sophisticated and perfect for the most exclusive shoot days.
Percy
The Percy combines wool and cashmere, its subtle brown and birdseye check evoking crisp autumn landscapes, well suited to the best days of the British season.
Alum
Traditional and sophisticated, the Alum tweed is woven from 100% wool and features deep, earthy tones accented by a fine Audley Red windowpane check. An excellent choice for tough conditions and blending in with your surroundings.
Oakley
The Oakley is specifically designed for the modern sportswoman, its light blue check set on a versatile brown, guaranteed to brighten dull mornings, wet afternoons and look just as special when the winter sun shines.
Strathbeg
The Strathbeg has a technical edge, with its three-layer waterproof fabric keeping you dry no matter how extreme the weather. The addition of nylon ensures durability and a lighter material for active days. Ideal for wet, windy and cold conditions, from the Scottish Highlands to the Welsh Valleys.