How Walker Slater is redefining tweed for the modern man

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Tweed has long divided opinion. For some, it remains stubbornly tied to pastoral imagery and inherited ideas of formal dress — a fabric associated more with tradition than modernity. Yet such assumptions overlook tweed’s true character. Look beyond the clichés and it becomes clear that tweed is one of menswear’s most expressive and adaptable materials, shaped as much by innovation and function as by heritage.

This belief underpins the philosophy of Walker Slater. Founded in the Scottish Highlands, in the village of Laggan, in 1989, the brand has spent decades exploring tweed not as a relic of the past, but as a living cloth. From the outset, its focus has been on quality, longevity and respect for craft — values rooted in Scotland’s textile history, but applied with a contemporary sensibility.

Rather than treating heritage as a fixed aesthetic, Walker Slater approaches it as a framework. Traditional techniques and regional cloths are honoured, but never allowed to become static. This outlook has helped the brand build an international following, particularly among those seeking clothing that feels grounded and purposeful in an age of excess. Longevity, versatility and authenticity have become central concerns for modern wardrobes, and tweed — when handled thoughtfully — speaks directly to those priorities.

Edward Harris Tweed Jacket, £345

James Shetland Tweed Waistcoat, £125

Walker Slater’s regular presence at Pitti Uomo reflects this ongoing dialogue between tradition and modernity. The fair provides a global platform for tailoring and craft, and the brand’s continued participation underscores its commitment to keeping tweed part of a contemporary conversation, rather than positioning it as a seasonal novelty.

Restraint is key to that approach. Walker Slater’s tweeds favour subtlety over spectacle: muted colour palettes, refined patterns and carefully calibrated weights. The intention is not to announce the fabric, but to allow it to integrate seamlessly into everyday dress. From this understatement comes versatility — garments that sit comfortably across settings and occasions, without demanding explanation.

Walker Slater Menswear in Edinburgh

An understanding of tweed’s diversity is essential. Harris Tweed, with its spring and resilience, behaves differently to the textured character of Donegal, while Borders tweeds are prized for their density and durability — originally woven to withstand harsh environments and the demanding outdoor work of gamekeepers. These regional distinctions speak to tweed’s origins as a functional fabric, developed to protect, perform and endure.

That functional heritage continues to inform Walker Slater’s modern interpretation. Alongside traditional wool tweeds, the brand works with materials inspired by classic patterns but adapted through alternative fibres or lighter constructions. Linen interpretations, for example, retain the visual language of tweed while extending its relevance into warmer months. The result is not a dilution of identity, but an expansion of what tweed can be.

For those approaching tweed today, accessibility is central. A jacket is often the most natural entry point, offering structure without rigidity. Trousers follow naturally, once familiarity with the fabric grows, while outerwear provides another compelling introduction. Tweed coats, in particular, demonstrate the fabric’s ability to offer warmth and protection without heaviness, combining practicality with refinement.

Nathan Harris Tweed Coat, £465

Dyce Harris Tweed Coat, £625

Stylistically, Walker Slater has always deftly married tweed’s formal register with an ease that allows garments to sit naturally on the body. The goal is confidence without self-consciousness — clothing that does not require constant adjustment or consideration. This relaxed elegance reflects a broader belief that clothes should support the wearer, rather than dominate their personality or character.

At its core, this philosophy is about feeling at ease. Walker Slater believes that tweed, when cut and considered properly, should feel instinctive rather than performative. It should adapt to the wearer’s life, not impose itself upon it. That mindset challenges long-held assumptions about the fabric, reframing it as something quietly modern.

Ultimately, tweed’s future depends on a willingness to let its definition evolve. By allowing variation in weight, application and attitude, the fabric is not weakened but strengthened. Walker Slater’s approach suggests that tweed endures not by remaining unchanged, but by continuing to adapt with honesty and care.

In doing so, it reclaims its place not as a symbol of nostalgia, but as one of menswear’s most enduring and relevant materials.