08/14/2021
Why Tweeds?
Like so many foxhunting traditions, tweed jackets have their roots in practicality, functionality, and of course, high fashion.
The early 1800’s brought the British aristocracy to the heart of the Scottish countryside, where “tweel” fabric had been artfully crafted from wool for generations as the staple warm, weather resistant outerwear.
The wildly popular trend for wealthy socialites of the time was to rent a Scottish country estate for elaborate events revolving around hunting sports.
In the spirit of high society, each highland estate subsequently created their own distinct pattern- now mistakenly called “tweed” by the new out-of-town tenants.
While the foxhunting itself had not changed much during this time, it was now imperative to be distinguished from your new neighbor during a fast paced run and a signature tweed pattern was just the answer.
Prince Albert fueled the existing trend with the creation of the Balmoral Tweed after purchasing Balmoral Castle estate of Scotland in 1848. It is said he created the tweed before the foundation for the castle was laid.
In America of later centuries, it was common for farmers to join the local hunts for the informal season- which was not open to all formal riding members. The farmers would attend in their work jackets, often fashioned from a durable tweed.
The tweed hacking jacket is a foxhunting tradition to this day, being worn during our informal or “cubbing” season. For Camargo Hunt, this begins 9/6, and ends 10/9 ,which marks the first day of formal hunting with the Blessing of the hounds.
Happy Hunting!