Tweed isn't one pattern. It's six distinct families, each with its own personality.
Picking the right one depends on where you'll wear it, how bold you want to be, and whether this is your first tweed or your fifth.
Here's each pattern, what it's best for, and which ones we carry.
Windowpane
Large grid pattern. Thin lines creating "windows" on a solid base.
The vibe: Confident. Statement piece. You're making an entrance.
Best for: Creative industries, weekend smart, men who want to be noticed (tastefully).
Not for: Blending in. Conservative offices. First tweed purchase.
Ours: Burgundy, Chocolate, Navy
Windowpane IS the statement. Keep everything else solid and simple—let the blazer do the talking.
Houndstooth
Broken check pattern. Looks like dog's teeth (hence the name). One of the most recognizable tweed patterns in British tailoring.
The vibe: Classic British. Intellectual. Works dressed up or down.
Best for: Traditional settings, year-round wear, those who appreciate heritage.
Not for: Those who find it "too heritage"—it's definitely a classic look.
Ours: Brown, Navy
Houndstooth has inherent formality. A turtleneck underneath adds modern edge without losing the classic feel.
Glen Check (Prince of Wales)
Complex overlapping check pattern. Made famous by the Duke of Windsor. Small and large checks layered together.
The vibe: Refined. Old money. Rewards closer inspection.
Best for: Business meetings, weddings (as guest), men who appreciate subtle detail.
Not for: Casual-only wardrobes. It leans formal.
Ours: Charcoal (subtle blue overcheck), Brown
Glen check invites closer looks. Pair with quality accessories that hold up to scrutiny—cheap details will stand out.
Donegal
Plain weave base with random colorful flecks (called neps). Irish origin—named after County Donegal.
The vibe: Relaxed. Countryside casual. Interesting up close.
Best for: Weekend wear, pub lunches, jeans pairings, men who want tweed without the formality.
Not for: Formal occasions. It's the most casual tweed family.
Ours: Olive, Green-Charcoal, Burgundy
Donegal's casual nature means jeans work perfectly. Add a chambray shirt for the ideal weekend look.
Herringbone
V-shaped zigzag weave. Named after fish skeleton resemblance. One of the oldest textile patterns—been around for centuries.
The vibe: Timeless. Professional yet distinctive. Never wrong.
Best for: First tweed purchase. Office environments. Maximum versatility.
Not for: Those wanting to stand out. It's a safe choice (in a good way).
Ours: Brown, Forest Green
Herringbone is the most versatile tweed. If you're buying one blazer and want it to work everywhere, start here.
Plain Weave
Solid color. No pattern. All about texture.
The vibe: Minimal. Modern. Quiet confidence.
Best for: Minimalists, layering with patterned shirts, maximum outfit flexibility.
Not for: Those who want tweed "character"—you're paying for texture, not pattern.
Ours: Grey, Chocolate
Plain tweed lets you play with patterned shirts and ties without visual competition. The texture does the talking.
Quick Reference
| Pattern | Formality | First Choice? | Statement Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windowpane | Smart-casual | No | High |
| Houndstooth | Versatile | Maybe | Medium |
| Glen Check | Formal-leaning | No | Medium |
| Donegal | Casual | Yes (casual) | Low |
| Herringbone | Versatile | Yes | Low |
| Plain | Versatile | Yes | Lowest |
If you're unsure: Herringbone in brown or forest green. Can't go wrong.
The Bottom Line
Each pattern has a personality. None are wrong—just different.
All 14 of our J&T tweeds are 350 GSM English wool. All include draft fitting. $590 each.
For more on what makes English tweed special (why weight matters, how to spot quality), see our complete tweed guide.
