Harris Tweed Authority Page

Harris Tweed is not any ordinary fabric – it is a handwoven fabric with a pedigree, the only textile protected by its own Act of Parliament. At the heart of this protection is the Harris Tweed Authority (HTA), the regulatory body that ensures every piece of Harris Tweed measures up to strict standards before it reaches you. For shoppers seeking long-lasting luxury with authentic Scottish heritage, understanding the role of the Harris Tweed Authority can deepen your appreciation and confidence in every purchase.

Introduction

The Harris Tweed Authority is an independent statutory public body created by the Harris Tweed Act 1993, replacing the Harris Tweed Association, which was formed in 1910.

Made using 100% pure virgin wool
Dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides
Handwoven at the weaver’s home in the Outer Hebrides
Remaining finishing processes done in the Outer Hebrides

These requirements are more than mere guidelines – they are backed by UK law. In other words, no cloth can legally bear the name “Harris Tweed” unless it fully complies with these criteria. This legal protection preserves the integrity of the cloth’s origin and craftsmanship, ensuring that the handwoven fabric you buy truly hails from the Outer Hebrides and nowhere else.

The Role of the Harris Tweed Authority

The Harris Tweed Authority serves as the Guardian of the Orb, overseeing every stage of Harris Tweed production to uphold authenticity, quality, and reputation. Every metre of tweed is meticulously inspected by officials. Only when a length of cloth is proven to meet all the standards, will an inspector hand-stamp the fabric with the famous Orb Mark. This Orb stamp (and the label bearing the Orb logo sewn into finished products) is your guarantee of authenticity and highest quality. The Harris Tweed Orb is the UK’s oldest certification mark, recognized worldwide as a symbol of excellence.

Beyond inspecting and stamping the cloth, the HTA also protects the Harris Tweed name and trademark through legal action when necessary, guarding against any imitations or misuse. They act as ambassadors for the industry, promoting the fabric globally while ensuring that every item marketed as Harris Tweed adheres to the law’s strict definition. Thanks to the Authority’s diligence, when you see the Orb label on a jacket, bag, or purse, you can be confident the fabric is genuinely handwoven in the Outer Hebrides to the highest standard of craftsmanship.

Authenticity You Can Trust

For buyers around the world, the HTA’s work translates into peace of mind. When you invest in a Harris Tweed garment or fabric, you’re not just buying a piece of cloth – you’re buying a piece of Scottish heritage, certified by a rigorous process. The Orb certification mark on your item means that the tweed was painstakingly crafted: from sheep’s wool to yarn to finished cloth, every step was completed on the islands under the watchful eye of the Authority. This assurance of origin and quality is a cornerstone of Harris Tweed’s luxury appeal.

In an age of fast fashion, Harris Tweed stands apart as a slow-crafted, enduring fabric, woven with skill and care in each fibre. The Harris Tweed Authority helps maintain that status by enforcing strict standards and protecting the story behind each yard of tweed. With the HTA as vigilant custodians, the world famous Harris Tweed will continue to be woven in the home, on the islands, and cherished by those who value tradition, quality, and style for generations to come.