English Donegal tweed? Where does Jcrew think Donegal is?

If you've stopped by Jcrew.com over the past few years and you're Irish you will have noticed that something remarkable has happened to the most northern county in Ireland. It has moved to England! 

That's right, J crew is selling what they have the gall to call English Donegal tweed. You read that right. Donegal tweed that's made in England. Is this the future your grandfather (and grandmother, come to that) envisioned when they donned their Volunteers uniforms? English Donegal? I am not here for this.

The “English” Donegal tweeds offered by J crew are actually milled in Leeds, West Yorkshire, which is very far indeed from Donegal, culturally, historically and geographically (they're separated by the Irish Sea and quite a few mountain ranges, for a start).

Tailored with a modern cut and wildly popular with customers – they sell out regularly – so it's nice to see that the public appreciate the signature Donegal weave, which is richly flecked with local color.

But might they appreciate that Donegal tweed more if it is actually made and tailored in County Donegal, its namesake? Clearly they would. This month Magee, one of the most well-known Donegal tweed suppliers, offered a suit through the J crew site that sold out in record time.

Let's hope the trend of purchasing Donegal tweed in Donegal from Donegal-based tweed makers is a fashion trend that is really coming into style.