The Story of the British Regimental Tie

The striped design is one of the most popular patterns found on a men’s necktie. It is elegant, classic, timeless, and a perfect way to add several color shades to shirt and suit. The classic striped tie, the one that is commonly associated with Ivy-league schools, brooks brothers, and rowing clubs, originated in the late 19th century in England. The design originated when British sports and country clubs started to use colors, known as regiments, to differentiate from one another. Initially these colors were displayed on crests and flags but soon after were also displayed on neckties worn with pride by its members. Later on, military regiments also created neckties that displayed the regiments color. Particularly British rifle brigades became known for their unique striped neckties – some of which are still being made, worn, and collected today. Some of the most famous British regimental ties are from the East Yorkshire, The Royal British army, the Royal Tank division, the British medical corps, and the British light infantry. Later on crests were could also be added to these regimental mens ties – thanks to the invention of the Jacquard loom by Joseph Marie Jacquard.

Best Tie Knots for Regimental Ties

Classic British striped ties, as the ones displayed above, are best matched with a classic tie knot. A perfect match for these regimental ties is the simple four in Hand knot. The four in Hand is an asymmetric looking tie knot that is narrow and small in size. The four in Hand is the oldest of all the classic tie knots that are still being tied today. It was invented by British horsemen in the 1880s trying to tie a neck scarf with one hand while holding the reigns of 4 horses pulling the carriage in the other – hence the name “Four in Hand”.

Matching Regimental Ties to Shirt & Suit

The classic regimental tie can be matched with a wide range of suits and dress shirts. The classic and timeless look instantly adds more sophistication to any shirt and suit. Best are classic 2 and 3 button suit cuts. Also perfect are sport coats and blazer jackets. Ideal are traditional suit fabrics such as fine wool in the summer months and heavier tweed in the colder fall and winter season. The best dress shirts are white, tan, and blue and either made from fine cotton or a coarser looking oxford cloth. Button down collars and narrow blue & white striped dress shirts are also excellent for regimental ties. When matching the regimental tie to shirt and suit think conservative British rather than stylish Italian.