The curious british regimental tie zig zag stripes royal artillery and fleet air army

 

british regimental tie zig zag stripes royal artillery and fleet air army

 

In Britain, regimental stripes have been continuously used in tie designs at least since the 1920s. In Commonwealth countries, necktie stripes run from the left shoulder down to the right side. In Commonwealth countries, only people affiliated with a regiment (or university, school or organisation) should wear a necktie affiliated with that regiment. When Brooks Brothers introduced similar striped ties in the United States around the beginning of the 20th century, they had their stripes run from the right shoulder to the left side, in part to distinguish them from British regimental striped neckties.

 

A British Tradition

Regimental ties are woven deeply into British heritage. Following an existing trend of striped ties, the Regimental accessory was born within the military environment. The specific colours, stripes and width would be worn by each member of a brigade with an identifiable pride and unity. When the military action came to a close and there was a time of peace, people continued to wear their regimental ties, it was this which went on to be a pivotal point in establishing the ties as an elegant British tradition around the world.

A Royal Influence On Fashion

In the early 20th century, the Prince of Wales (to briefly become King Edward VIII before abdicating) made his first official visit to America, which unbeknown to him would change how regimental ties were being worn and by whom. American journalists were fascinated with the Prince’s attire, especially his chosen tie on that trip. After reporting heavily on the red and blue striped accessory that represented the Grenadier Guards regiment that he’d served during the war, the fashion of regimental ties rocketed.

Tie Etiquette

The colours of the stripes and the direction of the stripe represent the wearer’s membership to a military regiment, although this has evolved to belonging to prestigious clubs or Universities such as Oxford or Cambridge. The bespoke element of the tie design is there to provide a clear identity to these groups and it is believed that wearing a tie with the custom colours of an institution you’re not affiliated would be considered offensive.

Hayley Bonnick

Feb 22, 2018·

https://medium.com/@hbonnickwt/everything-you-should-know-about-regimental-ties-9079c8871928