What better way to complete an outfit than with a striped tie? As the ultimate emblem of style, sophistication, and confidence, this smart accessory goes back a long way – and brings with it a wealth of history and associations. Today, striped ties are seen as a classic statement piece, allowing the wearer to incorporate their own personal taste thanks to the variety of colors, stripe widths, and materials available. This article will explore the many reasons behind this accessory’s enduring popularity – and look at the options for how to style it!
Where it all began
The origins of the striped tie go back to Britain in the 19th century. Back then, striped ties were gaining favor in the military to show which regiment each British Army soldier belonged to. These regimental ties took on connotations of unity and belonging, as well as embodying a sense of camaraderie within the army ranks: Each regiment had its specific colors and width of stripe.
It wasn’t long before this trend spread to other elite institutions, namely universities such as Oxford and Cambridge, along with some of London’s prestigious gentlemen’s clubs. Here, wearing the appropriate striped tie demonstrated a sense of status and belonging to that particular institution. Ironically, today, striped ties are often worn to symbolize a sense of individuality!
Striped ties in the 20th century
Over the century, the striped tie became associated less with privilege and elitism, and more with men’s fashion. In the 1920s and 30s, business professionals both in Britain and the United States became fond of the stripy accessory, and it took on new connotations – this time of respectability and professionalism.
One key difference emerged around this time, distinguishing striped ties in Britain from those in the United States. Although imported from Britain, American tie brands made a subtle alteration to the design. Whereas in Britain, the tie’s stripes slanted from left to right, indicating heart to sword (a throwback to its military origins), in America, the stripes would go from right to left.
The corporate world
Let’s fast forward a few decades to the mid-20th century. At this time, the striped tie became a fixture of power dressing, as the corporate world embraced its origins and used them to instill a sense of authority and confidence. By the 1980s, the decade when power dressing came into its own, the striped tie was firmly associated with leadership and influence. Embraced the world over, wearing a necktie – and specifically a stripy one – was a surefire way of showing society that you had authority and confidence!
Nineties’ minimalism
The next decade was perhaps the striped tie’s low point in its history. As something of a backlash to the power dressing of the previous decade, the 1990s were all about minimalism and casual dress. This meant the necktie in general fell out of favor, and the striped version took on unwelcome associations with formality and tradition that were not in keeping with the spirit of the times. In the office, ties were beginning to be seen as an unnecessary formality, rather than a stylish statement piece. Never mind – things were about to change again!
Italian silk ties: a 21st-century standout accessory
Now let’s skip ahead to the 21st century, an era where gentlemen’s fashion has come into its own, and where men can express individuality along with a sense of confidence, without being seen as stuffy or overly traditional. In fact, today’s fashion is all about celebrating heritage and thrives on the notion of reinvention. We live in a time when the past and the present can coexist seamlessly to create opportunities for self-expression and charm.
Why Italian silk ties, you might ask? Well, nowadays, the striped tie has positive associations with class, style, and luxury. By selecting a striped tie made from Italian silk, you’re harnessing all those associations and embracing the craftsmanship that went into its creation. Plus, today’s society understands the importance of sustainability and consciously moves away from throwaway fashion, now known to be a serious threat to the environment.
How to wear a striped tie
You might have decided a striped tie is for you, but how should you wear it? What are the unwritten rules for pairing a striped tie with a patterned shirt? Here’s a breakdown of the considerations:
– Color
Color choice is a key component of our self-expression, and it’s not just about personal taste, either. In fact, many studies have been carried out to explore the role of color in our fashion choices. “Classic” colors such as navy, gray, or burgundy are usually perceived as safe choices, harking back to associations with professionalism and formality. Meanwhile, brighter colors such as pink, green, orange, or yellow are widely acceptable at more casual events. Once you’ve selected your tie color, be sure to check it complements your shirt or suit jacket. It’s wise to ensure that at least one of the colors in the tie is also replicated elsewhere in the outfit to create a harmonious look.
– Stripe width
It’s not just the colors in your tie that require careful consideration; the stripe widths also impact your overall look. Go for narrow stripes if you want to achieve a seamless, more contemporary image, or wider stripes to portray confidence and a nod to the tie’s history. If you’re pairing your tie with a striped shirt or suit, choose different-sized stripes so they don’t outright clash. This brings us to…
– How to pair a striped tie with your shirt
The simplest way to wear a striped tie is with a solid-colored shirt. Choose a color that appears in the tie, too, or pick colors that complement each other, such as white and blue. If you go for a striped shirt, too, choose different widths and, above all, make sure the stripes go in different directions. To create a bold and memorable look, why not pair it with a checked shirt? Once again, the key to a successful look is to ensure the scale of the patterns is deliberately different, so a wide stripe should be worn with small checks and vice versa.
– Pairing a striped tie with a patterned suit
If your suit features a pattern, such as a Prince of Wales check, choose a striped tie that incorporates colors found in the suit. This creates a coordinated and intentional appearance without overwhelming the outfit or looking too busy.
Striped ties truly have stood the test of time. They pair tradition and heritage with confidence and modernity, transcending dress codes while still allowing for self-expression. Today, they’re a must-have accessory – and one that never looks out of place!
