February 26, 2008

Regimental Ties: What shirt and suit matches best

Regimental ties originated in Ireland and parts Great Britain. Not only do the colors remind of an old Irish tradition, but the designs are typically very classic and more on the conservative side.

Colors are usually a forest green, burgundy red, a dark navy blue, or a slightly brownish yellow. The designs are usually diagonal stripes from left to right. The fabric is typically slightly stiffer than the one of a regular silk tie. One of the most well know manufacturer of regimental neckties is Atkinsons. Atkinsons almost exclusively manufactures their ties from an Irish poplin which is made of a silk warp and worsted weft.

To harmonize with the old-fashioned Irish look of the tie, the regimental tie is best combined with clothes that compliment this look. The perfect shirt is a white oxford shirt. The oxford shirt uses a slightly stiffer cotton fabric as well as button down collars. Since the collars are buttoned down the best tie knot for the regimental tie is one that is the slightly smaller size. The double Windsor knot is therefore not the tie knot of choice. Instead use a single Windsor or even better the four in hand knot. For instructions on the four in hand knot, please Click Here

The type of suit depends on the occasion. If you are going for a more business attire go for a suit where the jacket matches the pants. The best jacket style would be the two buttoned jacket. The two buttoned jacket cuts a little deeper giving it the more old traditional look that goes exceptionally well with the classic regimental tie. If you are going for an elegant but slightly less rigid look the sports coat is a great choice.