What Makes a Classic British Necktie?

Basics About British Striped Neckties

The most common necktie design today are diagonal stripes. They are simply elegant, classy and easy to match with suit and dress shirt. They have been, and still are the most common neckties for business attire.

Striped silk ties are not a new trend. In fact, striped neckties have been around for over one hundred years, and it is one of the oldest necktie designs that are still in use today. The striped necktie has a military origin dating back to the 1880s. Before this time, the British military used brightly colored uniforms to distinguish between different regiments. By the 1880s they decided that it was time to take on a more practical, and more camouflaged uniform instead. To keep the tradition of regimental color alive, they wore neckties during formal gatherings that proudly displayed one's regiment. These so-called regimental neckties are still in high demand today. They are truly classic necktie designs that will add more class to your outfit. The following are must-haves for classic regimental neckties:

The Necktie Design:
Diagonal stripes are the most classic design for British regimental ties. Besides stripes, solid color ties that have embroidered emblems from a Military regiment are also common.

The Tie Colors:
The necktie has to be in traditional regimental colors. The most common colors are navy blue, burgundy red, a darker shade of yellow, forest green, brown, and a slightly lighter blue. The colors have a duller shine and are less bright as you might be used from Italian designer ties.

The Tie Fabric:
Classic British ties are made from a slightly stiffer fabric that has a slightly more dull shine than normal silk ties. The famous Irish necktie maker, Atkinsons, uses a fabric called "Royal Irish Poplin" for their line of regimental neckties. This type of fabric is also known as Mogador-Silk. It is a fabric made out of silk thread in the warp and finest cotton in the weft. Weaving these two completely different yarns into one fabric is not an easy task since both have different diameter and different elasticity. Few manufactureres have mastered the art of weaving intricate striped patterns with this type of fabric. Besides Atkinsons, Brooks Brothers and Parsley's British Necktie Collection, are famous for it. In addition, the weaving pattern is also unique for British neckties. A fine ribbed pattern that is created by alternating the weaving direction of the silk weft gives the tie more structure and a stiffer feel.

Wearing British Striped Neckties:
British neckties look best with a slightly more traditional outfit. Classic white and blue dress shirts, as well as narrow striped shirts are most popular. One of the best looking dress shirts to wear with a British striped necktie is an oxford dress shirt that has a button down collar. Combine the necktie with a traditional necktie knot like the Four-in-Hand Tie knot, and you will definitely get many nice compliments on your "Royal look".