Repp Yourself: The Repp Tie Examined

This week I decided to impart some knowledge on an accessory that I think is crucial for every man to have in their wardrobe, the repp tie aka the prep school tie. It is simply the diagonal striped ties that sport different colors and patterns. I have always had a love for these ties ever since my prep school days, my life. Repp ties tell a story. They tell what school you go to, what team you may be on, or whom your family is. They truly reflect on the person wearing them. They can be either dressed up with a nice pocket square and suit or dressed down with a nice button down and jeans. Simply put they always make a statement and are so very versatile.

History:

The repp tie is named after the weave of silk traditionally used in its making – traces a dual heritage, to both playing fields and battlefields. In the 1880s, British schools adopted official colors, which made their way onto not only ties (hence, “old school ties”) but caps and blazers as well.

By the early 1920s, drinking societies, athletic teams, and private clubs own striped tie. The amazing thing about repp ties is they tell the story of the owner. Sometimes the story behind the tie is as interesting as the tie itself. The orange-black-blue-and-yellow tie worn by the old boys of Wellington College takes its hues from the ribbon of the Crimean War medal.

The popularity of the repp tie in America began in the 1920s, when it started to appear in Ivy League wardrobes. The Prince of Wales, who wore the maroon-and-blue tie of the Foot Guards, undoubtedly inspired many imitators, as he so often did. In 1920, Brooks Brothers ran the diagonal stripes down from right to left, the opposite direction from regimental and traditional club ties. This created outrage in Britian where they wore it the opposite way and did not wear the tie of a group outside of where they belonged.

Once, one could tell an American tie from its British counterpart because the stripes of the British version descended from the left; nowadays the diagonal direction is merely an aesthetic choice to be made by the designer. But the ties associated with stories and history still hold an aura and specialness that cannot be replicated. They tell the story. I love my Belmont Hill tie because every time I put it on I am back in the 8th grade sledding down headmaster hill. Awww the good old days.

How to wear it:

They can be dressed up with a suit and nice pocket square or be loosened up and complement a nice sweater and jeans. Make sure that the stripes complement the rest of outfit.

Links: http://socyberty.com/history/the-rep-tie-and-its-colorful-history/

Links: http://www.esquire.com/style/how-to-wear-ties-0209