Regimental Ties: A History
Throughout the ages, gentlemen have expressed their appreciation for a classic, refined look with traditional menswear accessories. Often though, neckties have also signaled their belonging to a specific military regiment, private school or club.
Many of the more traditional styles - such as regimental ties and Ivy school ties - have an interesting backstory.
Regimental Ties For Identification
Regimental Ties were worn by British soldiers to establish rank and classification within their regiment - and to help them identify themselves on the battlefield. They featured the soldier’s given colors, and signaled pride and loyalty off-field.
At R. Hanauer, we offer a variety of traditional regimental ties, including the Argyll and Sutherland, the Dragoons 6th, and the Gloucestershire neckties.
Our Argyll and Sutherland tie was inspired by the very tie worn by the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders - an infantry regiment of the British army who was wearing a tartan uniform as they fought on foot.
Another unit was the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons, a cavalry unit who fought on horseback and wore garments that featured the colors of navy, olive, and gold.
Lastly, the gentlemen of the Gloucestershire frontline wore a regiment tie that displayed the colors of maroon, navy, and gold. These soldiers were known as Glosters, and gained fame as overseas infantrymen, participating in the Second Boers War in South Africa and the British retreat from Rangoon, Burma.
Ivy School Neckties
For the gentlemen who appreciate a quintessential Ivy-style ensemble, our Old Cholmelian Tie is inspired by the traditional uniform of Highgate School. This British independent day school was created to provide an esteemed place of education for young boys, with the purpose of molding them into proper gentlemen of society.
Imbued by the signature colors of the school - burgundy and navy - this necktie features an iconic striped design. Its name derives from the moniker that was (and still is) bestowed on attendees of the school who receive the title of "Old Cholmelian" once they successfully completed their time at Highgate.
Another tie that has a significant history is the Glen Plaid Necktie. Glen Plaid is a fabric named after a Scottish valley and was worn by Scottish sportsmen who served under the Seafield family to the Prince of Wales. Glen Plaid accessories are traditionally made from wool and are intricately woven to create the raised appearance of a cross-like design.
Our Glen Plaid necktie features the same elegant design, except in silk. 
Other Traditional Styles
While Ivy style and regimentals make up a significant portion of traditional neckwear, other styles also deliver a sharp, esteemed look.
Neckties like the Windsor Dots - a navy tie featuring playful white dots - is a beloved style known to have been worn by Winston Churchill. Elegant striped ties like our Brooks Stripes and Bar Stripes are also exceptional choices for a gentleman with a classic sense of style.
Whether you have suggestions for other how-to guides or history lessons, want gift giving ideas, or need advice for an upcoming event, connect with us!
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