Few patterns in menswear carry as much quiet authority as the regimental, or repp stripe, tie. Those clean diagonal stripes have travelled from British military mess halls to Ivy League classrooms and Florentine ateliers — a journey that mirrors the balance of tradition and refinement we celebrate at Shibumi Firenze.
From Regiment to Refinement
The striped tie was born in late 19th-century Britain, when officers began wearing their regimental colours on silk neckties as subtle symbols of pride. Each pattern told a story — of battles fought, loyalties forged, and camaraderie beyond the uniform. Universities, clubs, and schools soon adopted the idea, creating their own distinctive colour combinations.
When the look crossed the Atlantic, American makers reinterpreted it, reversing the direction of the stripes and softening the formality. Thus, the “American repp” was born — a reflection of how heritage evolves as it travels.
What “Repp” Really Means
The term repp doesn’t describe the stripes themselves, but the weave: a finely ribbed silk that gives the fabric its refined texture and crisp structure. This subtle ribbing lets colours appear vivid and the knot hold perfectly — one of the reasons a repp tie feels as elegant at a board meeting as it does under a linen jacket at an evening gathering.
Wearing the Stripe Today
A regimental tie adds direction and rhythm to an outfit. A navy base with burgundy, green, or gold stripes remains timeless; brighter combinations can bring personality without breaking formality. Whether worn with a flannel suit, a hopsack blazer, or even denim and a button-down, the repp tie bridges casual and formal worlds with ease.
A Thread That Endures
Over a century since its military beginnings, the regimental tie remains a symbol of craft and quiet confidence. It’s proof that true style doesn’t shout — it endures. At Shibumi Firenze, we continue that tradition, crafting each tie by hand so that what began as a mark of honour can still, today, be a mark of taste.
Explore our collection of repp stripe ties here.
