The Repp Stripe Tie
Inspired by British regimental ties, the Brooks Brothers’ repp tie made its first appearance on our shores in the 1920s. Its UK counterpart, which dates back much farther, was worn to denote private club or military affiliation, featured stripes that ran from left to right, or “from heart to sword.” To wear a tie without proper membership to its specific club was a serious social faux pas. Brooks, ever respectful and appropriate, reversed the stripes - thereby divorcing the ties from their original honorific meaning. We called them “repp ties,” for the closely woven ribbed fabric from which they are knit. Almost a century later, we are proud to offer many of the same designs and colors, with no membership required.
