Raising the Bar: An Appreciation of the Bar Stripe Necktie
January 17, 2017
Comment-leaver “Old School “offers this appreciation of the bar stripe necktie, also known as Brooks Brothers’ #3 stripe.
* * *
It all started in my freshman year in college in 1961. My French professor was an Englishman who came to school every day in a black suit, white broadcloth shirt, and a bar stripe necktie — a style also favored by Fred Astaire and JFK. The tie had so much class it didn’t matter that he never changed it.
But in spite of my admiration for the distinguished, ambassadorial appearance of the tie, I never actually acquired one until I turned 65 and decided it was time to retire all the regimental and patterned red ties in my wardrobe. I switched to exclusively navy and black ties, either with a discreet pattern, Churchill dot, or the bar stripe in navy with stripes of gold, white or red, or black with white stripes.
The school ties of Westminster, Eton, Cheltenham, Princeton, Dartmouth, North Carolina State, Auburn, Towson, and Virginia Tech are all slight variations on the bar stripe. According to Ben Silver, the bar stripe is also the motif of the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, Merton College, The Old Connaught Rangers, and The Royal Sussex 4th Battalion.
Variations on the bar stripe come down to the thickness of the stripe and the distance between stripes (or their direction, as in the “Rep Blazer Stripe” from Turnbull & Asser). I have ties from Brooks Brothers, J. Press and Ralph Lauren. The Brooks stripes are .5 centimeters in width, while the distance between stripes is 2.7. The Polo stripes are the same width, but the distance between them is 2.5 centimeters. J. Press’ stripes are .6 centimeters in width, with an inter-stripe distance of 3 centimeters.
Of the three, I find Brooks Brothers’ measurements to be the most aesthetically pleasing. The J. Press tie looks fine by itself, but when contrasted with the Brooks version, the slight difference makes it look a bit bold.
Far more conservative than multi-width, multi-colored regimental stripes, and more distinctive than a solid navy or black tie, I find the bar stripe to be the tie I automatically reach for. In fact, if I had only one necktie, it would be the BB#3 Repp in navy and white. In fact, I’ve just placed an order with the Brothers Brooks for duplicates of the ties I already have, just in case something happens to them or Brooks stops making them. — OLD SCHOOL
Fred Astaire was so fond of the bar stripe he wore it all his life — some 40 or 50 years. Here are some shots of him through the years:
How is Towson, Virginia Tech (VPI in the old days), or NC State an example of ivy school fashion?
Towson is a glorified community college outside Baltimore while VPI and NC State are third rate schools in each respective state. Behind W&M, UVA; and UNC, DUKE of course.
Next I’ll hear that schools in California besides Berkeley and Stanford are preppy.
The resilience of the barstripe is so great that what was once the appurtenance of exclusive British regiments and colleges has, for many, become the epitome of the “old school tie”, far beyond the confines of the Halls of Ivy, without losing any of its original cachet, whatsoever. If anything, perhaps it may have ever-so-slightly contributed to elevating the standard of dress of alumni of institutions of less academic repute: one cannot help looking like a gentleman when one is sporting the bar stripe–it imparts immediate distinction upon the wearer.
I have always preferred the Brooks #3 stripe although I also like the #1 and #2. In addition, they look good as a bow.
Americans should not wear stripes while in the U.K. because it is insulting to the regiments, schools and clubs they might denote unless one belongs. It is for this reason the stripes of American ties run the other way.
Great article, as usual. Certainly my favorite of BB’s tie offerings.
To Vern, who wrote: “Americans should not wear stripes while in the U.K. because it is insulting to the regiments, schools and clubs they might denote unless one belongs.”
Are you kidding me? I’ve read and heard this nonsense before, and say the Brits who would be insulted by this nonsense need to chill the fuck out.
Let me start off by agreeing with H.K. — this is a great article. I, too, am the proud owner of a BB #3 in navy and white.
As for Americans not wearing stripes in the UK, that argument assumes that all Brits who wear stripes belong, or belonged to, a regiment, school or club, which as we all know is complete and utter nonsense. Shockingly, some British people just wear regimental stripes because they look nice. I doubt those folks get a lot of static from their peers about their neckwear choice at the local pub.
I think that anyone in Britain who had enough free time to worry about such things would also notice that yes, American stripes run the opposite way, and are not intended to bamboozle unsuspecting Brits into thinking that some Yank was in the service of HRH during some glorious campaigns in colonial Burma.
When I worked for the tie buyer at Brooks, Stan Birdsey, a retired Royal Marine, in 1959-60, I was so informed. You can do whatever you want, of course. You will just be thought of as an ignorant Yank and life will go on.
The old school tie thing ius alive in DC, I was a research affilate at an Ivy League University for a short while and it iwas noted on my bio. I gave a presentation in my old unit tie. As I started giving my presentation, two learned gents to me left sitting together waved their same university ties at me. I later went and bought a school tie. I had been told!
Well, I suppose being thought of as an ignorant Yank by someone who judges intelligence by neckwear choice isn’t too much of a bad thing. I’ve been called worse — although it does raise the intriguing question of who the “real” ignoramus is….
And, with all due respect for age and tradition, one man’s opinion from 50 years ago hardly counts as the KJV of sartorial wisdom. I’m sure ol’ Fred Astaire didn’t lose too much sleep over it, and he knew a thing or two about style himself.
I think we would be wise to heed this advice and be careful about wearing striped ties in Commonwealth countries. It seems to me a matter of consideration for those who are entitled to wear them. However, I understand it’s OK if the stripes go the other way (a Brooks innovation, I hear); is this correct, Vern?
I have a couple of pseudo-bar stripe ties. Both look like bar stripes from a distance, but closer inspection reveals the bars to be made of three stripes: two darker ones on the outside, and a lighter one in the middle. They retain their somber authoritativeness, yet have extra interest. Perfect for meetings.
I have worn the stripes going the other way, (the Guard stripe, by Brooks) in London and in the best clubs in St. James. It happened because I was unprepared and could not change. I was not comfortable but because I was in the presence of gentleman, I was given a pass. Most were sympathetic to my predicament.
It is a gentleman’s thing; one should never wear a Yale sweatshirt if one did not attend Yale. A waiver is permitted if your son is the quarterback.
I feel the same way about college sweatshirts: I will not wear one unless I either attended or taught at the school in question. In my case, that allows for not quite a dozen different sweatshirts.
Great article. I, too, recently made a move away from red and towards darker, more subdued ties, specifically some navy conservative patterned ties and a black knit tie, all of which I purchased used. I think I may now add a brand new bb #3 to those.
I wonder whether commenters are a bit too concerned with whether one may wear stripes in the UK. If you are an American abroad and you have the sense to wear any tie at all, I imagine you are ahead of the curve anyway. I also think that etiquette would compel the host to be gracious about the guest’s sartorial customs and not the other way around.
I find Vern’s prohibition of wearing collegiate sweatshirts with the name or crest of a school one did not attend dubious. I attended the University of Wisconsin, and I am awfully proud of that (and heartbroken over this year’s Rose Bowl) but I also enjoy wearing University of Delaware shirts (I was born in Wilmington) and many other collegiate emblems. Many people who are fans of a school’s sports program but did not attend enjoy wearing the school’s colors or emblems with no harm felt by anyone, and so on.
Ralph: Berkeley is no more preppy than Hampshire College, Stanford no more than NYU. That said, I invite students at all institutions to dress like I do–or any other way they want.
A truly classy piece, about a truly classic piece of clothing… I was a bit skeptical as the fishing rod suspeded from my wall is hung with an onsalught of colored ties, plaid, paisley and all sorts of crests and seals- but I have to say I’m liking the whole stick-with-one-classic idea..Well done Old Skool.
z
I’m pleased to share that Brooks Brothers keeps their classic striped ties (as well as a few solids and dots) in stock from season to season. No need to worry that come Fall Brooks will deem the striped tie “out”. All of the neckwear with a “#” are indeed considered basics; these specific colors and patterns that are in constant production.
Also worth noting is that, within these swatch options, special order ties are available. Be it slim, wide, bow, extra-long, or anything else you might need, Brooks’ classic Repp selection can be tailored to your liking.
I know this post is really old but I don’t care.
I am intrigued by The claim of Virginia Tech’s school tie being a bar stripe. Both my parents graduated from there and I’ve been through campus stores and looked through old pictures but I’ve never seen an “official” Virginia tech school tie. I essentially assumed they didn’t exist. If you or anyone has a picture of link to one I’d love to see it. The only tech related ties I’ve seen are those cheap novelty ones sold on the campus bookstore.
Thanks
A great example of the Navy and white bar stripe is the scene in ‘To Catch a Thief’ when Cary Grant hosts John Williams for lunch at his hillside home.
I wear the Royal Artillery regimental from Smart Turnout a couple of times per year in honor of my great uncle who served in WW I. I never receive anything – from Brits and Yanks alike – but “Great tie”!
Ben Silver stating the obvious – the vast majority of ‘old school ties’ are striped, indeed, in most places there are several iterations and also alternative versions with crests.
Ralph, Old School didn’t seem to be implying those schools were preppy, merely that their official ties were of the bar-striped variety. And even as a UNC alum, I couldn’t honestly refer to N.C. State as third-rate; it, like Virginia Tech, is a great engineering school. Duke? That place sucks.
At a formal wedding in UK a few years ago, I wore a Brooks Brothers repp tie with my morning dress. The other male guests (all British) questioned me about my tie and if it was a club tie, and which club it was. I then appreciated their confusion – and slight disgust – at my ‘theft’ of a club tie that I didn’t belong to. I would recommend to any Yank visiting the UK to be mindful of his tie choices if he’ll be at any function where club members gather.
While I have a number of Brothers Brooks #3 striped ties (amongst their myriad other stripes), and while I do indeed love (and still need) a navy with white BB #3, My non plus ultra of perfection would be one of their burgundy with gold BB #3 striped ties! I have acquired 1 and inherited another, but both are too damnably long and wide due to their M.&S. provenance….I’ve noticed that the BB ties run in the 58″ length range these days and that is simply too long for any man under 5’10” who wears trousers with a proper rise, and uses a four in hand knot. For shame Brooks Brothers! Has anyone else noticed that nearly any commercially available new necktie seems to be made up much to long these days?
Upon my most recent call to re-stock myself with a new BB #3 in burgundy and gold, I was informed sadly, that they no longer offer any customization services whatsoever for their neckwear, nor do they offer short lengths, nor do they offer MTM neckties in their standard fabrics, as they once did. Dark days, indeed.
I was however referred to the (apparently extremely common in the current circumstances) practice of many of the Jonathan Club’s clientele, of taking their excessively long BB ties to a local tailor, and having them shortened by a couple of inches (the current “regular/long” size, as opposed to the extra long size, is 58″ while the XL, is 60″, the ties that I used to get were always ordered at 56″, though here and there I might opt for a 57″,another apparently “Regular” former size which they now no longer offer….
So, as I recall, and as my understanding goes; short was 56″, regular was 57″, long was 58″, and extra long was 60, sadly, only the last two categories are still in production and in house alterations or crafting to order are no longer offered.
The BB #3 is the Very Best. Tie Crafters, here I come…..
I love ties – and your article is a great read. Fred Astaire and Cary Grant wore them with subtle elegance. Found your personal trend interesting.
Great post.
How is Towson, Virginia Tech (VPI in the old days), or NC State an example of ivy school fashion?
Towson is a glorified community college outside Baltimore while VPI and NC State are third rate schools in each respective state. Behind W&M, UVA; and UNC, DUKE of course.
Next I’ll hear that schools in California besides Berkeley and Stanford are preppy.
Good article though minus these details.
Ralph, your point is rather weakened by the suggestion that there’s anything preppy about Berkeley.
The resilience of the barstripe is so great that what was once the appurtenance of exclusive British regiments and colleges has, for many, become the epitome of the “old school tie”, far beyond the confines of the Halls of Ivy, without losing any of its original cachet, whatsoever. If anything, perhaps it may have ever-so-slightly contributed to elevating the standard of dress of alumni of institutions of less academic repute: one cannot help looking like a gentleman when one is sporting the bar stripe–it imparts immediate distinction upon the wearer.
I have always preferred the Brooks #3 stripe although I also like the #1 and #2. In addition, they look good as a bow.
Americans should not wear stripes while in the U.K. because it is insulting to the regiments, schools and clubs they might denote unless one belongs. It is for this reason the stripes of American ties run the other way.
I never saw JFK wearing a bar stripe.
Great article, as usual. Certainly my favorite of BB’s tie offerings.
To Vern, who wrote: “Americans should not wear stripes while in the U.K. because it is insulting to the regiments, schools and clubs they might denote unless one belongs.”
Are you kidding me? I’ve read and heard this nonsense before, and say the Brits who would be insulted by this nonsense need to chill the fuck out.
Let me start off by agreeing with H.K. — this is a great article. I, too, am the proud owner of a BB #3 in navy and white.
As for Americans not wearing stripes in the UK, that argument assumes that all Brits who wear stripes belong, or belonged to, a regiment, school or club, which as we all know is complete and utter nonsense. Shockingly, some British people just wear regimental stripes because they look nice. I doubt those folks get a lot of static from their peers about their neckwear choice at the local pub.
I think that anyone in Britain who had enough free time to worry about such things would also notice that yes, American stripes run the opposite way, and are not intended to bamboozle unsuspecting Brits into thinking that some Yank was in the service of HRH during some glorious campaigns in colonial Burma.
When I worked for the tie buyer at Brooks, Stan Birdsey, a retired Royal Marine, in 1959-60, I was so informed. You can do whatever you want, of course. You will just be thought of as an ignorant Yank and life will go on.
The old school tie thing ius alive in DC, I was a research affilate at an Ivy League University for a short while and it iwas noted on my bio. I gave a presentation in my old unit tie. As I started giving my presentation, two learned gents to me left sitting together waved their same university ties at me. I later went and bought a school tie. I had been told!
Well, I suppose being thought of as an ignorant Yank by someone who judges intelligence by neckwear choice isn’t too much of a bad thing. I’ve been called worse — although it does raise the intriguing question of who the “real” ignoramus is….
And, with all due respect for age and tradition, one man’s opinion from 50 years ago hardly counts as the KJV of sartorial wisdom. I’m sure ol’ Fred Astaire didn’t lose too much sleep over it, and he knew a thing or two about style himself.
I think we would be wise to heed this advice and be careful about wearing striped ties in Commonwealth countries. It seems to me a matter of consideration for those who are entitled to wear them. However, I understand it’s OK if the stripes go the other way (a Brooks innovation, I hear); is this correct, Vern?
I have a couple of pseudo-bar stripe ties. Both look like bar stripes from a distance, but closer inspection reveals the bars to be made of three stripes: two darker ones on the outside, and a lighter one in the middle. They retain their somber authoritativeness, yet have extra interest. Perfect for meetings.
I have worn the stripes going the other way, (the Guard stripe, by Brooks) in London and in the best clubs in St. James. It happened because I was unprepared and could not change. I was not comfortable but because I was in the presence of gentleman, I was given a pass. Most were sympathetic to my predicament.
It is a gentleman’s thing; one should never wear a Yale sweatshirt if one did not attend Yale. A waiver is permitted if your son is the quarterback.
Thank you for the thoughtful response, Vern.
I feel the same way about college sweatshirts: I will not wear one unless I either attended or taught at the school in question. In my case, that allows for not quite a dozen different sweatshirts.
Great article. I, too, recently made a move away from red and towards darker, more subdued ties, specifically some navy conservative patterned ties and a black knit tie, all of which I purchased used. I think I may now add a brand new bb #3 to those.
I wonder whether commenters are a bit too concerned with whether one may wear stripes in the UK. If you are an American abroad and you have the sense to wear any tie at all, I imagine you are ahead of the curve anyway. I also think that etiquette would compel the host to be gracious about the guest’s sartorial customs and not the other way around.
I find Vern’s prohibition of wearing collegiate sweatshirts with the name or crest of a school one did not attend dubious. I attended the University of Wisconsin, and I am awfully proud of that (and heartbroken over this year’s Rose Bowl) but I also enjoy wearing University of Delaware shirts (I was born in Wilmington) and many other collegiate emblems. Many people who are fans of a school’s sports program but did not attend enjoy wearing the school’s colors or emblems with no harm felt by anyone, and so on.
Ralph: Berkeley is no more preppy than Hampshire College, Stanford no more than NYU. That said, I invite students at all institutions to dress like I do–or any other way they want.
Matin–I think they were signaling that they wanted to take you home after the presentation.
A truly classy piece, about a truly classic piece of clothing… I was a bit skeptical as the fishing rod suspeded from my wall is hung with an onsalught of colored ties, plaid, paisley and all sorts of crests and seals- but I have to say I’m liking the whole stick-with-one-classic idea..Well done Old Skool.
z
FYI, shots of JFK in the bar stripe:
http://www.ivy-style.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/jfk-suit-3.jpg
http://www.ivy-style.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/jfk-2.jpg
Love this.
I’m pleased to share that Brooks Brothers keeps their classic striped ties (as well as a few solids and dots) in stock from season to season. No need to worry that come Fall Brooks will deem the striped tie “out”. All of the neckwear with a “#” are indeed considered basics; these specific colors and patterns that are in constant production.
Also worth noting is that, within these swatch options, special order ties are available. Be it slim, wide, bow, extra-long, or anything else you might need, Brooks’ classic Repp selection can be tailored to your liking.
Scott,
When I see Brooks Brothers producing stuff like this:
http://sartoriallyinclined.blogspot.com/2011/01/brooks-brothers-ss-2011-preview.html
I really do start to seriously worry that the day may come when their classic basics decrease in number and eventually disappear.
One more shot of JFK in the bar stripe:
Navy with gold stripe:
http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2010/10/camelot-kennedy-slide-show-201010#slide=10
Agree. The BB blue/white bar stripe is a great tie that goes with almost anything.
http://www.acontinuouslean.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PeterRoss_OBrien_4646BW.jpeg
Glenn O’Brien
Mastroianni:
http://www.ivy-style.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/mm.jpg
Jist found another photo of JFK wearing a bar stripe tie:
http://m.life.com/gallery/25841/image/50413432/jfk-the-first-100-days?_v=1
David Ogilvy:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:David_ogilvy.jpg
George Bush:
http://naturalshoulder.tumblr.com/image/40258575799
Astaire:
http://images5.fanpop.com/image/photos/29000000/Shall-We-Dance-ginger-rogers-and-fred-astaire-in-shall-we-dance-29085305-720-540.jpg
Bruce Boyer:
http://www.ivy-style.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/buttonless.jpg
Bar stripe on Stafford Prep catalog cover:
http://www.ivy-style.com/for-the-frugal-trad-stafford-prep-at-jcp.html
Edward Norton as Nelson Rockefeller:
http://www.screened.com/profile/mike20/all-images/132-1985136/nelson_rockefeller/131-442134/
JFK in a bar stripe tie on the Jack Paar Show, 1960:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIkZK-Z21Pw
Peter O’Toole:
http://content9.flixster.com/photo/11/96/76/11967659_gal.jpg
Senator Claiborne Pell:
http://cache.boston.com/resize/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2009/01/01/1230867370_4238/539w.jpg
Anthony Drexel Duke:
http://www.27east.com/assets/news.Article/60425/A%20Duke.JPG
JFK:
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HWhppbB62nY/U6pfot4HOmI/AAAAAAAADaw/FqzmHKrHmGI/s1600/kennedytortoisenavy.jpg
JFK:
http://38.media.tumblr.com/b06555dfa14d098c0324ee9a42c7d633/tumblr_n9qao1IpTE1rf1jvro1_1280.jpg
I know this post is really old but I don’t care.
I am intrigued by The claim of Virginia Tech’s school tie being a bar stripe. Both my parents graduated from there and I’ve been through campus stores and looked through old pictures but I’ve never seen an “official” Virginia tech school tie. I essentially assumed they didn’t exist. If you or anyone has a picture of link to one I’d love to see it. The only tech related ties I’ve seen are those cheap novelty ones sold on the campus bookstore.
Thanks
Jake
I doubt there are many official university bar striped ties, The point is to get a tie with the school colors.
Adlai Stevenson:
http://www.wbez.org/system/files/styles/original_image/llo/insert-images/Stevenson,%20Adlai%20II.jpg
A great example of the Navy and white bar stripe is the scene in ‘To Catch a Thief’ when Cary Grant hosts John Williams for lunch at his hillside home.
I wear the Royal Artillery regimental from Smart Turnout a couple of times per year in honor of my great uncle who served in WW I. I never receive anything – from Brits and Yanks alike – but “Great tie”!
http://www.smartturnout.com/military-silk-tie-royal-artillery-regimental.html
Ben Silver stating the obvious – the vast majority of ‘old school ties’ are striped, indeed, in most places there are several iterations and also alternative versions with crests.
Mike,
This must be the scene you referred to:
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9htNetVMbu4/Vya_WhNJ4SI/AAAAAAABQx4/Fc_004cAWTYBbYFn7qLXWq8vr_TRP4yiwCLcB/s1600/TO%2BCATCH.jpg
Ralph, Old School didn’t seem to be implying those schools were preppy, merely that their official ties were of the bar-striped variety. And even as a UNC alum, I couldn’t honestly refer to N.C. State as third-rate; it, like Virginia Tech, is a great engineering school. Duke? That place sucks.
Old School – yes that is the scene. Great dialogue too. Here is my favorite quote from that scene – :
H.H. Hughson (Insurance Executive) – Did you kill many people? (In WW II) .
John Robie (Ex-jewel thief): 72. But I know what would have pleased you. Not one of them was insured!
At a formal wedding in UK a few years ago, I wore a Brooks Brothers repp tie with my morning dress. The other male guests (all British) questioned me about my tie and if it was a club tie, and which club it was. I then appreciated their confusion – and slight disgust – at my ‘theft’ of a club tie that I didn’t belong to. I would recommend to any Yank visiting the UK to be mindful of his tie choices if he’ll be at any function where club members gather.
That last photo looks like Fred in the 70’s hit Towering Inferno.
Unless, of course, you have attended a first-rate engineering school like MIT or Georgia Tech. 😀
“[I]f I had only one necktie, it would be the BB#3 Repp in navy and white”
Hear, hear!
^^ same here. I have Polo in the navy with red stripe and just ordered a burgundy with gold stripe off eBay.
While I have a number of Brothers Brooks #3 striped ties (amongst their myriad other stripes), and while I do indeed love (and still need) a navy with white BB #3, My non plus ultra of perfection would be one of their burgundy with gold BB #3 striped ties! I have acquired 1 and inherited another, but both are too damnably long and wide due to their M.&S. provenance….I’ve noticed that the BB ties run in the 58″ length range these days and that is simply too long for any man under 5’10” who wears trousers with a proper rise, and uses a four in hand knot. For shame Brooks Brothers! Has anyone else noticed that nearly any commercially available new necktie seems to be made up much to long these days?
It is a blight!
*too – damnable cell phone typing….Apologies.
Upon my most recent call to re-stock myself with a new BB #3 in burgundy and gold, I was informed sadly, that they no longer offer any customization services whatsoever for their neckwear, nor do they offer short lengths, nor do they offer MTM neckties in their standard fabrics, as they once did. Dark days, indeed.
I was however referred to the (apparently extremely common in the current circumstances) practice of many of the Jonathan Club’s clientele, of taking their excessively long BB ties to a local tailor, and having them shortened by a couple of inches (the current “regular/long” size, as opposed to the extra long size, is 58″ while the XL, is 60″, the ties that I used to get were always ordered at 56″, though here and there I might opt for a 57″,another apparently “Regular” former size which they now no longer offer….
So, as I recall, and as my understanding goes; short was 56″, regular was 57″, long was 58″, and extra long was 60, sadly, only the last two categories are still in production and in house alterations or crafting to order are no longer offered.
The BB #3 is the Very Best. Tie Crafters, here I come…..