NECKTIE ETIQUETTE | WEARING MILITARY TIES. 

Thank you for answering my question with a video, I really appreciate it. I am now on the website purchasing the tie.

This is such a British thing. The US Army’s neckties are all black. (New ones are green.) Solid color. I’ll bet if anyone wears their British military ties over here, nobody will either care, or even know.

Great video, I served in two Regiments in New Zealand taking the stable belt of our allied British Regiments The Royal Hampshires and the Durham Light Infantry, both long gone units and I alternate them on Anzac days, A smart turn out would be a crisp white shirt, regimental tie, medals, poppy and a somber suit, Bowler hat for officers. Berets and too many lapel badges just looks nasty.

I was unaware that the US even HAD regimental ties! I typed out a whole comment and had to delete it because I was surprised to hear that we did things slightly different. I'll have to look into that some more.

I have a bunch of ties and never realized they could be organized by category rather than color. Today I separated my ties into categories; stripes (regimental style), small dots, geometric (blocks, etc.), paisley and other. Now ties make sense. I would really like a further video on selecting tie color to match jacket color. What tie color goes with the navy blue blazer, dark gray suit coat, black suit coat, tweed, etc. I guess shirt selection would also be helpful. Thanks for your excellent videos. I wish I had a mentor like you when I was working in corporate business.

Doing this, you always risk someone asking you when/where you served.

I've seen this question asked in so many places and specifically relating to the tie worn by Sir Roger Moore in Live and Let Die. I myself own that exact Benson & Clegg tie, and it is a gorgeous piece. This video gives the best and most comprehensive answer I have seen. Thanks for sharing both the question and the answer from now on I will be directing people to this video.

I've never served in the military but I have found it helps when networking and making new friends to recognise regimental ties. People like it when you show an interest in them and it can be a good conversation starter. The last man I saw wearing one was an older gentleman that turned out to be a former chaplain with the Black Watch

Great video. My old dad was in the RAF and served in campaigns and I had reservations about wearing his tie. But this guidance is great.

Excellent video on the military tie. Always a joy watching your videos.

Great advice from a veteran. Most people are unaware that we have regimental ties in the US. They are usually just for the branch of service as in army Navy Marines Air Force Coast Guard. It can get a little touchy if you haven't served but I do like your suggestion of homage relating to a family member. I personally would not wear a regimental tie unless I was in that particular regiment or affiliated with it in some way. I used to wear a tie quite often on the weekends but have since covid have been a little less likely to wear one. Cheers Ron

Informative as always Ash. I have worn my Corps tie on numerous occasions since leaving full time regular service. Knowing your audience wil inform you of the appropriateness. Remembrance, Regimental occasions are a "Given". For my 2 (unsuccessful) selection visits to the Tower of London. Most recently for a job interview. Armed in advance with the names of my interviewers, I paid a visit to a well know professional networking website. There I discovered 2 of the panel had several common connections. At interview I wore my Corps Tie, they were wearing theirs. Interview concluded, I was then"interrogated" as to where I had been, who I had served with and mutual friends... I got the job 😂

A comprehensive and very informative answer to a great question 👍

I have been in the TA for 10 years in the RCT and RAMC my late Father was in the Royal Engineers so I am going to pu case one in his memory

If you have not served the Army Benevolent Fund tie is a safe bet.

Ties first started in Freemasonry is my understanding. An effort of simulation and to give a nod to other masons. Because the powerful wore them, others looked to mimic the style and they took off, not to dissimilar to this chap looking for Bonds tie.

Very very interesting indeed. One never stops learning.

Here in India army regiments have something called a Mufti dress, which is basically a formal dress that you'd wear in regimental parties, ceremonies or off duty, it differs regiment to regiment. The jackets usually double breasted with regimental insignias on the buttons and chest pocket along with regimental neckties. We also have regimental ascots and regimental cummerbunds that are usually worn with our ceremonial uniforms. Getting our hands on the regimental neckties atleast in India is not an easy task, atleast for those from civilian families such as myself, however like in the UK and the US if recognised can be a great conversation starter

Awesome! Back in the lodge!

Solid advice!

Roger Moore...there is an elderly chap who frequents my local, always speaks to me whenever I go in, everytime without fail he tells me the same storys from his life...one is that he was backing his car out of his drive way, and backed into Roger Moores car..and the two of them hit it off and remained life long friends...also tells me they his friend invented the magnum ice-cream...he's some old gent

Very interesting.Thank you.I have been stopped,several times,when wearing a tie that looks similar to the one worn by the Guards !

Another great video and very informative. I never knew there was so much to know about regimental ties and how interesting it all is - so thank you. Also, wonderful to see Roger Moore acknowledged as an intentionally well-dressed man; Rog has always been one of my favourites both in and out of the James Bond role. I was a bit surprised about the use of the spelling of 'Welch' in 'The Royal Welch Fusiliers'; I thought it would have been 'Welsh'. But here is the reason why from the internet . . . "This unit was raised by Lord Henry Herbert at Ludlow in the Welsh Marches in March 1689. It was created to help fight in Ireland against James II, the recently deposed king. ... It was one of the oldest regiments in the Army, hence the archaic spelling of the word 'Welch' instead of 'Welsh'."

Hi Ash, really enjoyed the video and learned a thing or two as well, always try to learn something new everyday! Although I never served, I have a deep respect for anyone who has and as I've lived in Uxbridge for many years, while the base was still active and had a drink or two at the rafa, I've always been interested in such protocols. So it was great to hear first hand about stolen valor and such, probably considered one of the lowest form of behavior in my book.

I have the American version of the RAF tie. It's an older one with little to no lining, I can't remember. It's good for a smaller knot than my other more serious looking ties.

All that advice also applies perhaps to a lesser extent, to Scottish tartans. I have several tartan flat caps but if I heard the pipes in the distance, I probably take it off and put it in a pocket. I would not like to get into an argument with a member of a rival clan about something that happened in the 12th century.😇

I wear Ralph Lauren ties mostly. He does a higher variety of military, preppy, fancy and design ties. They are wonderful.

I just finished my fish year at Texas A& M Corps of Cadets where we uniforms daily. We did have formal uniform days where we wore our formal class A uniforms which included a regimental black necktie. Come this summer I will be responsible that the fish will be dressed sharply at all times.

Really good topic today my first thought was well no, 1 because if you haven't served then don't wear the colours, 2 there is always going to be somebody who asks about the tie where & when you served and you can guarantee theres always some one will get the hump , now i purchased my last service tie from a charity shop so any one not in the know could just buy the same wear it and be unaware.i don't have a real issue , i have a collection of tartan ties and I,m as Scottish as a bowler hat but you could say I shouldn't be wearing them !!. But like I said real interesting subject

Sound advice as always, personally I'll stick to paisley ties (purely because I like paisley). Love the herringbone/windowpane jacket btw.

Good stuff, Ash. Thank you. I know there a many who dogmatically insist that only members wear regimental colours, and I half heartedly agree with them. That said, there are times I believe one can wear regimental stripes, and your advice is exactly what I feel should be the guidelines. I would also add that while the world, especially the sartorial world is rather cosmopolitan, we all still live within different boreders with different customs and traditions. Here in USA we do not have a tradition of wearing regimental colours, and are under no obligation to adhere to customs and traditions not our own. Here, a regimental tie is just a striped tie. I have a few, though only one of which I feel like I have any connection to. I wear them freely. However, just because regimental colours is not a custom we practice here, does not absolve me from my duties to understand the traditions and customs of the places I travel to. I routinely travel to the UK, and understanding the British tradition of wearing regimental colours, I would never wear them whilst visiting there. Likewise, I would expect members and veterans of the regiments to understand that their regimental stripes carry less meaning abroad and to accept that they may encounter people wearing them freely in the USA, if they ever visit. Truth be told, I doubt they’d ever encounter someone in regimental colours, because most people here have forgotten how to dress, anyway.

Thanks Ash! Would you be willing to do a vid on the different tie knots, how to tie them and point out when specific knots should be used and finally what knots you prefer. Chris

Great video, Ash. I completely agree with you. Though not a veteran, I do have a college tie which is one of my favorites. As it’s a simple red and blue tie ( ‘Hail to the Red and the Blue’ is the song sung at the University of Pennsylvania graduation by all grads.), if I see someone wearing a red and blue striped tie I’m obviously not getting upset, as it’s a super popular combo for a striped tie. However, if at a Penn function I saw someone I knew wasn’t a student or Alumni wearing It I might have to choke them to death with that tie as their death garrote. It’s a hard, demanding University and making it to graduation is a hard-earned achievement.Throw iin School Pride and I’d see it as an insult that’s being abused by someone who didn’t earn it’s association. As you said, there’s a difference between wearing a regimental tie out and about because you are a fan of the color combo and style, as opposed to wearing it to a veteran dinner for that regiment.

Other than by someone who's served in a specific regiment, the chances of anyone (other than a regimental tie geek... like me) recognising a specific tie is very slim. The larger corps ties are more recognisable than, say, the Inns of Court & City Yeomanry, and provided the wearer is making no claim to unit membership, then buy away. Some of the colour combinations are beautiful. I wear my father's RE tie, as well as my own ensemble of service and club ties. They usually invite comments and often result in conversation. I should wear them more often.

Excelente información. Muchas gracias por los subtítulos en español. Saludos desde México.

I wear beige milsurp ties all the time during the colder months. They go well with just about everything. I’m surprised you didn’t mention them.

Ash I wear two Branch ties myself. The Medical Corp and the RCAF. Starlight

One reason the strips on English and American are different because one cuts the tie material face down where the other cuts material face up. Just like the English and American pleated pants go in opposite. Pleated are opposite from one another.

Some very interesting points, which answered questions that have always been the back of my mind. Many moons ago when in the military I used be a Course Instructor, and taught various Regiments, Squadron’s, and Police Forces, and was usually given military tie as a gift, when the Course finished. Certain organisations I taught have had a rough ride due to politics, example such as Royal Ulster Constabulary even though long disbanded. I admired them greatly, how did their job so professionally, under the threat of death every day on, and off duty. I would like to wear that RUC tie they gave me , even though I never served with them to show I respect the sacrifices they gave. Would that be right thing to do ? Those who served with the RUC , your comment would also be appreciated.

I served in the Royal Navy, and have friends from the other Services, and we all consider anyone wearing a Military tie to which they're not entitled to wear (by means of serving or ex-service) to be a bit of a "Walt".

Whew... got a little worried there for second for my beloved Royal Artillery tie from Benson & Clegg...

If you like the “regimental/club” tie look but don’t want to wear the ties that represent actual organizations to which you don’t belong (which would definitely be in poor taste, unless, as noted in the video, you have at least some indirect relation to that organization), the Brooks Brothers striped ties might be for you. In fact, Brooks brothers was the company that, apparently, invented the “American” direction of the stripes, precisely to differentiate their ties from the original British ties. Also, nearly all of Brooks Brothers stripe color combinations are unique to them and can’t be found anywhere else.

To me, it would be a basic no if you know it is a military tie. However, many suit wearers are not military men and therefore don't know which ones are military and which is not. Do it in good class, don't try to pass yourself off as something you are not and discontinue said tie should you later find out that it is. I think of tartan during this video, many are a tartan of a family name but tartan patterns are so widely used in classic men's style (especially in scarfs) that few people would take offence. My family goes back to England, but because of the province I was born in, we have our own provincial tartan.

I think I just saw David Niven wearing a similar regimental tie in The Sea Wolves [1980] 🎬🍿

I like wearing various county crest ties. Now would you consider that correct, if I, say, wear a "Shropshire" tie - although I have never been there?

Last point Ash, love the name of your (CP)...Chris

When do we get to enjoy the chap‘s guide to patterns???

funny thing army in greece have a black tie for officers , and i have one of throws , but also all men have serve in army in Greece for a year but privet ware a green neteed tie and the officer jacket look actualy nice , was thinking geting one but change the button so dose not look like army jacket , since they have gold button with code of arms ,

Thanks for the interesting video. Is the American style the correct direction for the stripes on Royal Air Force ties? Why the American style when it's the British air force? If you know, please let us know.

Hi Ash Are you able post those websites showing and offering striped regimental for sale? Some are a great addition to the wardrobe. Kind regards Duncan Anderson Queenstown New Zealand 🇳🇿

I think it is wholly wrong to wear a military unit tie without having served in that unit.

Hello! May I ask what role you played whilst being in the RAF? I don't mean to be offensive, I was just wondering.

P.s on a lighter note, had an idea for a video, as I'm fast approaching the big five zero, I was wondering if you would have some tips on how a chap might handle the so called midlife crisis without too much embarrassment? I'm off to look at Harley Davidson catalogues!

We have to know. Which young chap are at 3:35?

14:59 Haha see what you did there. En-TIE-rely😄

The tie you are wearing is an American right down to left stripe design, rather than the British left to right slope. Same with the spelling of "valor" v "valour". Hope you're not going native

Abercwmboi , The only way is up.

If you are not entitled (ie have served in a Regiment or Corps) to wear a Military tie, DO NOT wear one, that's what "Walt's" (Walter Mitty's) do. Don't be a Walt.

Hi Ash, --and friends: this is off-topic, but may you chaps "guide" me, please, through the distinctions among "Chaps," "Blokes," "Lads," and "Mates" -?

The name is "Bond...James Bond."

A striped tie is a “club tie”! Regardless if it’s a club or not. Club Tie!