Have you also noticed this before? The majority of striped ties are made in the above described way. Technically it is perfectly possible to cut a striped fabric also in the other direction. The roots of this tradition are to be found at the beginning of the last century and go back to the tradition of striped ties for the British Forces and school ties. In principle, these stripes run exactly like that: From the upper right to bottom left. Also in Commonwealth countries like Canada, Australia and New Zealand, this tradition was quickly adapted and finally also spread to the United States. Over there, someone soon came up with the idea to cut the stripes in the opposite way, meaning from the upper left to bottom right, to create a subtle difference towards the “British Empire”.

Regardless, in which direction the stripes are cut, these ties are a very important part of classic men’s wear and at least one item must be found in every well assorted tie wardrobe.