Tartan Day in Balboa Park, San Diego

[Sir William]

Tie Etiquette.

I know it sounds a tad old fashioned, but there is a certain amount of tie etiquette to bare in mind. Particularly, I think, within the UK. But I think it is worth others from outwith the UK and The Commonwealth, having a gentle heads-up too.

Basically, with Old School, University/College, Club, and Regimental/Unit ties, it is very bad form to wear one if you are not entitled to it. Why? Well the tie tells others at glance a bit of who you are, without a word being spoken. It is actually very helpful at times. "It can't happen!" I hear you say! Well there was a Gurkha Brigade tie on show the other day, on this website, worn by a very nice person from the USA who, shall I say politely, would be better not to wear it!

I have two British regimental ties gifted to me that I wore on occasion when I was working and had to wear a tie every day. The first was from a RM Colour Sergeant I closely worked with during the Falklands War. The other was from a Major in the Intelligence Corps who was on exchange with us for 3 years. I only wore them in the US as Americans had no idea what they represented. However, one day I met a RM who saw my tie and asked me "why?" I explained how I came to be wearing an RM tie and who gave it to me - turned out they had served together - and all went well after that. But, I've not worn either in the last 15 years as I seldom wear a tie anymore.