There are few ties that scream “America” as much as the Brooks Brothers #1 Repp - the first in a series of striped ties that define the essence of Brooks Brothers (and Ivy League) style. The #1 Repp has a series of 5 stripes, alternating in two colors, that run from the top right to the bottom left (the “American way”), widely spaced on a solid background. The “original” version is suitable for wear with solid or striped shirts, and the “mini” version may pair better with solids and medium-sized plaids and checks.
Despite it perhaps being best-known as BB #1, the bar stripe tie is by no means exclusive to Brooks Brothers. I’ve seen many clothing companies make their own versions of the BB #1. J Press sells a design very similar to the Mini BB #1 at a similar price range and quality. In fact, President George H.W. Bush wore it for his official portrait. Jos. A. Banks calls its version as “Trapped Bar Ties.” Though they retail at a price range similar to that of Brooks, Jos A Banks’ frequent sales makes the tie a suitable lower-quality replacement.
For more fashion-forward individuals, J Crew will occasionally offer similar-looking ties such as this “Triple Stripe” in cotton. For those who spend by the penny, The Tie Bar’s $15 “Bar Stripe” and even some ties offered by Target’s Merona could disguise themselves as the famed BB #1 Repp. I snatched both of mine from the local Goodwill store for $5 each. Since the design of the BB #1 hasn’t changed for years, the ties are indistinguishable from newly-bought ones other than their being a quarter-inch wider at the base.