Definition of kipper tie

The term "kipper tie" originated during the early 20th century, specifically in the wake of the commercial success of a particular type of smoked herring called a "kipper." The name "kipper" was borrowed from the Dutch word for 'cooked', which itself was derived from the Middle Dutch words 'keuken' (meaning 'kitchen') and 'poetsjen' ('to put in'). The popularity of kipper as a food item spread throughout Europe and the British Isles, and soon, the distinctive pink and white colors of smoked herring began to inspire a new fashion trend. The vibrant pink of the fish's skin took on a life of its own, and salesmen, businessmen, and politicians began incorporating this hue into their neckwear. The first kipper ties were essentially modified neckwear items, featuring a stripe made up of both bright pink and bold white stripes, complementing the colors of the kipper perfectly. The style soon took off, and kipper ties became a symbol of prosperity, status, and contemporary fashion. As time passed, the trend reached its peak during the 1920s and 1930s, when politicians such as Winston Churchill and business tycoons became avid wearers of kipper ties. These individuals embodied a particular kind of chicness, and soon this style became synonymous with the upper class. In the later half of the 20th century, however, the kipper tie fell out of fashion due to changing tastes and a shift towards more conservative styles. Nonetheless, the term remains popular and serves as a useful entry point to understanding the enduring legacy of this fascinating and colorful item of dressing history.