Why Rust Belt? Why Repp Tie?

Steubenville, Ohio, my adopted home, lies nearly dead-center in the region of America known colloquially as the Rust Belt. Before it was the so called, this region was the manufacturing powerhouse of the United States. Automobile plants, steel mills, and coal mines fueled a thriving economy during the first half of the twentieth century. Cities and towns in this region boasted lively downtowns and strong communities. Steubenville enjoyed a great share of this prosperity.

The rapid decline of American industry that swept the nation during the latter half of the century devastated Rust Belt cities. While the surrounding towns have experienced near, if not, total economic collape, Steubenville has become the focus of a unique revitalization effort, spearheaded by a consortium of artists, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs. It is their ranks I aim to join as I endeavor to open my own shop promoting craft and beauty.

On the Repp Tie . . .

A repp tie is technically just a tie in a twill weave. This means it is woven in such a way that it has a repeating, gently ribbed texture. However, the term is most commonly applied to ties which feature a repetitive pattern of diagonal stripes, made popular by the east-coast collegiate look of the mid century, and now a staple in any well-dressed man’s wardrobe. In the title of this website, I use the term to represent the greater whole of classic menswear, while also paying homage to my own East Coast upbringing.

With the Rust Belt Repp Tie, and soon, the H. Fisher store, it is my goal to bring to Steubenville a place to appreciate the craftsmanship of a well tailored suit and the beauty of a well-worn tweed coat. At the same time I, hope that the establishment of a proper menswear store in this little town will attract clothing enthusiasts, who otherwise might never have heard of Steubenville, to experience all of the beauty we have to offer here.

So, the Rust Belt Repp Tie:

Bringing classic menswear to a Rust Belt town and putting that Rust Belt town on the classic menswear map.