^^if that's your explanation, then gentleman were dressed by their valets too. I've heard this explanation plenty before and it's never made much sense to me.
It's easy to say why button L over R - its easier for a right handed person. Amies repeats the sword thing in his book though.
Why women button the other way is more of a mystery. You'll hear some people say that it's because women are...
I also agree with the comments about the ties having a vintage look. I had a comment to that effect in an earlier draft of this post, but looks like I took it out for some reason.
It's true that Drake's exports plenty, including to Italy. But I'd be surprised if those polka dots, for instance, find their way to Italy. But I could easily see Holdfast, or TTO, or Barima, who are SF members in England, wearing those...
I wouldn't say loud ties are really typical of any particular nation's dress. But IME they're way more common in English dress than Italian dress. I have less experience w French style.
I'd rather go to Sam Hober for ties and go cheaper on the links than try to skimp on the tie. $50 is kind of a wasteland for ties IME. Unless you want to just scour eBay for deals for the next couple of months, which could work out, but...
