Targhette

The official classification of this type of men’s necklace is ‘identification tags’. Although everyone knows them as dog tags.

The men’s dog tags of today don’t have the same purpose as military tags of yesteryear, but they’re still capable of making a statement. Some of our dog tags have inspirational text and phrases while other pieces showcase design and style. The tag you choose is as individual as you are. And with an engraved dog tag, the options for making it truly your own are limitless.

The dog tag that we think of today dates back to the military dog tags of the American Civil War and World War I. The later versions were stamped with the name, rank, company, regiment, or corps of the wearer, and worn around the neck. In 1916, the US Army required all soldiers to wear 2 tags – one to stay with the body and the other to help with record keeping if the soldier died.

During World War II, the American army dog tag began including religious preference as well. It was limited to 1 letter – P for Protestant, C for Catholic or H for Jewish. Since that wasn’t an all-inclusive list, the letter X was added to indicate that the religion wasn’t one of the 3 listed and a Y that meant no religion. Thankfully, the world is a bit more accommodating today.

Dog tags have found their way from the battlefield to fashion and while no longer used to identify a body at the morgue… they do still hold a degree of self-identification. Today’s tags can be inscribed with a world map for the adventurer, a reminder to ‘believe’ or even positive words of encouragement from the Bible.

A personal engraving is another way to take a dog tag and make it identify with your thoughts, style and choices. Whether it’s one in leather, black steel or a classic dog tag design with a cross pendant, choose one unique to your story and add a personalised engraving.

What was originally about identification during the war has evolved into a style statement. And you don’t have to dress in all camouflage or army fatigues to pull one off. Engraved dog tags for men look nice with dark jeans, a white t-shirt and a rugged pair of boots.

If your tag is engraved with something personal or meaningful, do wear it under your shirt to the office or to a formal event. Otherwise, wear it on the outside for a casual, relaxed vibe.