The neck tie is a key part of business and formal attire today, but where did it come from. Here’s a short history of the neck tie, so you can find out more. The necktie is a long piece of cloth that is worn around the neck. It has been used as a fashion accessory since the nineteenth century. However, it’s origins go back much further with that as items worn around the neck have long been associated with formal or business attire. Let’s take a look at the development and evolution of the neck tie through the ages.
A long time back, neck tie started evolving as a result of war and its connections to the military. In 1660, a mercenary regiment from Croatia visited Paris as . The soldiers were presented to Louis XIII, King of France. At that time, the officers of the regiment had worn bright coloured fashion handkerchiefs around their neck. These neck cloths which descended from the Roman fascalia worn by orators to warm their vocal chords. The French first called the accessory a “croate,” after the Croatian soldiers, but it was soon corrupted to “la cravate” or “cravatte” – cravat in English. The cravat caught on in England after the English King Charles II reclaimed the throne, and there are reports of German soldiers adopting the Croatian mercenaries’ neckties as a style accessory as well. Over the course of the next century, the cravat caught on in Germany, France, and throughout the English colonies.
Later, this style crossed to the channel of England and no soon the gentleman found their dressing more decorative with some sort of cloth around their neck. These neck cloths or cravats were worn so that the man could not move his head without turning his whole body. Sometimes these were worn so tight that they stopped sword thrust. Again, neck tie styles knew no bound with scarves, tuffs and bows.
Ties gradually became an integral part of a man’s wardrobe.The invention of the sewing machine and industrialization made ties even more accessible, since they were no longer handmade items but were instead mass produced. In the beginning of 20th century, American neckwear began to rival that of Europe. In the 1950s, the skinny tie was introduced to the public. Legend has it that the style was invented because tie makers were running short on fabric, but whether or not this explanation is true, it’s accepted that the skinnier style complemented the well-tailored suits favoured by men in the 1950s.
In 1960s and early 70s ties grew up to 5 inches in width and fat ties were very much the fashion. The classic width of a neck tie that would never be out of style is 3 ½ inches. As long as the proportion of men’s clothing remains true to his body shape, this width will be in proper balance. Many neck ties are cut in width but the section of the tie where knot is made remained thick although.
The relationship of tie knot to the collar of the shirt is important too and if it is considered classically elegant when the knot will isn’t too large so that the collar opens nor so small that it is lost in the collar.
The tie remains as popular as ever in the 21st century. Men commonly wear them to job interviews, at the office, and for important events. Just like in the 19th century, it is thought that wearing a tie may help men from all walks of life convey a sense of professionalism and power.
For more histories of clothing items, see our short histories of socks and gloves.
Leave a Reply