9 Out of 10 People Don’t Know! Fascinating History of Neckties

“A well-tied tie is the first serious step in life,” said Dr. Dvbre. The necktie, a symbol of a dandy man and still a representative item for men, inevitably appears in job interviews or formal occasions. Although the no-tie culture is spreading compared to the past, men still love neckties. Let’s explore everything about the necktie and the completion of men’s fashion.

 

Origin of the Necktie

When did the name “necktie” come into use? The necktie originated when King Louis XIV of France saw Croatians wearing cloth around their necks and ordered his subjects to do the same. This trend spread to England, where it was called “Nes Cloos.” Although it initially resembled a scarf, it started to be called a necktie around 1800 and has continued to this day.

The Ancestry of Neckties

The origin of the necktie dates back to 50 BC. Ancient Roman soldiers wrapped a long cloth called a Focal around their necks to prevent their necks from being chafed by their rough armor. Today, the fashion industry considers this Focal as the origin of the necktie.

 

The Advent of the Cravat

Focal cloth began to be widely used in the mid-17th century. After their victory in the Turkish battle in 1656, the Croatian Croat regiment soldiers wore a rectangular bright silk called “Cravat”‘” on their chests to raise morale, signifying their loyalty to Emperor Louis XIV.

 

Louis XIV, a Lover of the Cravat

The cravat firmly established itself as a fashion item from the time of Louis XIV. Louis XIV, who ascended to the throne at age five, began to strengthen his royal power around the Thirty Years’ War. One of his methods was to control the dress of the nobility. Louis XIV wore a long lace-decorated cloth around his neck and designated it a mandatory outfit for attending royal official events.

 

When Did Neckties Become Popular?

The necktie became popular in the 19th century. At that time, Dandyism was in vogue in England and France. Dandyism, which believed that a gentleman’s dress should not exceed the limit’, pursued simplicity and emphasized the beauty and simplicity of the silhouette with dark suits. This Dandyism became a new fashion trend, and the necktie, which emphasized restrained dignity, became fashionable.

 

Windsor Knot

The Windsor Knot is a necktie knotting method that suits formal occasions. It was a method favored by King Edward VIII of England, the Duke of Windsor. It fills the wide space of the spread collar and suits classic ties with a wide width and long length. Because the knot becomes larger as it is tied twice to the left and right, it is recommended to avoid thick ties.

 

Double Knot

The Double Knot is a more trendy and sensible knotting method. It is used when you want to add more volume to the knot area or add variation with the same necktie. The slight crisscrossing in the knot area is a point, and you can give a moment through the material or pattern of the necktie. Even though the knot area is doubled, it is not burdensome and is rather stylishly expressed.

 

Plain Knot

The Plain Knot is the most basic knotting method. It appeared after the bow tie, which dominated neckties until the mid-19th century and fit best with slim ties. It is also ideal for casual occasions. The point is to ensure that no wrinkles form just below the knot.

 

Necktie Styling: Solid Ties

If you feel your everyday shirts are monotonous, try changing your necktie. A colorful necktie can be a point by itself. If a flashy necktie feels burdensome, try styling a one-point necktie using classic and masculine suits, coats, and accessories. Contrasting colors can create a good combination if you want a noticeable necktie styling.

 

Necktie Styling: Patterned Ties

How about completing a stylish fashion with a multi-patterned necktie like check, stripe, dot, paisley, etc? One thing to note here is to match the color tone. Since the pattern stands out, choosing a color that is as similar in tone as possible is best. If you want an active atmosphere, use dot or stripe pattern ties. Matching an illustrated necktie can complete a witty look.
 

By. Oh Hye In