History of the Tie

The necktie has had a long history of its own to tell from style to functionality. Its roots come from, battered soldiers to snob royalty. A form of elegance and a symbol of stature had created this humble tie into a fashion icon. Debated and opposed as a workman’s attire simply being a hazardous piece of clothing rendering suffocation or accidentally being snagged by equipment used at work. It is now one of the most accessorised garment, from school uniforms, business attires and is even worn by women as a fashion accent to a rather boring attire.

It all started at the time of the Thirty Years War when Croatian militias in French service wore traditional knotted neckerchiefs. And from both Croatian and French words viola, the garment gained the name “Cravat”. It was instant hit and started an era of fashion in Europe where men and women alike wore fabrics around their necks, special thanks to royalty, King Louis XIV of France, who first popularised it.

And as time went by different versions were adopted to this famous garment. Steinkirk during the Battle of Steenkerque, Stocks for the Muslims, Soltaires, Neckcloths, Scarves, Bandannas and Bow ties. And with the different versions came different uses and multitude of wonderful colors, designs and fabrics.

The modern day man is now more accustomed to the bow tie and Ascot tie mostly worn during formal dinner or upper class parties. And the tie still evolves with the ever-growing demand by fashion consumers and patrons. Ties that were thicker and shorter have become slimmer and thinner and longer, and still changes a lot nowadays. An example is the clip-on ties not many know how to make a Pratt knot or the Shelby knot or the half-Windsor knot or the Windsor knot and the ever famous four-in-hand knot which is by far the most common, have made life to some tie users easier.

So no matter what color, size, shape and color it all adds up to what the wearer seems to like. From a simple accessories to a sought after garment, the tie has come a long way. To make you look posh or professional or just an accent to compliment your attire or even a requirement at school it is a decorative touch to ones looks.

Simple and plain, synthetic or luscious silk, the tie is one of the few accessories that had survived 400 years of fashion and still counting. Whether wealthy or poor, an ornament to signify a title or even a just simple cloth around the neck used to wipe-off sweat, the tie is and will always be part of history and our daily lives. It will always be classic, nostalgic and ever so loyal and true to ones self, expressing what it wants to say without saying a single word. Never will a collar be too large or too small for this humble tie anymore, just like a horse and carriage that go together hand in hand, as the song goes on and on.