Since the time of the Romans, soldiers have worn something around their necks as part of their uniform. Often, this was nothing more than a colored scarf. The origin of the first necktie dates back to around 1600. The Croatian mercenaries, hired by the French King Louis the 13th, wore a cloth around their necks to fasten their uniforms. Besides being functional, these cloths were also a clear decoration on their uniforms. The fashion-conscious French found this decoration interesting. King Louis the 13th decided to make them a mandatory accessory for royal occasions. He named them “La Cravate.”
How were these first neckties tied?
This was done with the single Windsor knot, named after the Duke of Windsor. This knot is also known as the uniform knot because it is the knot used for neckties that are part of a uniform. There are two variations of the Windsor knot, the single and the double Windsor. The single Windsor is a narrow triangular knot, while the double Windsor is similar to the single, but thicker and more complex to tie. Along with the Four-in-Hand (a simple tie knot), these are still the most commonly used knots.
How wide should a necktie be?
The standard width is currently eight centimeters, just like at the beginning of the previous century. In the twenties and thirties, you saw the width increase; there were ties as wide as twelve centimeters, just take a look at American gangster films. In the fifties and sixties, ties became narrower. You can also look at the lapels of your jacket; your tie should be as wide as the widest part of your lapels.
How long is a tie?
The length of a classic tie is one and a half meters. Because this length cannot be achieved with a single piece of fabric, you will see a seam in the thin part of the tie. This seam is always diagonal because a tie is cut diagonally from the fabric, otherwise, you wouldn’t be able to tie it. According to etiquette, the bottom of your tie should touch your belt. Also, make sure the tie doesn’t extend beyond your jacket.
What material is a tie made of?
The best ties are made of silk. Knitted ties made of wool are also popular nowadays, especially in the summer. This trend dates back to the twenties when men combined them with tweed jackets and plus-fours. A knitted tie adds a sporty twist to your outfit. Nowadays, many ties are also made of synthetic fabrics.
How do you keep a tie neat?
A silk tie remains delicate, but these simple tricks will help keep the tie in optimal shape:
- Place a damp (not too wet) tea towel on a wrinkled tie and gently iron over it with a hot iron. Do this for only a few seconds.
- When ironing a tie, it’s important to iron the backside as well to keep the visible front looking its best for longer.
- Additionally, it’s advisable to untie your tie after each wear and store it hanging on a tie rack.
What is the best color for a tie?
This entirely depends on what suits your skin tone and shirt. The demand for ties with patterns or striking colors has increased in recent years. Red in a tie is known as the color of power and is often worn by politicians. Blue in a tie exudes calmness and confidence and is a convenient color for important meetings or job interviews. However, choose what you personally like and what suits you best.
Check here for an overview of which tie matches which collar and how to tie a nice knot!
