Neckwear has been a part of countless different cultures throughout humanity’s history. Even the men’s necktie—one of the most common fashion accessories today—dates back to the seventeenth century. Ties have changed a lot between then and now, evolving to suit different purposes and fashion trends. Explore the fascinating history and evolution of men’s neckties with this guide.
The modern necktie stems from the knotted neckerchiefs that were part of the military uniforms for Croatian mercenaries during the 30 Years’ War. The Croatian soldiers served the French during the war and even met with the young King Louis XIV, who became fond of their neckerchiefs and started wearing them himself. Though the neckerchiefs were a traditional and practical part of the soldiers’ uniforms, they quickly became a fashion statement among French nobility.
This type of neckwear, named “La Cravate” after the French word for Croats (Croates) and the Croatian word for Croats (Hrvat), soon spread across the rest of Europe. This led to cravats and other pieces, such as bandanas, scarves, and stocks, becoming less functional and more fashionable. They were worn as indicators of wealth and status, which made them popular among European nobility. The art of tying neckwear also became important, as did the act of using specific knots for different occasions—a practice that still exists today.
Neckties are among the many products that evolved during the Industrial Revolution. Fabrics like cotton, wool, and silk became easier to produce, which meant ties became more accessible for the common man. Meanwhile, variations of the classic necktie started to crop up around the world. The ascot appeared as the formal morning neckwear at the Ascot Heath horse racetrack in England. Meanwhile, bowties grew in popularity among scholars and surgeons.
The necktie that we know and love today came about in the 1920s when Jesse Langford developed a new way to manufacture ties. This method, which involved cutting the fabric on an angle and sewing it into three parts, led to the Langford necktie. The Langford tie quickly gained traction and became the standard throughout all the historical events and trends of the 1900s. From the bold Kipper ties of the 1940s Art Deco movement to the bright colors and patterns of the 1980s, neckties continued to evolve to match cultural trends and movements.
DAZI is proud to play a role in the history and evolution of men’s neckties with our creative, unique, and stylish collection of floral ties. Visit us today to browse our online store of fashionable men’s neckties.
