Tie – History, Production and Patterns

Appearance

The use of ties dates back to the 17th century. The first people to wear ties were Croatian merchants who worked for Louis XIII. The King was fascinated by their style and soon the necktie was all the rage in France. These ties were simple muslin scarves wrapped around the neck and clipped in the back with a pin. Since then, ties have become more complex and a number of different styles and clips are used. In the 19th century, the tie became a defining element of a gentlemen’s outfit and has been so ever since.

Tie Production

Tie used to be made by folding up one piece of material seven times until it was thick enough. However, this was expensive and wasted good fabric, so tie lining was developed. At the beginning of the 20th century, New York tailor Jesse Langsdoft invented a way of making ties that stitched together three parts to create one piece that could be tied or laid flat. The best ties are still hand-made, which makes the tie more flexible and helps it keep its original shape. Most ties today are made from English or Italian silk. Other materials like cashmere or cotton are also used, and linen and leather ties are starting to become more popular.

Designs

There are many different tie designs, but they all fall into a few major categories.

  • Solid: These ties are one color and can have an engraving. A solid color tie matches almost any suit, especially when the shirt is made of a thicker material like double ply cotton.
  • Striped: These ties make a perfect choice for both day and night. It is a classic look which is even more stylish if the colors match your shirt and jacket.
  • Pinstripes: This is like a striped tie, but with multiple colors. This is another classic tie which can be matched to the rest of your outfit.
  • Patterned: Ties with patterns can be bold or subtle. It can be a simple geometric pattern or a picture of animals or plants.

If you are choosing the tie, keep in mind the occasion. The more formal the occasion, the more conservative should be you tie. And if you deal with clients money or make strategic decisions, make sure you wear a solid one color tie, as it represents the authority.