So, why do we wear tiny nooses around our necks when we give presentations? Where does this unique menswear originate? Let’s take a look back at the brief (and strange) history of the necktie.
It (Kind Of) Started In a Tomb
Fabric worn around the neck has been used to inform others of status, occupation, allegiance to a group or cause, and occasionally just to hide buttons or protect the neck. The first known instance of someone sporting a tie was China’s first emperor, Shih Huan Ti, way back in 221 BC. How do we know? His eerie life-sized terracotta army that was buried with him in an underground tomb wore neckties.
Later in 113 AD, Roman orators wore “nerckerchiefs” to keep their vocal chords warm during all the talking they loved to do. Soldiers also wore them to signify belonging to a certain group.
The modern use of neckties started with the Croatians in the early 1600s. Mercenaries in the Croatian Military Frontier wore small, knotted “neckerchiefs” in the service of the French. This colorful silk fashion made Parisians jealous, and even “The Sun King” Louis XIV jumped on the trend. French courtiers and military copied the Croatian style, but with a little more flair. They used lace, silk, muslin, or taffeta to look extra fancy.
The Crowd Goes Wild
The 17th and 18th centuries were filled with necktie devotion. Known as “cravats,” paintings often depicted the elegant, embroidered fashion on generals, politicians, and aristocrats all across Europe.
Things toned down a bit before the 19th century, when working class Englishmen (and Americans) began to tie bandannas around their necks for practical, work-related reasons. For example, cowboys would use them to keep dust out of their face. The industrial revolution made more men prefer neck fashion that was easy to knot, didn’t come undone, and wasn’t a mess of lace. Throughout the early 1900s, innovating knots and neckwear sparked ascots, bow ties, and eventually the long tie.
Modern Times
In the 1920s, French fashion designers innovated the “designer tie,” which was made from expensive fabrics and decorated with textile patterns. And in 1936, the Duke of Windsor invented the Windsor knot, which we still use today.
By the 50’s, ties became thinner and less decorative. They still symbolized status and represented a way to “gussy up” menswear. Everyone from Ronald Reagan to Elvis utilized the style, which evolved according to the era.
But why do we wear them for business? As office workers increased in the 20th century, it was believed that wearing neckties improved morale (and sales!). But this perspective has shifted culturally. In the 80s, ties were all of the rage. But in the tech boom of the 90s, more casual attire was popularized. The perspective now? Depends on your boss.
Whether they are narrow, thick, patterned, or clipped on, ties still represent a way to say “look at me, I am part of a select group!” Judging by their long history, ties aren’t going anywhere soon. You may as well finally learn how to tie a Windsor knot.
Question: When was the last time you wore a necktie?
