Tying It All Together: The History and Art of the Necktie

The tie as an accessory has deep historical roots. Early prototypes of the tie appeared in ancient China, where soldiers wore silk scarves as a symbol of their status. However, the modern tie dates back to the 17th century, during the Thirty Years’ War, when Croatian mercenaries wore decorative scarves around their necks. The French, inspired by this element of dress, adapted it to their style and called it cravate, derived from the word “Croat”.

In the 19th century the necktie got its modern shape. The rectangular shape with a knot became popular thanks to industrialisation: a practical and versatile accessory, perfectly suited to the emerging business style. Today, the tie is an essential part of a man’s wardrobe and an important tool for self-expression.

Sevenfold Tie

The sevenfold tie is considered the epitome of classic elegance and luxury. Its defining feature is that it is made from a single piece of silk folded seven times, without any lining. This process makes the tie thicker, more durable, and allows for a fuller, more expressive knot. These ties boast a rich texture and are ideal for formal occasions.

Four-in-Hand Tie

The most common type of tie, suitable for everyday wear. It includes a lining, which makes it comfortable to wear and versatile for tying different knots.

Knitted Tie

Knitted ties are the choice for informal occasions. Their texture adds originality to an outfit and the lack of lining makes them light and easy to wear.

• Avoid purchasing tie sets that include a pocket square.

• Do not buy black ties unless required by a strict dress code.

• Thin ties are outdated and can detract from the appearance of even the finest suit from Savile Row.

• If you want to add formality to your outfit, a tie is an excellent choice.

• Always choose high-quality ties made from natural materials.

• After each use, untie your tie and roll it gently to maintain its shape.

• Never wear a tie with jeans.

1. The Most Expensive Tie in the World: The Indian company Satya Paul created a tie worth $220,000. It is adorned with diamonds and gold, emphasizing the exclusivity of the accessory.

2. Tie Knots: There are over 177 ways to tie a necktie, but the most popular remains the “Windsor.” It was named after the Duke of Windsor, known for his elegant style.

3. A Record-Breaking Tie: The longest necktie in the world was made in Croatia, measuring 808 meters. It symbolized the accessory’s historical connection to its Croatian origins.

4. The Back Loop: A classic tie always has a “keeper loop” on the back to hold the narrow end in place. This invention, dating back to the early 20th century, ensures a neat appearance.

5. The Tie as a Gift: The tie is considered a universal gift. However, in some cultures, like in China, ties are given only on special occasions, as they symbolize luck and success.

Anton’s approach to ties is to emphasise their value in creating a polished and refined look for important meetings or events, a feature he has used on numerous occasions. However, he prefers to avoid black or red ties in his wardrobe.

Although Anton rarely incorporates ties into his everyday attire, he views them as an exceptional accessory with a rich historical background. He emphasises the importance of choosing the right tie to complement an outfit and enhance personal style, underlining the respect and consideration this classic item deserves.