Celebrate Tie Month And Its History

December is not all Christmas! December is also the Tie Month! Why would neckties or ties be so important? Historically and culturally, men in a suit and tie are noble, dependable, and trustworthy society members.

 

Historians believe that the ties originated in the 17th century through King Louis XIII of France. Accounts say that during the 30-year war, the king hired Croatian soldiers who wore a piece of cloth around their necks.

 

King Louis fell in love with the piece of cloth and made wearing ties as a customary accessory during Royal gatherings. The tie was named "La Cravate," in honor of the Croatian mercenaries. Years later, the French Steinkirk gained prominence as a looser version of the cravat, which most people regarded as more practical.

 

For years, ties were not a simple piece of clothing but a symbol of man's honor and identity. Touching one's neckwear is already grounds for a duel to the death.

 

In 1800, the word tie replaced its older name cravat and "ascot" popularized by King Edward VII. Aside from the cloth design and materials used, tie knots also developed over the years.

 

A Frenchman Stefano Demarelli offered steep prices for a six-hour knotting class with valets. There is a whole new world all about ties and how to do the perfect knot. In 1827, the bestselling book L’Art de Se Mettre la Cravate demonstrated 32 different knot techniques, which some of it are still unknowingly used today.

 

Tie designs evolved through the years; the Langsdorf Necktie, Windsor knot by the Duke of Windsor, the "Belly Warmer" in the 1940s, the super-wide ties in the 40s, and the skinny tie of the 50s, to name a few. One of the most recent developments of the ties was the invention of the Bolo tie by Victor Emmanuel Cedarstaff in the 1940s. The State of Arizona eventually made the bolo ties as official neckwear in 1971! 

 

Neckties are always part of a gentlemen’s expression of his artistic side, expressing patterns and varied designs. Different cultures made numerous innovations, both in the material and design over the years. But the primary purpose and symbol of the ties remain - "to knuckle down and focus on the job at hand."  

 

Now that you know the basics of ties, you might want to join the Tie month's celebration in December each year by wearing a tie that reflects your identity. If you only have a handful of ties, you might want to visit tiesncuffs.com.au for design ideas or if you are going to have it custom made!

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