Neckties Through the Ages | Determining a First Class Tie

Updated February 21, 2017 | Factmonster Staff

2,000 Years of the Necktie
Determining a First Class Tie

by David Johnson

NECKTIES
THROUGH THE AGES
 
Introduction

210 B.C.
China's First Emperor

113 A.D.
Did Romans Wear Ties?

17th Century
Croatian Cravats for the King of France

Cravats Go to England

Real Men Wear Lace

18th Century
Cowboy Bandannas from India

Sailing the Seven Seas

19th Century
Business Suit Takes Shape

Cambridge & Oxford School Ties

Ties Fit for Officers and Gentlemen

Bow Ties Center Stage

A Tie Singing Dixie

Lord Byron's Legacy

Women Tie the Knot, Too!

20th Century
Paris Presents Designer Ties

Celebrities & Rock Stars

Ascots Cross Finish Line

Bolo: The Tie That Won the West

Turtleneck: The Anti-Tie

 
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In the 19th century, silk ties were made of a single piece of silk and folded seven ways to provide thickness. Today, ties are made of three individual pieces of the same material and derive their thickness from an inner lining. The higher the wool content, the better the tie.
Another clue to a high-class tie is to turn it over and examine the back. A stitch adjoining the two sides of the inverted "v" should be visible. Called the bar tack, this helps maintain the tie's shape.

In addition, if you open the back of the tie up as far as possible, a loose black thread should be visible. This is called the slip stitch. The tie moves along this thread while retaining its shape when it is wrapped around your neck. If you pull on the slip stitch, the tie should gather. This is the mark of a handmade, quality tie.



RELATED LINKS

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A First Class Tie

Care for Your Tie


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