Neckties Through the Ages—Knotty Questions

Updated February 21, 2017 | Factmonster Staff

2,000 Years of the Necktie
Knotty Questions

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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Although contemporary ties come in all sorts of styles, there are relatively few knots in common use today. This is a far cry from Beau Brummell's day, when fashion manuals illustrated 32 ways to tie a cravat. In addition, gentlemen would often improvise their own knots.
The four-in-hand knot is the virtually standard in the United States. The more complex windsor (invented by the Duke of Windsor), and the half Windsor, are more popular in Europe and South America.

The knot should not be so large as to spread out the collar, nor should it be so tiny that it can hardly be seen.



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