Necktie

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A necktie with a tie clasp of Tokushimakita Senior High School

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Man's tailcoat detail with stock and beaver top hat

Mathew Brady 1875 cropped

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Tie collection

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Krawaty

HH Polizeihauptmeister MZ

Necktie, often simply referred to as a tie, is a long piece of cloth worn for decorative purposes around the neck, resting under the shirt collar and knotted at the throat. Varieties include the bow tie, ascot tie, bolo tie, and the cravat. The modern necktie, ascot, and bow tie are descended from the cravat. Neckties are generally unsized, but may be available in a longer size for taller men. The modern necktie, ascot, and bow tie are descended from the cravat.

History

Neckties trace back to the 17th century, during the 30 Years' War in France, where King Louis XIII hired Croatian mercenaries who wore a piece of cloth around their neck as part of their uniform. Impressed by this, the king made these neckpieces a mandatory accessory for Royal gatherings, and named them "La Cravate" in honor of the Croats. Over time, the cravat evolved into the necktie and bow tie, becoming a critical component of men's fashion.

Types of Neckties

There are several types of neckties, each with its unique style and occasion for wear:

• Four-in-hand tie: The most common type of necktie.
• Seven-fold tie: A more luxurious version, made of a square yard of silk folded seven times.
• Skinny tie: A narrow version of the four-in-hand tie.
• Bow tie: A type of necktie that consists of a ribbon of fabric tied around the collar in a symmetrical manner so that the two opposite ends form loops.
• Ascot tie: A narrow neckband with wide pointed wings, traditionally made of pale grey patterned silk.
• Bolo tie: Also known as a shoestring necktie, it consists of a piece of cord or braided leather with decorative metal tips secured with an ornamental clasp or slide.

Wearing and Tying a Necktie

The process of tying a necktie can vary depending on the type of tie and the desired knot. The most common knots include the Four-in-hand knot, the Windsor knot, and the Half-Windsor knot. Each knot varies in complexity and appropriateness for different occasions.

Cultural Significance

Neckties have been symbols of professionalism, status, and conformity in various cultures. In the professional world, wearing a necktie is often associated with being dressed for formal occasions, job interviews, and workplace settings. However, the cultural significance of neckties can vary greatly across different countries and cultures.

Controversies and Criticisms

The necktie has faced criticism for being an impractical accessory that can be uncomfortable and is seen by some as a symbol of submission to societal norms and corporate culture. Additionally, there have been debates about the health implications of wearing neckties too tightly, as it can potentially reduce blood flow to the brain.

In Popular Culture

Neckties have made numerous appearances in popular culture, often used as symbols to denote a character's professionalism, social status, or fashion sense. They have been featured in films, literature, and television shows, and have been the subject of various fashion trends over the years.

See Also

• Fashion accessory
• Men's fashion
• Dress code
• Tie clip