THE NECKTIE
HISTORY OF THE NECKTIE
The first real prototype of the modern necktie is to be found in eighteenth-century America. It was called the bandana and was a large, patterned cloth wrapped several times around the neck and tied with a bow. Bandanas were popularised by the American boxer James Belcher.
THE NECKTIE IN THE 19TH CENTURY
In early nineteenth century England an entirely new mode was introduced by George Brian Brummell. A legendary dandy and style setter, he condemned all exaggerated fashions and pronounced that gentleman’s clothing should never be conspicuous or over-elaborate.
He created a look consisting of blue tailcoat, beige vest and trousers, black boots and a dazzlingly white cravat (a short, wide strip of fabric worn by men round the neck and tucked inside an open necked shirt). If he was not pleased with knot he had just tied, he would take a fresh cravat and repeat the process, continuing until he was satisfied. It could take a long time and his stocks of linen cravats, like his laundry bills were enormous. The modern necktie does not call for this kind of thing.
The immediate forerunners of todays necktie were the first school and club ties. In 1880 the members of the Exeter college, Oxford, tied the bands of their straw hats around their neck with a simple knot, thus inventing the first club tie.
The modern necktie has existed in its present form since 1924, although neckties that look quite modern are featured in photographs predating the First World War.
The modern necktie is usually regarded as formal wear, but that does not mean it cannot be fashionable. Television presenters and other men in the public eye often set the scene for what is regarded as fashionable in necktie wear. Politicians however tend to be more conservative in their choices of necktie, the better to suit the seriousness of their offices.
