The neck tie is the most recognizable piece of attire in the Western world, but only a few people know its origin. For years it evolved from a cloth of honor meant for soldiers buried with their king to an item displaying a man’s social status among the working class in contemporary society. You can set yourself apart from anyone around you by knowing this bit of history. You can also use it to enlighten others.
It is important to note that though popular in the Western World, the neck tie has its origins in East Asia under Qin Shih Huang, China’s first emperor.
The emperor wanted protection even after he died.
The Chinese believed in life after death, and as such, Emperor Qin Shih Huang found it necessary to surround himself with his soldiers after he died. He wanted them to protect him from any enemies he might face in the next world. He had an army of stone made for him before his death in 210 BC. The soldiers in this stone army had a cloth around their necks. It was a symbol of honor differentiating them from sculptures or statutes of any other soldiers in China. Soon this symbol of military honor found its way to the mighty Roman Empire. Here, thousands of soldiers depicted in a marble column erected in honor of Emperor Trajan had stylized cloths around their necks. Rome erected this monument in 113 AD. Soon afterwards, the neck-wear found its way to Croatia then France.
The necktie gains style and status in France
When you buy tie in Canada, it is because it makes you look presentable before your boss, colleagues or friends. The tie gained this special status in France while under the rule of King Louis XIII.However, it is important to note that Croatians introduced neck-wear to France before the French made it acceptable on the world stage. Croatia, ruled by Rome in the ancient past as the Dalmatia and Pannonia provinces, brought soldiers to support France during the Thirty Years War in the 1600's. These soldiers wore knotted and colorful neckties that pleased the French so they took it up as fashionable wear. Soon after these encounters with Croatian soldiers, most of the French military personnel and courtiers were wearing colorful neck-wear.
The tie makes its way to England and then the world
Charles II was to become King of the UK after his father’s execution in 1649, but he had to flee England to save his life. He lived in France among other nations of Europe for nine years during his exile. When he regained the throne in 1660, he brought the fashionable neck-wear to England and the English also adopted it as an item of status. Other prominent rulers of Europe such as Napoleon Bonaparte also adorned it giving the neck-wear an increased level of status throughout Europe. Therefore, when you buy tie, remember that kings and emperors once wore them.
The French word for this type of cloth i.e. cravat, a corruption of the word 'Croat’ grew out of style. The word tie became common among the people and during the industrial revolution, the shape and size of these ties changed dramatically. People wanted more practical neck-wear i.e. less cloth than that worn by kings and courtiers. They also wanted an easier way of tying it around their necks. In the 1920's, Jesses Langsdorf, developed a 3-piece tie construction by cutting the fabric he used to make at 45 degrees. This model is the one most people use today.
Thank you for using the Fashion Industry Network. Have you helped another member today? Answer questions in the forum. It brings good luck.