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Writer's pictureAakanksha Bajpai

Mastering Men's Neckwear: A Guide to Different Types of Ties

Updated: Sep 20, 2023



Ties are a basic part of a man’s accessories. Any man attending a formal event makes sure to add a tie as part of his attire. Although the question of what type of tie, according to what kind of event, is always a question

Yes, we know that even though many think that ties are all the same, this is not actually correct. There are different types of ties available on the market that can be worn according to the event. Different types of ties are made in order to make sure that a man’s accessory game is top-notch and that he feels confident and glamorous in them.

To find out the various types of ties a man can have in his closet, read further:


Four-in-hand necktie (classic)


The type of tie you generally see every man wear to any formal event or any office where it is necessary to be in formal attire is the staple four-in-hand necktie. This one is considered most appropriate for any kind of formal event and is very easily available in any market. It is also the one tie that almost every guy has and will not part with.

The four-in-hand tie knot is the most typical and straightforward tie knot that men typically use because it is based on the idea that anyone making a simple tie knot would be using the most widely used and accessible four-in-hand necktie. This type of tie is not costly, easily available with basic and simple patterns on it, and is best for your office or a normal formal business event.


The Sevenfold Tie


This one is of a little higher cost, as it is made from a square yard of silk that is folded seven times. The breeding of the tie is inside, and it doesn’t have a lining, as the rich fabric of this tie is folded seven times to make the shape. The principles of origami are used to make sure that the shape of the tie comes out nice and clean.

The tie is thick, which helps in forming a really nice knot. However, due to the sevenfold, the tie takes effort and time to make, which is then reflected in the cost.


Skinny Necktie


A cousin of the four-in-hand tie is currently trending in the industry. If you are wondering how, then let us remind you that every now and then you will see this tie attending an event where you went in a casual shirt. For our Indian readers, let us remind you that the tie that Ranbir Kapoor wore in the song ‘badtameez dil’, was a skinny tie.

The fact is that these ties garnered interest in the fashion world when ‘The Beatles' wore them on stage. And why not? They look elegant, sharp, stylish, and edgy, perfect for your night out with the gang in town.


Bowtie


Bowties are cool! (Whovians know what I am talking about.) Bowties are a fun alternative to your everyday ties and are considered a must-have when it comes to formal events. They are perfect to be paired with a seersucker suit. Of course, bowties are something that not every man can sport.

However, bowties can be used in a variety of settings, be it a cocktail party or even everyday wear. They are pretty smaller than the everyday necktie and are usually worn with tuxedos. Also, one can always rely on a bowtie to make them look cool, as they are the one accessory in men’s fashion wear that never goes out of style.


Western Bowtie


A variation of bowties, western bowties are considered a little more casual than normal bowties. At times, these are also called string ties or cowboy ties and are mostly used as casual outfits.


Bolo Tie


We know that you are now confusing Bolo ties with Western bowties. Although these are completely different and are groovy pieces of men’s jewelry, Bolo ties have recently made a comeback and were mostly worn by baby boomers back in the day. Bolo ties became popular in the 1970s and have now become a fashion statement.

This type of tie is mostly made of a piece of cord or braided leather with metal tips at both ends, along with a metal or plastic clasp that secures the tie. One can also find a Bolo tie with luxury clasps and pins. These ties are, of course, considered casual and are worn when someone wants to make an appearance at an event.


Cravat


A cravat is considered an ancestor of a normal necktie and was inherited from the military. However, a cravat is a little more than a tie and covers the entire neck. It is kind of a scarf worn with an open-style shirt where there is no first button. The cravat is pinned rather than knotted.

A cravat is considered the epitome of class, and the scarves used are of the highest quality, with classy prints that are generally used for very formal events. This style is sure to get your attention at any event that you attend.


Neckerchief


Yes, you have guessed it right: neckerchiefs are considered a close cousin of a cravat but are used for casual events. These are sometimes also called sailor ties. They are very basic in nature, and any nice and stylish long handkerchief or scarf can be used. One can, of course, experiment with the knots in a neckerchief.

To tie a neckerchief, get your choice of scarf or handkerchief, fold it diagonally, and then tie it using a sailor knot. However, the neckerchief gained the interest of the masses when it was used as part of the uniform of the Boy Scouts.


Kipper Tie


Hailing from the fashion streets of Britain, a Kipper tie has a distinctive width that sets it apart from the rest. It is unique and poignant, and it is generally credited with bold colors and over-the-top designs. They became fashionable around World War II and were considered a statement against austerity measurements used during the war.


Clip-on tie


These forms of ties can be a necktie or a bowtie, which can be pre-tied and just have a hook or a clip that can be attached to your shirt collar.


Conclusion

With ever-evolving fashion, accessories keep changing, coming, and disappearing from recent trends. Although one of the men’s accessories that is always considered in fashion is a tie, one can always find at least two to three ties in any man’s closet.

However, there are a variety of kinds of ties that a man can make sure to wear during different events and make sure that he looks elegant and poignant. With the above-given knowledge of the variety of ties, you can make sure that you look stylish and trendy in your tie.




Written by: Aakanksha Bajpai

Edited by: Aniket Joshi

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