Who Invented Neckties?

Neckties are one of those accessories that all of us wear but many of us have failed to truly discover its origins. Have you wondered who invented necktie? Have you asked yourself how this style trend evolved? Here’s the story of neckties.

The history of neckties dates back to the 17th century. During the Thirty Years’ War in France, King Louise XIII hired Croatian soldiers who wore a piece of cloth around their neck as part of their uniform. The King instantly liked this neckpiece and made these ties a mandatory accessory for Royal Gatherings. As the elite French monarchy was wearing them, it didn’t take long for the custom to spread across Europe.

Of course, with every passing year, the style and the design of ties has changed. In the 1920s, a tie maker from New York named Jesse Langsdorf patented a new way of cutting fabric on an angle and then sewing it in three segments to create Langsdorf Necktie. Even though the width and length has expanded and shrunken over the years, Langsdorf’s original design has remained the same even now. In the 1930s, the evolution of tie saw a notable development with the invention of the Windsor knot, created by the Duke of Windsor. The Duke chose an extra-wide knot and had ties specially made from a thicker cloth to achieve it.

In the 1980s, instead of embracing a definite style, tie makers created a myriad of different neck-wear styles. Additional lining and interlining to the interior of the tie have ensured that the tie lays flatter and neater against the chest. These ties were considerably easier to knot. Whilst tie styles have undergone stellar evolution over the years, the modern tie has remained almost untouched for 100 years. Today, ties are available in many fabrics, cuts, width, and patterns. It is all about the choice and allowing the man to express his own personal style.