The tie as we know it today has a fascinating and complex history that dates back to the 17th century. Although its origin is occasionally debated by historians and fashion experts, the most plausible origin dates back to the Croatian soldiers of the Thirty Years' War (1618—1648).

The origin of the Thirty Years' War

During the Thirty Years' War, Croatian horsemen were recruited as mercenaries by France's King Louis XIII. These soldiers, known for their courage and fighting prowess, wore colorful pieces of silk or simple materials around their necks. Originally, this decorative scarf was intended to distinguish friend from foe on the battlefield. Officers wore elegant versions of fine silk, while ordinary soldiers had to resort to more robust fabrics.

When the young King Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King, saw the Croatian horsemen in person in a parade, he noticed their unusual necklace. Impressed by the style, he adopted it and made it socially acceptable at the French court. The tie, derived from the French word “cravate” — an allusion to the Croatian word “croat” — was born. It quickly became a status symbol in the aristocratic circles of Europe.

The evolution of a modern tie

The early versions of the tie were very different from what we know today. They were more like artfully tied neck loops, the ends of which hung down loosely. The current form of the tie began to develop in England in the 19th century. It was there that the so-called “four-in-hand” tie was created, named after a special cavalry rein technique in which a rider could guide four horses with one hand. This longer and easier to tie version quickly became popular and laid the foundation for the modern tie.

Myth and legends

While Croatian horsemen are considered the likely origin of the tie, there are alternative theories. Some historians claim that artfully bound scarves were worn by French and German nobles even before the Thirty Years' War. These ruffle collars and bows could be considered early precursors to the tie. Nevertheless, the connection to Croatia and the mercenaries of the Thirty Years' War is the most widespread and accepted theory.

How Jesse Langsdorf reinvented the tie

The 1920s were an era of change — not only in art, music and society, but also in fashion. One of the biggest game changers in the world of menswear was New York tailor Jesse Langsdorf. His revolutionary approach was not to process the fabric parallel to the weaving direction, but to cut it diagonally. This seemingly small change had a huge effect on the quality and durability of the tie.

The diagonal cut made the silk fabric more elastic and was able to better absorb the tension caused by binding and loosening. The material fell more elegantly and smoothly, the knot appeared softer and the tie stayed in shape longer. The new technology not only made ties more durable, but also made them look better, as wrinkles and deformations were significantly reduced.

Technically speaking, the tie fabric, along with the insert and lining, is cut at a 45 degree angle. As a result, striped patterns appear diagonally on many ties — a feature that results from this special processing technique.

Langsdorf's method quickly caught on and became the standard in tie production. Almost every high-quality tie is still based on this principle today. His innovation has permanently changed the way ties are worn and perceived and has written a piece of fashion history.

From battle to office

The tie has undergone an impressive development since its invention. From decorative neckerchiefs made by Croatian soldiers to elegant accessories from European aristocratic houses to modern business ties — this small piece of fabric has become a global symbol of style, elegance and professionalism.
Today, the tie is not only a fashion statement, but also a piece of living history that testifies to the connection between war, fashion and culture. Whether classically tied or creatively styled — the tie remains a timeless companion that combines tradition and modernity.

The art of the sevenfold tie — craftsmanship for the connoisseur

Among the ties, there is a rare masterpiece of tailoring: the sevenfold tie. Despite its name, the silk is not laid in seven folds, but artfully folded into six folds, which together make seven layers. This special workmanship gives it an unusual look and gives it the unique character that sets it apart from conventional ties.

What makes the sevenfold tie special is not only its exclusive design, but also the complex manufacturing process. It is made from a single square piece of silk whose diagonal determines the final length. Their production requires more than twice as much fine silk as a conventional tie, and the manufacturing process takes around three times as much time. Instead of being stabilized by a classic insert, it gets its shape simply from the artful folding. This is fixed on the back with a subtle seam so that the tie not only looks elegant, but also feels particularly supple and fits perfectly.

Since there is no additional insert and inner lining, the sevenfold tie looks particularly light and loose. Her case is soft and flowing, which reminds her of the traditional foulard in its aesthetics and wearing style — a fine silk scarf that is tied like a tie.

Due to the high workload and the use of valuable materials, the Sevenfold tie is one of the most exclusive accessories in men's fashion. It is unusual and appeals in particular to men who value quality, tradition and craftsmanship. Their higher price reflects the care and expertise that goes into their production. For the modern gentleman, it is a statement piece that underlines elegance, sense of style and a sense for exclusive details.

An essential element of classic menswear

In today's classic menswear, the tie is more than just an accessory — it is a symbol of style, elegance and professionalism. Although fashion trends are constantly changing, the tie remains a timeless companion that plays an indispensable role in numerous formal and semi-formal occasions. But why did it maintain that status?

1. The tie offers an expression of personality and style

The tie offers men the opportunity to add an individual touch to their outfit. Whether simple, patterned, made of silk or wool — the variety of colors, materials and designs makes the tie a personal means of expression. A classic suit is enhanced by the choice of tie and can be interpreted from serious to modern.

2. Symbol of formality and respect

For centuries, the tie has stood for seriousness and respect. In business environments or at official events, wearing a tie signals professionalism and a willingness to present yourself appropriately. It serves as a bridge between traditional etiquette and modern dress codes, making it an integral part of suit combinations.

3. Flexibility in various styles

The tie is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to different styles of clothing. From a traditional three-piece suit with a subtle silk tie to modern combinations with slim ties and sporty jackets, it fits both classic and contemporary looks. Even in loose business casual outfits, a casually tied tie can set accents.

4. Signs of tradition and timelessness

The tie represents a long tradition that is deeply rooted in the history of fashion. Especially in classic menswear, it stands for consistency and values. Anyone who wears a tie shows that they identify not only with fashion, but also with its cultural and historical heritage.

5. A status symbol

Especially in the business world, the tie is often perceived as a symbol of status and competence. High-quality materials and fine workmanship reflect taste and attention to detail. This makes the tie not only aesthetic, but also a statement that underlines self-confidence and sense of style.

What should be considered when wearing a tie

Choosing the right material is essential. A pure silk tie should not be missing in every man's wardrobe. Silk impresses with its elegant sheen, exquisite casings and a pleasant feel. On the other hand, ties made of viscose, blended fabrics or polyester are not recommended: Although they are less expensive, you can easily see their inferior appearance.

In addition to classic silk ties, models made of pure linen or a cotton-linen mix are also available for the warm summer months. In the colder season, on the other hand, ties made of wool, cashmere or a mix of both materials are a stylish yet warm alternative. Silk knit ties also add a certain elegance and warm structure to the winter look.

Playing with patterns

There is a proven style rule in men's fashion: no more than three patterns should be combined together. A polka dot binder with a striped shirt and a checkered jacket can either be a stylistic hit — or look completely out of place. If you want to move fashionably on safe terrain, you should therefore combine carefully. For official occasions as well as in a professional environment, simple, monochrome or subtly patterned ties — for example with fine stripes or subtle dots — are always the best and safe choice.

The ideal length of the tie

Tall men in particular know the problem: standard ties with a length of 155 to 165 cm are often too short, so they do not reach up to the waist even with a simple knot. Smaller men, on the other hand, face the opposite challenge — some models are simply too long for them. Therefore, there are two main factors to consider before buying: your own body size and the preferred type of knot. It is advisable to tie the tie as a test before purchasing, as the correct length is crucial for a harmonious overall picture. Ideally, the tip of the tie ends on the waistband.

The matching knot for the collar

The choice of knot shape should always be in harmony with the shirt collar. The farther the collar tips are apart, the more voluminous the knot can be. In addition, the nature of the material significantly influences the size of the knot: If the fabric is thick, even a simple knot can look bulky, while with thin material, a four-in-hand appears particularly slim and elegant. On the other hand, a fine, slightly textured fabric is ideal for the classic Windsor knot.

The right width

The width of a tie should also be carefully chosen. It should fit the body size, neck and face shape in proportion. Skinny men are visually overwhelmed by ties that are too wide, while a stocky man with an overly narrow tie looks slightly disadvantageous. Classic models are around seven to eight centimeters wide, while narrow variants are six centimeters wide. However, the assumption that a tie with oblique stripes visually stretch the figure and make it appear slimmer remains an unsubstantiated style rumor.

Workmanship — a sign of quality

A decisive aspect when choosing a high-quality tie is the processing of the longitudinal seam on the inside. Even if it was machine-made, it should still be flexible so that it reacts elastically to tensile force when tied and maintains its original shape.

To ensure that a tie retains its volume and strength, an insert is incorporated into its wide part. This also prevents the accessory from twisting while being worn. The outer fabric and inlay should be harmoniously coordinated — low-quality, thin silk combined with a voluminous inlay only seemingly impersonates quality.

Luxurious ties are characterized by a special interior finish: They are provided with a monochrome silk lining or, in the so-called Self-Tipped-Variant, lined with the same material from which the tie itself was made. The insert should be made of a soft, elastic fabric — ideally pure virgin wool. This gives the tie subtle padding, smoothes the silk fabric and ensures optimal binding and shape retention. High-quality models are also provided with an additional lining between silk fabric and inlay to ensure even better stability.

The right care

Even if things have to be done quickly in the morning, a tie knot should always be tied with care and consideration. This protects the material and ensures a flawless look. After wearing it, it is advisable to untie the knot so that the tissue can recover and the tie keeps its shape.

To avoid pressure points, it is recommended to roll up the tie instead of folding it. It is also advisable not to wear the same model every day — give your ties a break and switch regularly between different pieces. This will keep your collection in pristine condition for a long time and always ready for stylish appearances.

Fun Fact

No matter how you twist and turn it, tie and tie mean the same thing.

By the way: The small loop on the back is called Passantino. It is used to hide the narrow end of the tie behind the wide side.

conclusion

The tie is a timeless classic that is an integral part of menswear. It combines tradition with individuality and gives every outfit the finishing touch. Although the fashion world is constantly striving for innovation, the tie remains a symbol of style, professionalism and elegance — an accessory that has accompanied men for centuries and will not lose its significance in the future.

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