Sometime back I was gifted a “Tie” (often called as “Necktie” too) by one of my close relatives who incidentally is a successful academician and retired Director of a well-known IIT (Indian Institute of Technology). It was Orange in color with print and marked as the National University of Singapore. Probably, this is one of the few gifts that I never qualify to receive from any quarter. Gifting a “Tie” was a popular tradition among the elite class of British people. It was his experience in study, work, and staying abroad that prompted him to show such gesture to greet a lesser qualified person like me to treat with a magnificent “Tie”. The impact was enough to remind me of the history of a “Necktie”, which is longer than its length.
Most sartorialists agree that the necktie originated in the 17th century, during the 30 long year war in France. King Louis XIII hired Croatian mercenaries who used to wear a piece of cloth around their neck as part of their uniform. While these early neckties did serve a purpose, they also had quite a decorative effect – a look that King Louis was quite fond of. He liked it so much that he made these ties a mandatory accessory for Royal gatherings. Further to honor the Croatian soldiers, he gave this clothing piece the name “La Cravate” – the name for necktie in French.
In modern times, “Necktie” saw a series of revolutions in design and has become a style statement along with an integral part of any formal dress. This is the uniqueness of a necktie that it traverses in both the sphere of professionalism and casual attire. With improvisation in width, cuts, patterns, and fabric, a necktie is still being regarded as a symbol of smartness and intelligence.
A Tie is adored due to its style of knot. The Windsor Knot is the most popular and widely used by men across the World. It gives a compact look with a degree of soberness and smartness.
Lastly, a note on the color code of Neckties! Red, Blue, Yellow, Green solid colors do have a distinct meaning in the entire episode. For example, an orange Necktie implies that you are enthusiastic, open-minded, and adventurous. A tie is here for making a memorable first impression and creating a sense of excitement within the workplace. Best of luck to myself with a pat on my shoulder in justifying this heavyweight “Tie” whenever I wear it.