A brief history of the Bow Tie, from early origins to the the moden men's fashion accessory we know and love today.

1. The bow tie
How this men’s fashion
accessory came to be
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2. Origins
The modern day bow tie has a
very rich past, and has changed
throughout history as it
transformed into the accessory
we know and love today.
The earliest form of the modern
bow tie is known as a “cravat”
which is a neckband that
originated in the 16th century
through the Croatian
mercenaries. It is speculated
that cravats were worn to hide
unclean shirts.
This image is the earliest portrait with
a cravat, dating back to 1622.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:De_Gondola.jpg

3. The term cravat derives from
the French word cravate,
which is actually a corrupt
French pronunciation of Croate
(from the Croatian military).
Its early stages began as a
scarves knotted at the neck,
however as different cultures
began to adopt the fashion
accessory it changed slightly in
terms of fabrics, knots and
when worn.
This image is of French King
Louis XIV wearing an early
cravat in 1667.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Louis1667.jpg

4. Progression
During the wars of Louis XIV of 1689-1697,
the flowing cravat had been modified
with the more current “Steinkirk” named
after the Battle of Steenkerque in 1692.
The new form was a longer narrow,
trimmed neck cloth worn with military
dress.
It was commonly worn with a loose knot,
wrapped once around the neck. Popular
until the 1720’s and often had laced
fringe, and was commonly tucked into
the coat or waistcoat.
Around the 18th century the maccaronis1
reintroduced the flowing cravat, and the
way in which it is worn and tied was more
characteristic of personal style.
From this point in history the cravat began
being referred to as a tie, launching the
path to the modern bow tie.
Image from the 1818 Neckclothitania,
satirizing cravat knots.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Neckclothitania-1818.gif
1 A Maccaroni is from mid 18th century England,
are were fashionable men who dressed and
spoke outlandishly.

5. Modern Bow Tie
Traditional modern bow ties vary
in color, fabrics, length and style.
Most common sizes vary
between around 14 & 20 inches,
and are frequently made from
silk, polyester, cotton or a mixture
of fabrics.
Generally, fixed length ties are
worn with formal wing-collar
shirts, while adjustable length are
worn more with formal lie down
collar shirts (to hide the buckle or
clasp).
Image from S. Benson & Co.

6. S. Benson & Co. Bow Ties

7. We our Bow Ties

8. Visit us for More!
We are always getting new styles,
fabrics and patterns in to keep
things fresh. Come in to the store
to see what we have in stock.
From bow ties to standard ties we
will have what you need!
5617 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95819
TEL: 916.452.4588
www.sbensonandco.com

9. Resources
www.sbensonandco.com
http://kingpinchic.com/2011/09/07/gentlemen%E2%80%99s-cravats-the-bow-tie-a-brief-history/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bow_tie
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cravat
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maccaroni_(fashion)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wikiFile:Neckclothitania-1818.gif
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Louis1667.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:De_Gondola.jpg
www.arabiaweddings.com
www.iloveswmag.com