subject: Why You Should Own A Silk Tie [print this page] The way in which men and women dress makes a statement about who they are. It shows their social standing and their personal taste. In men's fashion, neck ties have always been an indicator of both personal taste and social class. In the 16th and early17th centuries, men of wealth and high social standing often wore lace at their throats. At that time, lace was handmade and very expensive and exclusive. Today, silk ties have the same cache.
It is important for a gentleman to chose a silk necktie carefully. The tie should coordinate with the rest of his wardrobe. A classic dress shirt in a muted color can be enhanced by the right tie. Ties can bring color to an otherwise bland palette. During most of the 19th and the 20th centuries, men's fashions have largely been limited to dark colors with little pattern. The neck tie has been the one clothing item that allowed a man to express himself through fashion.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, men's fashion were far different. Silks, velvets, damasks and laces were used generously by the upper class gentlemen in England and Europe. Men wore a great deal of jewelry and bright colors in their jackets and waistcoats. The wars and political strife of the regency period brought a more restrained approach to fashion, dark colors and smooth fabrics like broadcloth took center stage.
Times of economic prosperity in the intervening decades, notably the 1920s and 1960s, have temporarily brought back more color and texture but for the most part men's fashion has remained conservative except for the necktie.
The modern necktie, introduced in the 1920's often uses silk. Silk takes well to the bias cut used in ties. Silk can be hand painted to create one of a kind patterns. It's a durable fabric that can last for years with proper cleaning. It has a natural sheen and drape that is unmistakeable. Although synthetic fabrics have tried to imitate silk, none has the look and feel of real silk.
There are many kinds of silk ties available on today's market. Silk is woven in different textures so solid colored ties may have a woven pattern or a nubby texture. More colorful ties may have stripes, geometric or floral patterns. There are also novelty ties which feature symbols of a man's favorite sport, cartoon characters, even superheros. While the patterns on the ties express a gentleman's personality, the silk is an indicator of his good taste.
Any man who takes pride in his appearance should own at least one or two silk neckties. Even if his occupation doesn't require him to wear a tie, nothing complements a handsome suit like a coordinating silk tie.
