Gentlemens Ties Through The Years
Neckties have been a staple in menswear fashion for decades, usually worn with formal shirts and suits.
Over the years, they have evolved in style, fabrics, patterns, taper and blade width. They usually mirror the width of suit lapels of the same period. I will concentrate on ties from the 1930s to the 1980s for this particular blog. Let's look at the history and trends that shaped men's neckwear during this period.
1930s-1940s: The Rise Of Wide Ties
In the 1930s, men's neckwear saw a shift towards wider styles, with bold patterns and vibrant colours gaining in popularity. Wide ties symbolised sophistication and elegance, often worn with double-breasted suits for a polished look.
The Americans favoured bold placement patterns which were adopted in the UK towards the latter end of the decade. Early UK examples were unlined and almost always handmade from pure silk until rayon took it's place to meet post-war demand.
They were shorter than average with a standard length between 50-53" tip to tip. The blade width was usually 4-41/2".
They should sit above your waistband using the four-in-hand method which took it's name from the four-horse carriage. Carriage drivers knotted their reins in a similar way to ensure their four horses remained in hand. Later, the four-in-hand knot lent its name to a prestigious London gentleman's club who began wearing their neckties in this style. They were nicknamed belly warmers. The bulkier Windsor knot would not leave a lot of length on a shorter swing tie.
1950s: Transition Period
The 1950s were a time of post-war prosperity and optimism, and this was reflected in men's fashion. The rise of Hollywood stars and television icons also played a significant role in shaping men's tie fashion. Icons like Frank Sinatra and Cary Grant popularised certain tie styles, influencing men's fashion choices across the country.
More fabrics were developed during the war years which made their way into mainstream fashion. This included synthetics.
The length of ties was similar but they were becoming narrower. 50-52" long, by the mid-fifties 3" was a common width gradually decreasing to 2" by the close of the decade.
1960s: The Classic Skinny Tie
The skinny tie emerged as a popular choice among men. These sleek and narrow ties were often worn with tailored suits, reflecting a more streamlined and modern aesthetic. The skinny tie became a timeless accessory that transcended fashion trends. They were pointed like a classic blade shape or squared off sometimes with a narrow fringe. They became known as Slim Jims, a narrow necktie, favoured by the Teddy Boy British subculture.
By the mid-'60s the blade was only 1-2" and the ties were 50-52" long.
1970s: Widespread Kipper Ties
The seventies went to the other extreme with ties getting wider and bolder again to reflect the huge dagger collars and wide lapels. It's clear to see where the nickname kipper came from if you imagine a big fat fish draped down from the neck!
The decade brought a wave of experimentation with bold patterns and psychedelic designs in paisley, floral, and geometrics. Woven checks in browns with orange or emerald green, yellow, navy and red were common. Also jacquard brocade type patterns. Others had novelty designs such as penny farthings, Edwardian ladies or psychedelic florals. Varied in pattern but all bold and oversized to sit alongside the vibrant and eclectic fashion of the era.
Some guys loved their ties so much they wore them with matching shirts!
1980s: Dress For Success
In the 1980s, power dressing was at its peak, and wide blade ties once again became a symbol of authority and success. Horizontal stripes, solid colours, and textured fabrics dominated men's neckwear, complementing the structured androgynous silhouettes that broad-shouldered suits created. The wide tie was a key accessory in the corporate world, exuding confidence and professionalism.
At the other end of the spectrum others used ties to mock the yuppie culture and add an element of 'fun' to a serious meeting. Herald the rise of daft novelty ties depicting cartoon characters and other wacky imagery.
At the same time, the skinny tie that was first introduced in the late 1950s saw a rebirth with bands like Madness and the Blues Brothers who made the ultra skinny black leather tie unforgettable.
A standard tie length today is 57-58". Some stores will also stock an extra-long tie 63" for tall gentlemen or those with a wider than average girth.
All Tied Up
From the wide ties of the 1930s to the skinny ties of the 1960s and the bold patterns of the 1970s, men's neckties have evolved in style and design over the decades. Whether making a fashion statement or completing a formal look, the enduring appeal of this classic accessory is clear to see.
The old ones are the best and that's exactly why we look to the past for our own collection of 1940s style ties. Check out the Socialite replica pure silk swing ties we have in four great designs.