How to wear a tie

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How to wear a tie

The tie, far from being a trivial accessory, was originally designed to provide warmth, insulate the body through the neck, and conceal the unsightly buttons of a shirt.

Today, more a visual habit than a functional necessity, the tie stands as a status symbol. Wearing a tie signals effort, attention to detail, and a genuine enjoyment of dressing well, especially considering it’s often the first thing one removes.

While no longer essential, the tie expresses a desire to stand out, particularlsy during moments that matter. Whether at a wedding, a funeral, a ceremony, or an important event, wearing a tie is a way of showing respect for the occasion.

For formal events, opt for more refined ties, such as those in silk jacquard or cool wool.

For a more modern or casual look, knit, linen, or cotton options are ideal.

The knit tie

At the dawn of the First World War, silk became scarce, leading to the rise of wool-knit ties. After the Second World War, manufacturers returned to weaving ties, wider ones this time, as rationing came to an end. By the mid-1950s, knitting made a comeback, championed by The Beatles: a 1964 group photo from their first visit to the U.S. shows them arriving at the airport, all wearing slim knit ties. Hollywood quickly took notice: the eye may glide over a traditional silk tie, but it catches on texture. Sean Connery wears one in Goldfinger, and Dustin Hoffman in The Graduate (1967). The 1970s cemented the knit tie’s status, today, it remains a staple of the modern man's wardrobe.

THE “MADDER” SILK TIE

The term “Madder” comes from the natural dyeing and printing process historically used on the silk of these ties. Favored by English tie-makers, this method involved natural dyes like madder root, a plant, and could combine treatments to give the silk not only a soft sheen but also body and texture.

Originally, it referred to a dyed and finished woven silk, specially treated to achieve a velvety touch, intended specifically for crafting “madder” ties. Today, modern dyes can replicate this unique finish: a matte, subdued look that softens printed or woven patterns, making this type of tie a perfect blend of refined sophistication and understatement.

THE GRENADINE SILK TIE

This silk, named after its place of origin, Granada, s made by weaving an over-twisted, round silk thread. Organza (or “organsin”) is the highest quality silk thread. Its “closed” appearance enhances the taffeta or faille effect, giving the fabric crispness and structure. It is also highly resistant to abrasion.

Italian merchants were particularly fond of grenadine silk. Exported to Valencia in the early 15th century, it was sold there to Florentine merchant companies who redistributed it to Flanders, Montpellier, Bologna, and Venice. Italian republics also kept some for their own use, especially in Genoa, where silk was spun and woven.