National Tie Month is celebrated in December to honor the most integral part of a formal clothing ensemble — the tie. Neckties level up one’s sense of style and boost one’s confidence. Don’t you agree? Be it a job interview, a business meeting, a formal occasion (wedding or church day), or a uniform attire, ties fit perfectly into any dress code. Let’s celebrate the different versions of this knotty accessory, as we take delight in the festivities of the upcoming holidays.
History of National Tie Month
The story of the invention of ties can be traced back to the Thirty Years’ War in 17th century France. The credit for the earliest use of neckties should go to the Croatians, but it was the French who turned it into a fashion. During the war, King Louis XIV took a strong liking for the neckerchiefs worn by Croatian mercenaries, and named them ‘La Cravate’. Notably, there is also prior evidence of the existence of neckties in the tomb of Shih Huang Ti, China’s first emperor. Terracotta statues of Chinese soldiers from 221 B.C. wearing neck scarves hold proof of this.Over the years, cravats became a sign of nobility among the French and later evolved into other pieces of neckwear such as bandanas and scarves. It was only in 1840 that the term ‘cravat’ got replaced with ‘tie.’ The second decade of the 20th century marked a fall in the popularity of cravats, as men began favoring comfort over appearance, by inclining more toward casual attires.Neckties continued to evolve in style and design, leading to their modern form in the 1920s. In the post–World War II, hand-painted ties took over as the prevalent fashion trend and gave birth to flamboyant ties as wide as 5 inches. This was known as the Kipper tie and was much loved by folks who got bored with the super skinny size of ties. Yet again, the ’90s saw a shift in the design of ties, as men in power started sporting the casual look. Floral prints and pastel shades were a hit at the time. Interestingly, in 1998, Bill Clinton’s tie was in the news because it was gifted by his then-White House intern, Monica Lewinsky. Well, who knew an accessory as undemanding as a tie could have such an elaborate history?We are just glad that we have a whole month to celebrate and learn about this interesting piece of clothing.
National Tie Month timeline
The tradition of wearing neckties begins, during the Croatia War, where Croatian mercenaries wear neckerchiefs to tie the top of their jackets.
The scarf becomes known as the most popular neckwear, amid counterparts such as bandanas, cravats, and socks.
Jesse Langford patents the modern style of making ties, by cutting the fabric at an angle and sewing it into three segments.
As business tycoons like Steve Jobs and Bill Clinton bring the casual look into vogue, the market sees an influx of floral prints and paisleys in neckties.
National Tie Month FAQs
How do we recycle old ties?
You may use the fabric to sew pillow covers, car seat covers, shoelaces, belt sashes, and so on. For creative minds, this could be a unique material to make knotted necklaces. Think about it!
What’s the best thing about Tie Month?
Well, to each his own. While some of us like to dress up, it’s not a mandate. Our only advice to you would be not to get tied up by your insecurities and to let yourself evolve into your best self (just as ties).
How do I celebrate Tie Month with people who hate ties?
We suggest you celebrate the holidays with food and laughter, with or without ties.
When is Tie Day?
Bow Tie Day, a type of necktie, is celebrated on August 28.
How To Celebrate National Tie Month
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Learn or teach someone how to knot a tie
If you still fidget while tying the knot of your tie, it’s perhaps time you acquired this basic skill. If you are an expert, you can pass on your hack to your younger cousins or your little one.
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Get festive
Now, we know that you might have given ties to people as gifts on multiple occasions, but here’s the twist: In the National Tie Month, design festive ties (it could be themed per the festival) for your loved ones and make your holidays special.
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Recycle or donate old ties
Empty that drawer in your wardrobe stuffed with unused ties. But instead of simply throwing them away, you could donate them to the needy or recycle the fabric in pillow covers, shoelaces, wallets, etc.
5 Facts About Ties You Didn’t Know
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State tie
Arizona has an official state tie — it’s called the 'bolo tie' and it’s more like a braided cord with a decorative metal tip.
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Extravaganza!
The most expensive tie in the world is $220,000 — the Indian designer Satya Paul designed a tie with 150 grams of gold and 271 diamonds.
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Widest tie
Skinny ties are in trend today, but it was quite the opposite in the 1950s — men in those times preferred neckties as wide as five inches.
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Don’t touch
There was a time in history when touching someone’s tie could provoke a duel.
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Safety first
There’s an exquisite tie that can block a 9-mm bullet from penetrating your skin.
Why We Love National Tie Month
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Dress-up time
If you love to dress up, here’s your chance. Take a selfie wearing your favorite necktie and post it online. We’re sure you’d rock the look. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #NationalTieMonth.
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Discounts and deals
Don’t have a tie to dress up this holiday season? No, you won’t have to pay $220k. Benefit from unbeatable holiday deals and make a unique fashion statement.
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Adding spice to formal attire
Do formal attires seem monotonous to you? Fret no more. Glam up your professional attire with a splash of colors . . . we mean floral printed ties. Give it a try.
National Tie Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | December 1 | Thursday |
| 2023 | December 1 | Friday |
| 2024 | December 1 | Sunday |
| 2025 | December 1 | Monday |
| 2026 | December 1 | Tuesday |
