Neckware for the Victorian Gentleman
Cravats, Four-in-Hands, and Ascots
No self-respecting Victorian gent of the 1800s would be caught dead wearing a clip-tie. Not only would that be considered tacky, they also weren’t invented yet. So, what was a fellow to wear? Well, there were choices.
During the latter half of the Victorian era, both ties and cravats were worn by men. A cravat is a broad piece of cloth tied around the neck and could be folded and styled in various ways. This was worn for more formal occasions.
Then there were four-in-hands, or neckties as we know them. The name stems from the specific knot that was commonly used to tie them.
In between the cravat and the four-in-hand tie lay the ascot, a type of neckwear that gained popularity during the late 19th century. The ascot is often seen as a more casual version of the cravat, yet more formal than the modern necktie. It’s usually tied with a simple knot and worn under the shirt collar, with the ends tucked into the waistcoat.
The art of tying these neckwear pieces was not to be underestimated. The variety of knots—from the simple four-in-hand to the more complex Windsor or Ascot knots—required practice and precision. Mastering these knots was a rite of passage for young men of the era, as important as learning to dance or handle a cane.
And in my upcoming release, Of Gold and Shadows, our intrepid hero Edmund Price is a master when it comes to looking dashing.
A feisty Egyptologist. The most eligible bachelor in all of England who’s sworn off women. And a cursed artifact…the Golden Griffin of Amentuk.
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