Ascot tie
Neckband with wide pointed wings
- 4 min read
- 5 chapters
Related on Lably
A similar form of neckwear is called a modern cravat, worn for different occasions than an ascot. Both ascot ties and cravats are in the lexicography of British English and American English; the terms are not interchangeable. The key distinction between an ascot tie and a modern cravat is how they are worn around the neck—an ascot is tied in a distinctive knot, while a modern cravat forms a solid band across the neck. Generally, an ascot is worn around a buttoned winged shirt collar and tied at the front, whereas a modern cravat is worn untied underneath an unbuttoned, open shirt collar.
Derivations
"Ascot"
- The more formal wear neckwear is called the "ascot". This form of neckwear is usually tied with a form of knot at the neck, and either pinned at the centre with an ascot pin, or gathered with an ascot ring below the knot. When worn with an ascot pin, ascots can form a solid depression in the centre with winged edges near the suit lapels. However, when worn, ascot ties can form an appearance similar to very large neckties. Often, this form of neckwear is called a "formal cravat".
"Modern cravat" or "day cravat"
- The more casual dress form of neckwear is called a "modern cravat", or sometimes referred to as a "day cravat" to distinguish it from the cravat of the Regency period. The casual form is made from a thinner woven silk that is more comfortable when worn against the skin, often with ornate and colourful printed patterns. This cravat is tucked underneath the shirt collar, with the front button or front two buttons of the dress shirt undone. It is often difficult for others to distinguish the modern cravat from a scarf or a neckerchief, and therefore the day cravat is reserved for casual occasions, and is rarely seen at formal society functions. Sometimes, this form of neckwear is called an "ascot tie".
Sign in to keep reading
4 more chapters are free with a Lably account.
History
The ascot tie is descended from the earlier type of cravat widespread in the early 19th century, most notably during the Regency Age, made of heavily starched linen and elaborately tied around the neck, popularised by Beau Brummell. Later in the 1880s, amongst the upper-middle-class in Europe men began to wear a more loosely tied version for formal daytime events with daytime full dress in frock coats or with morning coats. It remains a feature of morning dress for weddings today. The Royal Ascot horse race meeting at the Ascot Racecourse gave the ascot its name, although by the Edwardian era, such ties were no longer obligatory with morning dress at the Royal Ascot races, being supplanted by long ties. The ascot was still commonly worn for business with morning dress in the late 19th and very early 20th centuries.
Civilian use
Military use
Students at the United States Army Officer Candidate School wear ascot ties as part of their uniform, black for basic officer candidates, blue for intermediate candidates, and white for senior officer candidates. Pararescue trainees (upon completion of extended training day) are given a blue ascot.
In the United States Navy, the ascot is now worn for ceremonial purposes with "Enlisted Full Dress Whites" and "Enlisted Full Dress Blues" in the Ceremonial Guard.
In the Dutch Army, it is a part of the uniform, for barrack use, the cravat is often in the weapon colours, and with a logo, and when in combat uniform, a DPM or desert version is used.
Likewise, the Royal Danish Army employs a cravat for the ceremonial version of the barrack dress, its colours vary between each company.
Military use
In media
- In Scooby-Doo, an American horror comedy cartoon franchise, the character Fred Jones wears a signature orange ascot, sometimes mistaken for a scarf. The look was part of the mod look for teenage and young adult men from the late-1960s era Scooby-Doo originates from, and Fred's anachronistic retention of the ascot in some modern incarnations of the series becomes a source of comedy.
- The Eighth Doctor, played by Paul McGann wore a midnight blue ascot tie on the Doctor Who special The Night of the Doctor.
- Bruce Wayne wears an ascot in various incarnations of Batman media.