Cravats / Scarves / Ties

[Fidena]

So, I was slipping through an edwardian men's wear catalogue and came across a few ads for neck ties; although most of them weren't advertised as such. They came under a few names- the most common being scarves and cravats. At first glance, they seemed much like the modern tie, but on close examination the illusion was dashed. They were usually shorter, and both ends of the cravat were equal size or very close. Secondly, they weren't as clean and exact as a modern tie- many of them had imperfections or seemed to be just folded together, much like a seven fold tie. Is there anywhere online that sells these, or perhaps a guide on how to make 'em?

This is kinda what I mean:

 

[djd]

There's usually a good selection of cravats available on eBay - mostly dating from the 50s and 60s mind you

 

[Fidena]

There's usually a good selection of cravats available on eBay - mostly dating from the 50s and 60s mind you

Yeah, I've seen a few, but they're not the neck-tie cravats, too short. They're the day cravats you tie under your shirt.

 

[avedwards]

Yeah, I've seen a few, but they're not the neck-tie cravats, too short. They're the day cravats you tie under your shirt.

You can use them as neck-tie cravats if you're wearing a waistcoat. Not an ideal solution but it would work.

 

[Qirrel]

Those short cravats that one finds in abundance on ebay are not the same as the one in the OP's picture. They can be tied four-in-hand much like a regular tie but the knot will be much thicker than what you see in the advertisement.

The tie in the advertisement is in its most basic form a square of silk, (like a handkerchief, only larger) which has been folded, ironed roughly into shape and probably sewn to make the fold around the neck permanent. I expect that this kind of tie would not have been made from a single square of silk, but in some way cut to neaten the appearance and reduce bulk when tied. A more roughly finished version of the modern tie, if you like.

 

[djd]

I do like the one in the advert I must say. I'm fond of the regular kind and I could quite see myself wearing one of those longer ones if they were available

 

[Fidena]

Those short cravats that one finds in abundance on ebay are not the same as the one in the OP's picture. They can be tied four-in-hand much like a regular tie but the knot will be much thicker than what you see in the advertisement.

The tie in the advertisement is in its most basic form a square of silk, (like a handkerchief, only larger) which has been folded, ironed roughly into shape and probably sewn to make the fold around the neck permanent. I expect that this kind of tie would not have been made from a single square of silk, but in some way cut to neaten the appearance and reduce bulk when tied. A more roughly finished version of the modern tie, if you like.

That's probably it! I might just give that a shot.

Also, I think I've seen these types of ties in the early Charlie Chaplain movies, too.

 

[carldelo]

These cravats from Bromley's might be close to what you're after - they're 50" long, so may come up a few inches short compared to the ad you posted. They have three pleats at the neck, no doubt to help them fit under the collar:

http://www.classicwardrobe.co.uk/Cravats.aspx