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1900
Ties from 1900-1909 were a "must-have" accessory for men. There were different types of ties worn for different occasions. The most common was the cravat. This is similar to ties today, except they are shorter and the shirt collar was not turned over. The common bow tie was also common and was worn for very formal white tie events. Men also wore ascots for formal daytime events. Ascots are a mix between a silk scarf and a modern necktie. -
1910
The 1910s decade saw a decline in cravats and ascots. Neckties were cut nearly identical to how they are today. They were tied exclusively with the Four in Hand knot. Bowties in this decade were a solid color, usually white or black. Bowties are the most well-known style of this decade. -
1920
Ties in the 1920s came in a variety of shapes, colors, and patterns. Bowties came in stripes, plaid, and polka dots. While striped and paisley patterned neckties were very popular. Ties were very thin during this decade. They were around 2-3 inches and made of fine silk. Some styles of ties during this decade include the knit wool necktie and the scarf necktie. -
1930
In the 1930s both scarf ties and bow ties were out of style. Men mainly wore silk neckties. They came in many different colors and patterns such as stripes, plaids, checks, windowpane, small paisley, large dots, pin dots, and art deco motifs. For solid colors, men mostly wore greens, yellows, peaches, and blues. -
1940
Because of Word War 2, ties in this decade were made from rayon and wool. After the war ended ties changed styles to become very wide and short, stopping right above the beltline, which was very high-waisted at the time. Ties were tied in a Windsor knot and were usually a solid color or striped. During the course of the war, the style for color and patterns of ties changed frequently. One very wide tie called the "belly warmer" became especially popular in America. -
1950
The painted tie was popular in the 50s. They became more abstract, cubist, modern, and artistic than in the 40s. By the mid-50s the wide tie had narrowed again and bow ties also slimmed into the skinny ribbon tie. Along with color, the material of ties in this decade was new. Many ties were made from Dracon knit as well as coarse silk and shantung. In the late-50s cotton, ties were introduced and could be washable. Bowties also made a reappearance this year.