The History of the Necktie
The History of the Necktie
By Campbell Bensley — March 2, 2026
What was once the unofficial uniform of corporate America has origins much older than most would assume. The history of the necktie dates back hundreds of years to 17th-century France, where Croatian mercenaries serving in the 30 Years’ War began tying pieces of cloth around their necks. According to tradition, Croatian women gave these pieces of cloth to soldiers as symbols of trust, love, and a promise to wait for their return
Known as a “tour de cou,” this style was quickly adopted by King Louis XIV and the French court, who took a liking to the Croatian mercenaries’ ornate neck ties.
Becoming known as “cravats” in France, neckties quickly rose in popularity across Europe. They became symbols of sophistication and wealth, often worn by wealthy nobles.
The modern necktie we know today was created in 1924, when American tailor Jesse Langsdorf patented the design. Langsdorf cut the tie on the bias and sewed it in three pieces, creating one of the most popular clothing accessories in history. With this newly designed product, neckties soon shifted from an aristocratic accessory to an industrially produced staple, marking their transition from a sign of wealth and status to a uniform.
Post-World War II America cemented the necktie as a business attire staple; everyone from Wall Street executives to small-town accountants could be found donning this accessory once reserved for French aristocrats.
Today, the necktie’s popularity seems to be in steady decline. The rise of business casual—and the laid-back office environments made popular by Silicon Valley tech startups—has damaged the reputation of what was once seen as an office staple.
This decline has marked the shift of the necktie from being a uniform back to a deliberate style choice. And yet, the necktie refuses to fade into history, despite being just three pieces of cloth. Many fans of the accessory still appreciate the elegance of wearing a necktie and the value it adds to an outfit. When you see a necktie today, you can appreciate the thought and intention behind that choice. Much like its origins, the necktie is no longer a uniform, but a statement of taste, kept alive by those who still choose to wear it.
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