While travelling through Croatia I found out that the commonly held belief of French, exclusively designed the necktie is not entirely accurate. The roots of necktie can be traced back to Croatia in the 17th century, where the Croatian military Unit’s use of “cravat” laid the groundwork for this iconic accessory, with the French playing a crucial role in refining and popularising it.
The story begins in the early 1700s when a Croatian military Unit serving under the French Government was engaged in conflict with the Germans. During this time Croatian soldiers donned a distinctive garment known as the “Cravat” or “neckcloth” – a precursor to the modern neck tie.
The Cravat worn by the Croatian soldiers was not merely a functional pieces of clothing but was a symbol of elegance and military pride. These neckcloths, often made of silk or linen were carefully wrapped around the neck and tied in intricate knots.
The French military elite took notice of the stylish and distinctive neckwear worn by their Croatian counterparts. This sparked a fashion revolution in France, leading to the adaptation of the Croatian cravat into what we recognised as modern necktie. French designers embraced the elegance of cravat and incorporated that into their own wardrobes and subsequently into mainstream fashion.
The necktie’s journey from 17th century battlefield to the runways of today is a testament to the dynamic interplay between history, fashion and global culture.
