08/28/2026
August 28th marks National Bow Tie Day, a perfect opportunity to delve into the fascinating evolution of men's neckwear! From ancient silk neckerchiefs to the stylish bow ties we see today, this journey tells a story rich in history, military utility, cultural exchange, and ever-changing fashion trends.
The use of neckwear can be traced back to ancient times with the earliest records found in China, where the terracotta army of the first emperor showcased soldiers in silk neckerchiefs. The Romans also embraced neckwear, using wool or linen scarves to prevent chafing from their armor. Emperor Nero even wore one casually, signaling its shift from military to fashion.
The modern cravat owes much to the 1600s during the Thirty Years' War. Croatian mercenaries, or Croats, sported distinctive scarves in battle, with officers wearing silk or cotton and soldiers using coarser materials. The French, captivated by the Royal Cravates regiment's style, introduced the cravat to high society fashion.
Whether the cravat evolved into the necktie and then the bow tie or vice versa is still debated, but its influence on the bow tie is undeniable.
Pictured here is Joseph Whitaker, Governor Samuel Whitaker Pennypacker’s maternal grandfather, painted in 1844 wearing a fashionable cravat of his time.
