The Proud Silk Tie

The silk tie has a proud history. Silk ties were first worn by both Eastern and Western soldiers, from as early as 21 BC. After that period, the ties were worn by British nobility, and then by members of Exeter University’s rowing club in the late 1800. A little later in history, Victorian middle class had the silk tie mass produced.

Throughout its early history, the silk tie was worn for one reason: to distinguish oneself, or to claim some sort of social superiority over the masses who couldn’t afford a piece of silk to tie around their necks.

Is there any difference in the way the silk tie is worn nowadays? Especially when it’s still men belonging to the business class who walk around wearing these ties? While it’s easy to say that there is no difference in why men wear it then and why they wear it now, there have actually been changes surrounding the use of the silk tie.

Silk ties are now worn not to distinguish oneself or to force social superiority, but to display respect and to earn respect between colleagues. The silk tie is also used as a form of demonstrating decency in public affairs. Silk ties are now worn to show professionalism, courtesy, and propriety.

The silk tie is no longer a symbol of authority but a sign of respect for authority. The silk tie, too, has remained a fashionable piece of clothing, as started by a fashion icon who was a friend to the then Prince Regent King George the IV. He pioneered dandyism and wearing the silk tie as part of the gentleman’s staple clothing, which in turn led to the way Western men dress in modern times.

The silk tie may still be what distinguishes the gentlemen from the otherwise ungentlemanly men. This article of clothing still exudes class and taste, but without the authoritative pride and reproach of its predecessors.

This means that it doesn’t only take hard work to impress your superiors, or to nail that dream job, but a conscious effort to look the part. So you better shop for a decent silk tie and a nice shirt with a slim suit, to exude that aura of professionalism that can surely make a positive impression on your bosses.