Did you know that the tie was officially born in France in 1668? In fact, in the Roman time, men were wearing a long scarf round their neck to protect it from the cold and this was the original purpose of the tie. Then, for unknown reasons, it disappeared for centuries.

Back in the XVIth century, men wore a large scarf, like a high collar decorated with laces.

The official tie appeared in 1668. It was a scarf tied to the neck, usually white in soft fabric, with some lace at the edges.

In 1692, after the Steinkerque Battle, the Tie ('a la Steinkerque' fashion Way) appeared as a long large scarf hanging down to the belt. In fact, in this battle, the French were surprised by their enemies did not have time to tie their scarf and went on the battle field with their tie down.

In the end of the century, the traditional tie disappeared for the Cremone, an elegant piece of ribbon tied to the neck.

Then, during the XVIIIth century, men did not use any accessories around their neck. They switched to a simple 3 level collar in soft white fabric.

The tie came back under the 'ancient regime' as a large piece of square fabric fold in half and tied in the front. The fancy folding technique started to be very trendy.

Soon enough, color became very significant  : white for ceremonies,  lines and patterns for the mornings, black for the members of the army.

 Books started to be published for gentleman like : How to tie nicely your tie?, the elegant way to wear a tie? How to seduce Madam with a tie technique?

New rules stated: Black tie during the day and white tie in the evening.

The rules were well kept until the beginning of the XIXth century. The simple band tie for a modern suit was mandatory. You had also the large tie for the long ceremonial suit. The tie was also the symbol of your level in the society. For example, Artists were wearing one kind and aristocrats another.

The rules edited in the term of 'Cravatomancie' were determining the social position and/or character of each one:

The shy man wears a little tight tie going down to his belt and he likes dark colors or neutral.

The sportive man wears an untight tie, soft fabric, like colors, designs, washable ties.

The artist puts in his tie (if he is talented) the softness of his intellect and the liberty of his thoughts (in fact he has an artistic way to tie his tie !!)

The Don Juan has a very short tie (no smiles) with a big knot to match his extravagance.

The technocrat has a very geometric, classic neutral tie matching his suit. The knot is neat and perfect.

The 'Chicos' (rich) like brand names, colors and a tie assorted with a fancy matched handkerchief in his pocket. He likes silk and shiny fabrics, knows how to talk about love but often very boring.

The Snob likes only cashmere and exotic fabrics. Has to be expensive in order to wear it. Be aware that he can be limited (intellectually) even if his tie matches his fancy car.

L'Anar (anarchical) does not wear any tie or where he wears one, it is to shock.

The Punk wears a little tiny tie like a shoestring with weird colors and provocative knots. He is a marginal.