Some Noticeable Neckware

In last week’s column we traced the origins of the necktie back to the mid-16th century and a garment called the ruff. Over time it gave way to another fashion, the cravat. Each of these styles eventually went to the extreme and lost popularity.

The accessory we know as the necktie has been with us since the start of the Industrial Revolution in the mid-19th century. Its main purpose is to add flair to a man’s outfit.

Today neckties add not only color and pizazz, but they are used to help you stand out in the crowd and get people to remember you. Neckties have become a signboard, broadcasting your interests and hobbies.

Do you have a spicy personality? Then choose a tie printed with hot chili peppers. Show your artistic side by wearing the abstract designs created by the late Jerry Garcia. Let the world know you are an animal lover by wearing a giraffe print.

There are even ties designed for specific occupations. We found one tie printed with an eye chart, presumably to be worn by those in optical careers. Another tie, aimed at dentists, shows a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Designer Vicky Davis features interesting graphics on her ties but she doesn’t stop there. She finishes off each tie with an original tie tack. Her computer tie has a mouse for a tie tack. In the light bulb tie she features a chain tie tack. One really clever design shows a bowl of soup on the tie with a fly for the tie tack. This unique line of neckwear really gets noticed.

Yes, you can still find the basic diagonal stripe rep ties made popular by the exclusive all-male boarding schools, but there are lots of other choices. So the next time you go shopping for neckwear, let your imagination run wild and find a tie that says something about you.

MEMO: Shanna Southern Peterson is a Spokane writer and home economist. The Clothesline appears weekly. Ideas for the column may be sent to her c/o The Spokesman-Review Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210.