Cravates

Cravates are long strips of fabric worn around the neck and tied in a knot at the throat. They are a traditional form of Western neckwear that can signal formality or personal style. Cravates are made from materials such as silk, satin, wool, or cotton, and vary in width, length, and pattern.

Origins of the cravat lie in 17th-century Europe, when Croatian mercenaries wore distinctive neckcloths during service in France. The term cravat derives from the French word for a Croat. Over the 18th and 19th centuries the fashion spread across Europe and evolved into the modern necktie, while the term remains in use to describe this family of garments in many languages.

Styles and variations include the traditional cravat tied with a simple knot, the ascot worn with morning dress, and the modern necktie that evolved from the cravat and is tied with knots such as the four-in-hand, half-Windsor, or Windsor. The ascot is wider and often worn with a waistcoat and formal jacket; standard ties are common in business attire.

Care and maintenance depend on material. Silk cravates require careful handling and often dry cleaning; other fabrics may be washable by hand. Store cravates flat or rolled to avoid creases; remove them from tight drawers to prevent wrinkling; protect them from prolonged sunlight to prevent fading.

In contemporary usage, cravates are most commonly referred to as neckties in English, while cravate is the standard term in French. They remain a staple in formal and certain professional contexts and are also used as decorative accessories in fashion and historical reenactments.