Black Tie Dinner: The Definition And History Of The Black Tie Dress Code for Men

When an invitation for a wedding or a holiday party proclaims a black tie dress code, everyone knows that top-notch formality is in order. White tie, requiring tailed tuxedos, is the only more formal designation in existence, and is relatively rarely used. Just what does this dress code required, and how did black ties come to symbolize the second-highest level of formality? 

History of the Black Tie Dress Code

The Black Tie Guide’s detailed history of men’s formal fashion traces the origins of the black tie dress code back to Victorian Britain. Since Britain led the world in many respects, including fashion, at that point in history, America was eager to follow the trends being set across the pond. Adhering to a separate, formal dress code for evening activities, including dinners, dates back much further, but the most recent recognizable precedent for the current “black tie” and “white tie” designations can be found in the late 1800s. Societal expectations of men’s formalwear had changed frequently up to that point, but the idea that gentlemen should adhere to an agreed upon formal dress code remained consistent. Donning evening wear prepared men not only to appear polished at dinner, but at any social event that may have followed, such as a trip to the opera. 

Gradually, comfort had become a slightly greater priority in men’s dress, and in the 1860s, the dinner jacket began to gain acceptance in more casual evening situations. This tailless jacket would later be dubbed the tuxedo in America, derived from the New York city in which the garment made its debut. Wary of this less formal alternative to tails, the tuxedo was designated as the informal alternative to the formal tailed jacket. Thus, the two levels of formal dress, now known as black tie and white tie, were born. 

Of course, fashion went through many phases, and by WWI, the tuxedo was generally accepted at almost all formal evening events, no longer deemed informal. As dress became more and more casual, the tuxedo was not expected outside of special occasions. The tuxedo and the accompanying black accessories had become reserved for formal occasions, much as it is seen today. 

Definition of Black Tie

Since the phrase “black tie” has been used for over a century, the exact meaning of the phrase has evolved, and it still may mean slightly different things in different geographical areas or social circles. However, there are some elements that most experts still seem agreed upon. One of those elements is that the dress code should generally be reserved for evening events taking place after 6:00 p.m. 

The terminology could be a little misleading, because a black tie dress code implies much more than simply donning a black neck tie. In fact, etiquette expert Emily Post clarifies that the appropriate black neckwear for a black tie event is technically a black bowtie. She even specifies that said black bowtie should be either twill, shiny satin, or silk. The Black Tie Guide, however, indicates that a black long tie is also acceptable. In addition to their black neck wear, guests are also expected to don the following attire: A black tuxedo, white dress shirt, black dress socks and shoes, and a black vest or cummerbund. Some sources indicate that a midnight blue tuxedo may also fit the dress code. Accessories such as cuff links should also be black or dark in color. 

Strict adherents to dress code traditions express even more detailed expectations, such as the fabric and cut of the tuxedo, the material of the shoes, and the style of cuffs, but the basic requirements have been captured. According to Emily Post, some variants on the dress code include the summer variation, where a white coat may be substituted; creative black tie, where some liberty may be taken with shirt or bowtie and cummerbund color; and black tie optional, where a dark suit and subtle tie, such as a navy blue or dark gray tie, may be substituted for a tuxedo. Etiquette experts agree that if a host specifically includes a black tie denotation on an invitation, guests are obliged to either acquiesce to the dress standard or decline the invitation. Be a gentleman and put on a black tie and all that goes with it.

For all your black ties needs head to tiecoon.com/neckties/tiecolor/blackties and create your own style. You can also choose from a plethora of other colors and patterns or design your own.

What Does Blue Say About You? The Psychological Effects of Necktie Color Choices

Could choosing a red or blue tie give you an advantage? The necktie has long been ubiquitous in high-stakes arenas such as business and politics, and in these fields, participants are willing to do almost anything to get ahead of the competition. One perfectly ethical and easy way of doing this is to understand the messages that your competitors’ and your own neckties may be sending. What does a navy blue necktie indicate? What impression does a red tie leave? These subtle and often subconscious signals can contribute to the overall impression being made by one’s company or campaign. 

The field of color psychology is by no means an exact science, but it has at least some credence in the marketing world. Color Wheel Pro software offers help in designing color schemes for logos and other materials that will have a desired psychological effect. Whether for biological or cultural reasons, humans tend to associate certain colors with certain emotions or ideas. What does this have to do with neckwear? In men’s professional fashion, when suits tend to be black, grey, or dark blue, one of the only places where color appears is the neck tie. Two of the most popular choices are red and blue ties, so these color choices will be analyzed most thoroughly. 

Blue neckwear comes with many positive connotations. A University of Maryland study revealed that both men and women overwhelmingly named blue their favorite color, Natalie Wolchover reports on Live Science. Color psychology suggests that a blue neck tie may conjure connections with peace, tranquility, loyalty, and intelligence. Variations in the shade of blue shift the image conveyed, according to Color Wheel Pro. While a darker blue tie might project knowledge, power, and seriousness, a lighter blue might indicate a softer, more understanding image associated with health and healing. Roy Britt reports that scientific testing revealed that blue promoted creative thinking much more than red. 

Multiple articles have been written analyzing the tie color choices of president and presidential candidates, especially in debates. According to NBC’s Will Rabbe, blue ties are a distant second when it comes to presidential debates. This statistic is surprising, considering the popularity of blue ties outside of debate settings. Red and blue are both associated with patriotism, so why might red be so popular for debates? 

The color red carries many strong associations, including anger, aggressiveness, passion, love, and urgency. Stop signs, warning lights, and fire extinguishers are red for a reason. Red may even bring bloodshed to mind. The same study that showed blue increased creative thinking showed that red increased attention to detail and memory. It is a motivating color, not one that generally puts people at ease. In comparison to a blue tie, then, a red tie would project more power; in fact, red ties are sometimes referred to as power ties. 

Since most people aren’t fighting for the presidency, there is a place for both red and blue neckwear in the typical wardrobe. Some situations may call for the more aggressive, strong image of a red tie, while other situations would be better met by the more open and peaceful, yet still intelligent and serious, impression of a blue tie. Of course, the color of one’s tie won’t make or break a presentation or a speech, but it wouldn’t hurt to try to gain a psychological edge. 

For all your blue ties needs head to tiecoon.com/neckties/tiecolor/blueties and create your own style. You can also choose from a plethora of other colors and patterns or design your own.

Who Brought Bowties Back? Prominent Bowtie Wearers Who Influenced Bowties’ Increased Popularity

For quite some time, bowties were the domain of stuffy college professors, grooms and prom-goers in rented tuxes, and any fictional character designed to be a nerd. Professor Indiana Jones wears a bowtie in the classroom, distinguishing his academic persona from his tough, treasure-hunting side. Bill Nye the Science Guy was rarely seen without a bright patterned, red, or yellow bowtie peeking out from beneath his lab coat. But when did bowtie wearing shift from older, distinguished intellectuals to the general public, including the trendiest twenty-somethings?

Reemergence of the Bowtie

In 2005, The New York Times ran an article focusing on a then-rising conservative commentator’s neckwear choice: the bowtie. At that point, sources referred to the accessory as annoying, provoking, and definitely not in style. However, four years later in 2009, Karen Civil observed a bowtie “epidemic” among celebrities, mentioning Chris Brown’s appearance on Larry King Live in a blue bowtie. In 2010 Minneapolis Star Tribune ran an article declaring that bowties were back beyond the rich and famous, too, noting that younger consumers were showing an increased interest. This article gave partial credit for the bowtie’s resurgence to professional athletes such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant. 

In Britain, The Telegraph credits Dr. Who’s Matt Smith with sparking the bowtie trend in 2010, noting that one clothier aimed at a Who-watching demographic saw its bowtie sales rise by 94%. Smith’s character frequently asserts the coolness of bowties, and young men in both Britain and the US seem ready to agree. 

Early experimenters in the return of the bowtie pled that they were wearing the pieces “ironically,” but it can be safely said that bowties have been worn by many trendsetters in all seriousness. George Bulanda noted that appearances of celebrities such as Jude Law and Ashton Kutcher enhanced the credibility of the bowtie. Darren Chris’s character from Fox’s Glee deserves some mention as a pioneering bowtie wearer, and Justin Timberlake has embraced the bowtie trend as well. When members of the hit boy band One Direction started sporting bowties, they were bound to be noticed as well.

Connotations of the Bowtie

Many fashion observes have linked the bowtie to non-conformity and individualism. This is likely due to the ties’ relative rarity throughout the later part of the 1900s. Someone who wore a bowtie was perceived to be bucking a trend or intentionally separating himself from the masses. Now that bowties have regained popularity, is this still the case? Commentators still agree that choosing a bowtie over a traditional tie indicates a willingness to take a fashion risk. Many wearers note that bow ties often serve as conversation starters, and that they receive far more comments than a long tie.

If you have ever wanted to give bowtie wearing a try, now is the time. Whether you want to make a statement or simply try something new, you’ll be in good company in a bow tie.

For a more complete list of bow tie color, fabric and style, visit tiecoon.com. Be the cool person in your friend group and wear a new stylish bow tie!

The Guide to the Cheap Tie

The prevalence of discount necktie websites shows that price is a definite consideration for many tie shoppers. Understandably, many men would rather not spend three digits for a piece of cloth to hang around their neck. This doesn’t mean that they can’t find an array of colorful, cheap neck ties online or in stores. 

The Cheapest of the Cheap Online

Some online websites are hard to beat by retail stores when it comes to price per unit. Even though sometimes a minimum purchase is required, the savings on these wholesale ties are remarkable. Most solid colored ties, bowties, and skinny ties start at just $2 each when shopping online, with a variety of on-trend prints and styles starting at only $2.50. If you need a quick, inexpensive tie collection, consider joining forces with a like-minded friend or two. If four of you chipped in $25 each, each of you could come away with an instant collection of 10-12 cheap ties. 

Cheap neckties live up to their name and are cheap. However, this doesn’t mean they lack in quality. Discount ties offered by most sellers can often be sorted by price, with the choices of $5, $10, $15, and $20 ties. $5 collections usually offer mostly striped and solid microfiber ties. Microfiber is a less expensive alternative to silk that offers a number of silk’s positive properties. 

Brand Names for Less

If you are a price-conscious shopper who appreciates a brand name, sale or clearance neckwear may be right for you. Websites of quality retailers often have “sale” or “clearance” tabs in visible locations, and discounts can reach 50% or higher. A search for sale ties will return many results, and further narrowing to clearance ties brings up many options under $20. Sale shopping may not be as effective if you are looking for a specific colored tie within a certain time frame, as you can’t control what goes on clearance when, but if you have lead time to watch for a certain tie to go on sale, you may be in luck. Or, if you are willing to be flexible with your color, pattern, or style, you can make price a priority. If you are willing to buy a paisley purple tie if the price is right, you will end up with some interesting and cheap neck wear. 

Most tie retailers pride themselves on offering brand name products at discount prices. While website shopping may be less accessible at some of these stores, a stop into your local establishment will give you a chance to see their discount neck ties firsthand. Inventory varies from store to store, so stopping by more than one nearby location could provide more options. 

Why buy often overpriced ties at retail stores when you can shop for wholesale ties online for a fraction of the cost when you receive the same quality? Whether you are looking for a brand name bargain or just the cheapest tie available, options abound. You can sport attractive neckwear without breaking the bank. 

You do not have to look cheap if you do not have the funds to purchase expensive designer ties. Go to tiecoon.com/wholesaleties to find the best selection of cheap ties that look great!

Recognizing Quality Neckwear

A shopper in search of high quality neckties will find a wide range of options available. From cheap ties under $10 to luxury neck ties upwards of $300, the price can vary dramatically, but a savvy consumer can spot the elements of well-made, great neckwear regardless of the price tag. Price is not the sole indicator of quality. You may find a high quality necktie at a secondhand store, while a more expensive tie may not necessarily be a very good tie. Some of the main differences that set qualities neckties apart lie in the feel and appearance of the fabric and the quality of the craftsmanship. 

Quality Fabric

Silk is typically the go-to fabric for excellent neck wear, but not all silk is created equal. Tighter, heavier fabric will assure that the tie hangs, or drapes, well. For the finest neckties, 6 ply silk is recommended, which indicates a higher thread count and therefore a better drape.  Both the weight and the texture of the tie can indicate its quality. Quality ties will feel smooth but not stiff, yet weighty and thick to the touch. To test quality, try scrunching the fabric to see if it will recover quickly. If the wrinkles disappear quickly and the tie returns to its form after being scrunched or pulled, that’s another sign of good tie fabric.

 The fabric of the lining is important as well. The gold standard is 100% wool lining, which contributes again to the tie hanging neatly, knotting attractively, and keeping its shape. Finally, look for ties that are comprised of three separate fabric pieces rather than just two.

Quality Craftsmanship

Once the fabric is determined to be excellent, the craftsmanship must be examined. Many experts recommend holding a tie up by the narrow end. If it hangs straight, rather than twisting or curling, that’s one sign of quality necktie craftsmanship. It means that the fabric was cut on the bias correctly and that the tie will hang straight when worn. 

Hand-stitched ties offer the highest standard, and there are a few things that may indicate a handmade tie. First, look for a bar tack, which is found on the back of most great neckwear.  It is a small horizontal stitch found above the wide tip where the two sides come together. This stitch helps the tie keep its shape. A slip stitch also indicates handcrafted quality, and can also be found on the back of a tie. This vertical, loose thread provides the tie with some give and flexibility. 

A higher number of folds, such as seven fold ties, may also be an indicator of quality. The fold number indicates how many times the fabric has been folded over on itself, and the more folds, the greater the tie’s thickness and weight. Of course, a general look for things like loose threads, uneven seams, and lumps or bulges can help avoid a low-quality tie. 

Benefits of Investing in Quality Neck Ties

Now that you can recognize a quality necktie, why should you purchase one? First, excellent ties will likely last longer. A good dark solid tie, such as a black tie or blue tie will not go out of style, so why not invest in one that will look great for years? Second, quality neckwear looks great. It is less likely to wrinkle or hang awkwardly, and the knots will appear crisp and sharp every time the tie is tied. Colleagues knowledgeable about good ties will notice the indicators of poor or good quality ties, so well-made tie is an investment in your image.

Remember, price doesn’t necessarily indicate quality, so your necktie know-how could help you recognize a bargain or avoid a rip-off. For example, some great online websites offer handmade, quality ties for only $15 and these websites have been receiving rave reviews and endorsements. On the other hand, an expensive tie claiming to be seven fold 100% silk may lack many of the quality indicators discussed above. With your knowledge of quality neck ties, you can make a wise selection.

For all your excellent quality neckwear needs head to neck-wear.net and create your own style. Choose from a plethora of colors and patterns or design your own.