~The cravat should not be considered as a mere ornament. It is decidedly one of the greatest preservatives of health-it is a criterion by which the rank of the wearer be at once distinguished, and is of itself "a letter of introduction".~
~"A History of the Cravat" H. Le Blano Esq. 1829~
The ascot: Pronounced as kot
A broad scarf or necktie worn looped under the chin so the ends are laid flat, one across the other. So called from the dress worn at the Ascot races.
The modern ascot tie consists of several pleats in the neckband, and two wide flaps of equal width, normally coming to a point at the ends.
There is also a similar style of tie known as the ascot scarf, which gained popularity in the 1960s. This was a square scarf rather than tie, loosely tied around the neck, which is still worn today by US military candidates.
Ascot ties are regaining popularity as both formal wear in lieu of a bowtie or standard necktie, worn in many of the styles popular in the 1800s. But it is also being seen worn as an everyday accessory under the shirt collar in a less formal fashion much like in the MOD 60s.
Here are just three of the ways this versatile tie can be worn.
The Classic Ascot ~En Cascade~
Worn over the collar, with the ends tucked into a vest or jacket.
Looks great plain, or accessorized with an ascot pin.
Especially well suited to heavy brocades, silks, velvets and other stiffer fabrics.
Suitable for weddings, graduations, and any other formal event where a bowtie would be worn.
The Casual Ascot ~Day cravat~

Another great classic look. Worn under the shirt collar with just the top peeking out. Slightly less formal looking, but still refined and elegant.
Especially well suited to softer fabrics such as cottons, acrylics, and other washable fabrics.
Suitable for cocktail parties, every day wear, and any other dressy events not requiring full formal attire.
Purchase illustrated instruction sheet for both the classic formal and day cravat
$1.00 + S/H
The Ruche Tie ~Cocolupa knot~

A twist on a favorite.
Dressier than a standard windsor knot tie, yet not quite as formal as a full dress ascot. Worn over the collar, ends tucked into a vest or jacket.
Suitable for all the longer tie style ascots in stiffer fabrics such as dupioni silk, satin brocade, and even cotton.
Purchase illustrated instruction sheet for both the Ruche/ Cocolupa knot
$1.00 + S/H
~"...if his cravat is savamment and elegantly formed, although his coat may not be of the last cut-every one will rise to recieve him with the most distinguished marks of respect, will cheerfully resign thier seats to him, and the delighted eyes of all will be fixed on that part of his person which seperates the shoulders from the chin.."~
~"The art of tying the cravat" H. Le. Blano Esq. 1829~
The Knotted Ascot ~Naud Gordien~

Very classic victorian look.
Worn over the collar and knotted in the center with ends tucked into a the vest or jacket .
Can be worn with the ends left free, or criss crossed over one another and held in place with a stickpin (as shown).
The height of formal opulence.
Good for brocades, velvets, dupioni silk, and any other stiffer materials that hold thier shape.
Can be worn at the same events as the formal classic ascot style.
This style is also often referred to as the Plastron.
Purchase illustrated instruction sheet for the Naud Gordien/ Plastron
$1.00 + S/H
The Classic Cravat

Pronounced kre vat
A cravat can refer to any necktie, modern or otherwise.
It can also refer to a cloth often made of, or trimmed in lace, worn about the neck by men, especially in the 17th century. In this reference it is often confused with the Jabot tie.
In the 1800s cravats and ascots hit the zenith of popularity. With a multitude of complicated ways of pleating and knotting. It was said that the tie of a mans cravat announced his social standing, and was in fact a letter of introduction to the world.
Internationally many modern neckties are still referred to as a cravat, while in the US most are referring to its older counterpart as seen pictured here.
This style can be seen worn with period reinactment attire, period weddings, and at other special ocassion functions.
Purchase illustrated instruction sheet for the classic/ double cravat
$1.00 + S/H
The Jabot

Pronounced Zha bo
A falling ruffle, especially of lace, worn at the neck by women.
This style tie is not so much a tie, but more a collar, or bib, in varying styles, worn over a blouse or shirt.
Jabots became very popular in the 1800s, and later had intermittent popularity from the 1960s to the 1980s, where it became part of a blouse vs a detachable accessory.
It currently has experienced a resurgence in popularity with both men and women alike, for both costume, special ocassion, and reinactment attire.
And of course, all of these styles can be worn with a plain button down dress shirt!
Don't forget, any time you purchase an ascot from House of Krypilo, your purchase comes with instruction sheets on how to tie your ascot.
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