Tie with Prince Charlie

[thescot]

The cravat is a new renewal of an old style. Swallow tail coats were once pretty common for day wear, and they were worn with a cravat type tie. And spats, but I won't open that can of worms here.

True, you can wear what you want. A tank top with a kilt and PC is not illegal, just tacky. But some folks like tacky.

Taditional, at least in my tradition, would be a bow tie with a PC--after 5:00! But these days you see tuxes and tails at all hours, I suspect because people equate "dressing up" with tuxes and tails; they just don't know the difference between a day coat and tails.

Wearing a plain black long tie with a tux or argyl jacket would be the ticket for day wear--before 5:00.

Having said all that "Clothes Make the Man" crap, I would strongly advise that you talk to your intended and do as you are told. Life will be much better for you, and a tie is not something to fuss about. Leave that for going out with the boys or fishing.

[scoutniagara]

Since when is this a "fashion" forum? I thought it was about kilts? If "we" want the kilt to become acceptable throughout society, we have to allow people to wear it (properly, i.e. not back to front) as they wish; not just in the traditional way. With a formal tux with tails (hence low three-button vest), a European tie (shorter than regular men's tie) is quite acceptable. You don't want the tie to be hanging lower than your vest (waistcoat). That's just my tuppence.

[macwilkin]

Since when is this a "fashion" forum? I thought it was about kilts? If "we" want the kilt to become acceptable throughout society, we have to allow people to wear it (properly, i.e. not back to front) as they wish; not just in the traditional way. With a formal tux with tails (hence low three-button vest), a European tie (shorter than regular men's tie) is quite acceptable. You don't want the tie to be hanging lower than your vest (waistcoat). That's just my tuppence.

The gentlemen asked a question, and forum members are giving their answers and opinions. Let's face it, this is a "fashion" forum in a sense, because we constantly discuss colour/pattern options, etc.

Of course, the old adgae "just because you can doesn't mean you should" does apply at times. (not referring to anyone in particular.)

T.

[McClef]

The Prince Charlie jacket and vest are for black-tie affairs. The cut and style of the jacket require a level of formality that the standard long neck tie just does not carry with it.

Now, I think that an elegant cravat, like McClef is wearing in the post above looks alright, because the cravat, though it resembles a neck tie, carries with it a higher level of formality. So I think that works.

I personally find black bow ties very boring so have a selection of coloured ones and also tartan ones. An advantage of a tartan bow tie is that it compliments the kilt which an ordinary tartan tie would not.

But Matt is right - a cravat is a formal item and hence it works. It has a sheen to it which emphasises the elegance and also the neckband when worn with a winged collar acts very much like the neckband of a bow tie does.

It would not surprise me to find out that a scrunchie cravat was the transition between cravat and modern tie.

There may be something in that as a scrunchie is is much narrower than the traditional cravat - whilst preserving many of the characteristics and also has a knot much more like a tie. But they are getting more popular as an alternative to both the cravat and the bow tie in formal settings.

And that includes kilted formal settings to address scoutniagara's point.

[Nervous Jock]

I personally find black bow ties very boring so have a selection of coloured ones and also tartan ones. An advantage of a tartan bow tie is that it compliments the kilt which an ordinary tartan tie would not.

Think about this if you want to brighten things up, but DO make the effort to get a real bow tie, then at the end of the night you can have it have it untied round your neck and look pretty cool. its unlikely there will be more than a couple of guys who can do this.

Remember its also your wife's day, have a chat with her, while you want to look good don't show her up!!!

[McClef]

Ah a real bow tie! One of those mysteriously difficult things like a Rubik's Cube!