Ruche ties?

[starbkjrus]

Just my opinion,

Based on the ones I've seen (including the pictures in this post) I like them better with an argyll+vest--I think the higher-necked vest allows for the a bit of color and the scrunchy effect without taking the eye away from the kilt's beauty. The PC vest ( sorry McMurdo, as always you look quite dashing) allows too much ruche to show for my taste.

Moosedog

Definitely agree. I couldn't pull it off with a PC and three button vest (bow tie for me there) but with an Argyll and 5 button waistcoat I prefer them. I have two (thank you again McMurdo) and wear them whenever the occasion arises.

[Derek Conley]

I don't know; I love the ensembles folks have posted (you all look great) but then the ruche tie just seems to scream "LOOK RIGHT AT ME AND NOT THE KILT!" and the colors just seem... off. The tie is just, to me, too bright.

[DWFII]

I don't know; I love the ensembles folks have posted (you all look great) but then the ruche tie just seems to scream "LOOK RIGHT AT ME AND NOT THE KILT!" and the colors just seem... off. The tie is just, to me, too bright.

I don't think any of us is trying to "sell" you on ruche ties, you'll legitimately have or develop your own preferences. But your quoted objections are kind of a red herring. Why? Because ruche ties come in any colour you want them to...they are as varied as the silk or satin that is available on the world market at any one time--they can be bright, subdued or even patterned...even "ancient" and "weathered" colors--just like regular ties.

Second, most modern ruche ties that I've run across (at least the ones I prefer) are solid colour (although they don't have to be)...surely a solid coloured tie, picking up or complimenting one of the colours in a kilt, or your hose, or whatever, is less "look at me" than a tartan tie, for instance, or a brightly coloured paisley tie.

Certainly not as meek and stolid as a small black bow tie but maybe not as stuffy either.

[JS Sanders]

I'm in kilted formalwear several times monthly. Over years, I've witnessed wedding fashions as they come & go, so it's in my best interest to present myself in a fashionable manner to my clients. Nothing trendy mind you, but within current fashion taste.

The ruche tie is a recent introduction to the scene and I've availed myself to it. I'm seeing bridegroom & groomsmen wearing similar neckties so it seems natural for me to match closely as practical. Nothing but compliments from those in attendance.

The final choice is that of the consumer. It wasn't long ago that banded collars with button covers were the rage, now they've all but disappeared. Eventually the ruche tie shall fall from favor as well.

Slainte yall,
steve

[Casper]

I've got a red one that I plan to wear to my company's annual Christmas function. What i've noticed here is that most pick a generic colour (ie: red) and it doesn't match any of the colours in the kilt.

Fortunately, the red one I have matches both my Black Stewart, and my red flashes, perfectly, creating a fair bit of co-ordination.

[macwilkin]

Certainly not as meek and stolid as a small black bow tie but maybe not as stuffy either.

So those of us who choose to be traditional in wearing a black bow tie are "meek, stolid and stuffy"?

Todd

[Derek Conley]

I don't think any of us is trying to "sell" you on ruche ties, you'll legitimately have or develop your own preferences. But your quoted objections are kind of a red herring. Why? Because ruche ties come in any colour you want them to...they are as varied as the silk or satin that is available on the world market at any one time--they can be bright, subdued or even patterned...even "ancient" and "weathered" colors--just like regular ties.

I see your point, and I'll concede that my knowledge of them is (obviously) very limited and so I'm forming opinion based on what pictures I have seen, which isn't really the best thing to do. My faux-pas.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

They are very common in Europe... not so much here in the colonies.

As an article of formal (ie: black tie) attire, the did enjoy a brief vogue in Europe, but went very much out of fashion about two years ago. That said, they are still the rage in the UK at Chav weddings.

When worn with day wear, or dressy evening wear, there is nothing particularly wrong with them, but I think one needs to be a bit of a dandy to properly carry it off. HRH Prince Michael of Kent always sports a proper cravat, and being impeccably tailored, these have become something of a personal trademark with the prince.

My personal peeve with the "ruche" tie is that it tends to be FAKE. That is, it is pre-tied, which is something every gentleman should avoid unless, and only unless, he has no arms. A gentleman ties his tie, he doesn't wear a pre-tied fake.

[McClef]

I can't tie a cravat and I can't tie a bow tie and I am not trying to emulate Prince Michael of Kent.

And I suspect that many gentlemen can't either.

And I cannot agree that pre tied ones are fakes either, they are a convenience for the less dexterous amongst us.

[arrg-isle]

Even though it would meet your skinny enough criterium, I guess a rattlesnake head western bolo tie would probably not be deemed formal enough?

HAW!

I've had that composite image in my head all day!
Friend, you dig me one up, I'll put it on, we'll crash weddings til we find somebody nervy enough to criticize it!