Knit neck ties?

[M. A. C. Newsome]

What do people think of knit neck ties worn as a part of Highland attire?

There have been several threads lately discussing various styles of neck tie with kilt, but generally the discussion revolves around tartan ties, regimental stripe ties, etc. I don't think I've ever seen knit ties mentioned.

House of Cheviot makes knit ties in many of the same colors as their kilt hose. I purchased one in claret for myself about a year ago and have enjoyed wearing it both with my kilts and with regular saxon wear. Oddly enough, I get a lot of comments on it when wearing it with slacks; generally compliments from older men.

So what do people think? Here are a couple of photos of mine.

[sydnie7]

I recently ran across a pattern for knitting ties and have been wondering the same thing. . . great opportunity for custom color stripes! And I think yours looks great, thanks for opening the topic.

[Ryan Ross]

Matt, I think the tie looks absolutely CHOICE! It's something a little bit different that what we're always seeing, and that to me, is always appealing.

Plus, in that second picture, the tie really does go with the color of your headgear nicely.

Yes, you may singlehandedly make these knit ties all the rage.

[auld argonian]

They were all the rage in the 80's...had several...handed them down to my daughter. Most of the ties I had were different shades of red that would go well with the kilts.

Best

AA

[piperdbh]

Until now I had never thought of knit ties. Yours looks pretty cool, Maestro.

I recently ran across a pattern for knitting ties and have been wondering the same thing. . .

I'm wondering why you're holding out on us by not posting the pattern.

[creagdhubh]

Matt,

I love the look of knit neck ties with Highland attire! And the fact that some come with very smart looking horizontal stripes, for a bit of colour, totally adds another interesting aspect to Highland day attire. I think you are wearing your knit neck tie very well and it looks absolutely spot on with the rest of your attire (I also love your use of a pocket square - very smart indeed!), further demonstrating that they do in fact work.

I typically wear my selection of knit neck ties, in assorted colours and stripes, during the spring and summer months with a nice button-down, English collar, Oxford shirt, a pair of khakis, or perhaps a pair of Nantucket reds, a navy blazer with gold buttons and bright coloured/patterned pocket square, web belt, and a pair of driving loafers, penny loafers, or Sperry Top-siders - without socks - yes, I am indeed a preppy...always have been...can't you tell?! Hahaha!

I have yet to wear any of my knit neck ties with my Highland attire, but you have inspired me to do so, as I love the look. I have seen your first photo, featured above, before, and I have also seen a photo of Sandy (JSFMACLJR) wearing a navy knit neck tie with a check day jacket, white shirt, and his kilt in the Maclean hunting tartan - very smart as well! Once I do wear the knit neck tie with my Highland attire, I'll be sure to get some photos up.

Kindest regards,

[sydnie7]

Here you go

Bias knit tie pattern

They also have a pattern to knit a bow tie, but I think it is less successful. . .

[ForresterModern]

I personally like the look of knit or woven/tweed style ties a lot for wear with the kilt, either in solids or subtle patterns (my style choice). I like them adding another texture to the mix in addition to color, but usually not glaring patterns of any sort. I had a handful of square bottom knit ties from back in the 80's when they were popular but due to my inordinate height shed them in preference to extra long silk ties so as not to look like either Laurel (then) or Hardy (now). I have looked recently and they are hard to come by especially in longer lengths. But the good news is that for wearing with a kilt they do not have to be, as I generally tuck the tips under my vest and then under my kilt, or leave it hang if wearing no vest (+/- jacket) which is the distinct rarity if I am wearing a tie. Unfortunately in the latter situation they can still look too short on my torso, even with the high riding kilt beltline. And if I buy the short ones with the intent of wearing them with the kilt, then I cannot wear them under any other circumstances without the kilt except again when wearing a vest to cover the short ends.

I think the examples you demonstrate look great. Would love to see other varieties and options.

[AKScott]

I too sent my last knit tie to Goodwill in the 1980s. However, this looks good to me and I look forward to seeing further developments.

[Lyle1]

I agree with ForresterModern. Knit ties add another layer of texture that I think goes well with tweeds and smoother wools.