Knit ties - what history and future?

[Cary Grant]

I'm hunting my files but haven't yet found an old apparel arts drawing of a knit tie with a worsted wool suit. meanwhile- here's 007 wearing two with non-country suits 50 years ago.

 

[emptym]



My association is with social workers in the eighties over here, also paired with (large) corduroy jackets.

My dad was a social worker and he wore knit ties w/ tweed or camel jackets. Although, in the mid 80s, my sister "borrowed" them.

 

[Gus]

I had teachers that wore them in the 60's as did my friends older Ivy League brothers. I know guys who are now in their 60's and 70's that have always worn them with their seersucker or tan suits and always with an OCBD shirt.

I'm glad they came back with the dots and a wider range of colors. They have a comfortable casual style about them that is especially nice with tweed and corduroy. I love them with jeans .

 

[imatlas]



... They have a comfortable casual style about them that is especially nice with tweed and corduroy. I love them with jeans .

Exactly. They are perfect business not-too-casual attire.

 

[max b]

On production side, there is a wider range of yarns you can use. Printed ties are usually made up of silk, knitted ties can be wool, cotton, silk, cashmere, linen...
Using all these different yarns you can reach tones of colours and shadows you can't reach with printed silk.
Of course the knitted tie is more "casual" compared to the regular silk ones.
My father was used to produce thousands of knitted ties in the '70 using our socks machines.
For long time they were not so popular here in Italy until 2-3 years ago. Now they are very fashion and all the major brands have them in collection.

 

[NOBD]



My dad was a social worker and he wore knit ties w/ tweed or camel jackets. Although, in the mid 80s, my sister "borrowed" them.

See.

(Thanks for the Hoffman pics, MC.)

 

[Galix]

After reading this thread, I'm craving a knit tie.

 

[Gus]

Here are two of my favorites. I think these textures and colors are very versatile for a casual look.


First is a charcoal cashmere knit tie from Luciano Barbera

Second is a heather brown and blue silk knit from Luciano Barbera

 

[CharlesAlexander]



Second is a heather brown and blue silk knit from Luciano Barbera

Wow, I love that pocket square.

 

[Gus]



Wow, I love that pocket square.

Thanks. It is from Holland & Holland. I wear it a lot since it has perfect fall/winter colors.

 

[chobochobo]

Goodness, I forgot about the bag of Gallo ties I picked up from my last trip to Italy. I've worn knit ties for ages, and I grew up in the UK. I wear them here in HK, though I don't really notice others ...

 

[CodPiece]

I remember seeing an older gent at a fundraiser during the summer of 2003 wearing a seersucker and a black knit tie and a pocket square. He was by far and away the classiest guy on the pier.

A year or so later I managed to get one. Wearing it with an oxford, I was told by a Men's Wearhouse girl that I looked like an 80's throwback.

 

[Achilles_]



I was told by a Men's Wearhouse girl that I looked like an 80's throwback.

I wouldn't trust them for style advice

Did she mean it in a good way?

 

[CodPiece]



I wouldn't trust them for style advice

Did she mean it in a good way?

Nah, she was sneering. I don't remember why I was there. It was during one of my style nadirs.

 

[Gus]

The thing that is so great about a knit tie is that they travel well. You never have a wrinkle.

I recall a foreign correspondent in the 70's writing about clothing. He said he always traveled with a blue blazer and a black knit tie. He wore khaki shirts and pants and said the black knit tie and blazer got him into any hotel, across borders and through check points without any hassle.