Check Length & Width of a Men’s Vintage Tie Before Buying It
You find a killer vintage necktie, purchase it online, only to be disappointed when you receive it because it is way too short. Sound familiar?
I can’t stress enough the importance of noting the length and width of any given tie, especially the length. I make sure to list this information down to the quarter inch, but if another online website doesn’t, make sure to inquire before you buy.
Why you ask?
Because the length of men’s neckwear varied greatly throughout the 20th century, as did the manner in which they were worn. For example, ties from the 20’s and 30’s normally run 45 to 49 inches, which are considered boy’s length ties by today’s standards. Remember your favorite old movie starring Edward G. Robinson? It was quite fashionable for men to their neckwear several inches above the belt line or behind the vest of a three piece suit.
Neckwear slowly creeped down toward a man’s waste line in the 1940’s and 1950’s and it wasn’t sometime during the 60’s that the standard which is used today was established. So take the time to notice this when shopping vintage ties and you’ll always be happy with your purchase!
March 12th, 2012 at 8:31 am
As a size 18 collar wearer, I manage with my short ties by leaving very little small end under the knot. It’s a problem only with ’30s ties, which have flared small ends, much wider than the knot areas. You can usually tuck this in between the top and 2d buttons. But sometimes, the wide end makes for a fun “look” and can be left peeking out.
March 12th, 2012 at 1:24 pm
Hi Fletch,
I agree! During the 20’s and 30’s men often wore their neckwear behind a three piece suit or in the open and several inches above the belt line, as was fashionable back then. Check out your favorite Edward G. Robinson movie for examples of the look. These ties run 45-49 inches and are considered boys’ length by today’s standards, which also work well for adults of smaller stature. Some of my customers choose to wear one behind a vest or hire a tailor or seamstress to elongate them in a spot which will be hidden behind the collar. They love them and do what they can to make them work!