The Ascot
An ascot is a winged necktie traditionally made of silk. It’s a modern and more informal version of the 19th-century cravat (it’s sometimes called a day cravat) and can be worn tightly tied, loosely tied, or left untied and tucked into the shirt.
The ascot takes its name from the legendary English racetrack Ascot where the formal ascot was once a staple of morning dress.
The ascot is experiencing a resurgence in popularity though it remains relatively uncommon. A well-crafted ascot demands to be noticed, so wear it with confidence.
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How to tie an ascot
The traditional knot for an ascot is illustrated below. It’s essentially a four-in-hand knot, but instead of pulling the front of the tie through itself as with a regular tie, you let it drape over the top. Stuff the ends of the ascot under your shirt. You should not see a gap of skin between the ascot and your shirt.
This is a comfortable knot because it’s not really a knot. The drawback is that it will come apart throughout the day.
For a more secure knot, tie the modified four-in-hand knot. That is, tie a complete four-in-hand knot and adjust for comfort. Then, take the bottom layer of material and pull it through, between your neck and the tie, and lay it over the top. Stuff the ends of the ascot under your shirt. You should not see a gap of skin between the ascot and your shirt. This will give you that classic ascot look with a knot that will stay in place all day.
Alternately, don’t tie a knot at all. Wear the ascot untied, draped around your neck gently peeking out from under your shirt collar.
