Skinny ties are in fashion again. Practically every department store and online purveyor of men’ s neckties now offer skinny ties in a rainbow of solid colors, stripes, patterns and novelty themes. They range in width from 1 ½ inches to 3 inches. If you are in the process of upgrading your wardrobe with slimmer more streamlined attire, why not try vintage skinny ties for a truly unique look? Unlike today’s ties, many feature an interesting flourish, which is an embellishment located midway up the tie. A flourish can come single, or in groupings, but it always provides interest as well as a visual anchor in just the right spot.

History of Skinny Ties

The skinny ties which were worn in the beginning of the 20^th Century were mainly solid or patterned. Ties widened to up to 4 inches in the 20’s and 30’s, but still maintained understated color combinations and patterns. After the Second World War all hell broke loose, with fashion houses producing yet even wider ties, incorporating bright color combinations, wild designs and novelty themes for the first time. It wasn’t until the mid 50’s that ties toned down again, both in width and choice of colors. As fashion changed, with the arrival of conservative suits, tapered pants, and smaller shirt lapels, so did the man’s necktie. Ties tapered to 2 to 3 inches, colors were darker and shades were toned down, making room for pastels.

Introduction of the Flourish

Novelty themed ties continued to be popular. So, too, were the designs and patterns, just in a smaller package. Solid color ties always had a following, and the quintessential skinny black tie which is so popular for today’s retro look, was produced en mass. In an effort to provide at least some excitement to solid color ties, a flourish was introduced for the first time. It was small, but it provided enough interest to break the sea of solid. A flourish was typically situated in the area of 9 to 13 inches from the tip of the tie. It was either printed or machine stitched onto the tie. Tie manufacturers took their inspiration from history, with crowns, shields, heraldic designs and fleur-de-lis common themes. Birds in flight were popular, and allowed for the man in the habit of wearing outdoor scenes plastered on an entire 40’s tie to transition his passion onto slimmer ties. A single paisley, rectangle or diamond flourish made way for combinations such as a paisley with a single stripe, a scroll with three shields, a trio of identical flourishes running down the tie, and other geometric and abstract designs never seen before.

Creativity knew no limits when it came to novelty themed flourishes, which included flowers, spiders, feathers, leaves, laurel wreaths, shamrocks, flames, arrows, scales, unicorns, sport fish, bowling ball and pins, equestrian buglers, seashells, sea horses, Viking ships, lions, horses, and even initials for the lover of monogrammed ties.

1980's Neckties Contain Similar Embellishments

Flourishes were also commonly found on skinny vintage neckties produced in the 80’s, yet they were often bolder and larger. Everyone loves Mickey Mouse, and skinny ties were no stranger to his likeness machine embroidered in the middle of a tie.

Fashion is about making the right statement. Mens vintage thin neckties can only enhance an ensemble and add visual interest with just the right flourish. A large assortment is available online and can be accessed when searching for “vintage skinny ties”. You, too, can accessorize your wardrobe with original skinny ties for a fashionable one-of-a-kind look.