How to Tie an Ascot
An Ascot tie looks fancy as it sounds, but an Ascot knot is way simpler than it seems. This casual, but also formal when you style it so, variant of a silk tie gives you such a nice feel around the neck. Do you know how to tie an Ascot?
All you need is a medium-length, bulkier scarf (not the silky one, as it will make you look feminine) and some fine motor skills. Yet, it would be a pity to skip the part of an Ascot tie origins. You can find a bunch of interesting facts about it besides the know-how technique down below.
What Is an Ascot?
Some of you may be thinking scarves, cravats, and Ascots are of the same kind. Their only similarity is that you can wear all of these quite uniformly. Yet, an Ascot is more of a perfect combo of a necktie and a silky scarf. It is wider than a regular necktie and each end is of the same width.
When you see a tie with two identical ends, you know it’s an Ascot. Usually, it is secured by a pleated strip or pin.
This trend dates back to the late 19th century and takes us to a period of horse races in Berkshire, England. Royal Ascot was the name of one of the most exclusive races of that time. It was a requirement for participants to wear tailcoat jackets and Ascot ties. Also, Ascot ties were typical for Equestrian hunting sports as a part of formal day-wear.
During that time, an Ascot tie was a symbol of prestige and it was very common. Although the situation is a bit different today, you can still spot some nice Ascot knots at weddings and formal day-time events. Unlike their ancestors, Ascot ties come in a variety of colors nowadays.
How to Tie an Ascot Like a Pro?
There is no single way to tie and Ascot, not even two, but three! Here they are.
1. The Traditional Way
Take your tie and make the right end for about 4 inches longer than the left end, then overlap the right over the left end. As you do so, be careful to keep the pleated part as tight as you can.
Now, take the right end back and wrap it around the left one. Once you’ve done this, start wrapping the right end once again but stop at the back, point upwards, pull through, and tuck it in or leave the ends popping out.
Make sure to make an overlap the knot with the pleats nicely so that the knot stays tight for the whole day. If you want to tuck the ends in, you will probably have to open a button or two.
2. The Simple Way
If you don’t have enough time or you want to look less uptight, opt for a single knot. Both ends should be of the same length so you can make a simple knot and tuck the ends in.
Some people don’t mind the knot getting loose over the day. You would have to readjust a couple of times during the day, but that can a problem with the traditional knot as well when it is not tight enough.
3. The Modified Way
This method is kinda similar to the traditional one, but we brought in some modifications as well. Make the right end 2 inches longer in this case, then make a 4 in hand knot.
This means you should take the right end and wrap it around once, then start wrapping once more, but pull the end through the back. Yet, the main difference with the traditional method is that you should take the end and pull it through the knot itself.
Next, take the left end (the one that is longer now) and pull it from the back of the knot to the front. Adjust to your liking and you are done.
We prefer this method of tying an Ascot it requires almost no adjustments during the day. Once you ensure everything is tight, tuck the ends and you are good to go.
Summary
An Ascot tie can make you casual or elegant but never sloppy. It makes a great choice for daytime to nighttime outfits, as an Ascot can make you feel relaxed and well-dressed at the same time. If you find tight collars too limiting, this type of knot will become your best friend once you learn how to tie an Ascot.
