Men's Vintage Skinny Ties: The Neckwear of Choice for Men and Women

Everyone is talking about the skinny tie. It’s been showcased on runways and fashion magazines numerous times, and now some people are fed up with them. Enough with the skinny ties, they say. That’s what happens when designers introduce, or in this case, reintroduce a style of clothing or an accessory and then push it too hard. Everywhere you look, especially when glancing through the magazine racks, there’s a male model dressed in a slim black suit, a black or white button down shirt and a matching tie. If it all feels overdone, blame it on the advertising agencies, not the tie! The skinny tie is always available for purchase because it has a loyal following that understands and appreciates its classic style. Brand new narrow neckwear mirrors patterns normally found in standard width ties, which range from 3 ¼ to 4 inches. Solid colors, stripes, dots, paisleys and foulard patterns dominate the racks at department stores and virtual pages online. For better fitting and a more interesting and unique selection of skinny neckwear, men and women turn to vintage skinny ties.

It’s All About Proportion

Not everyone fits the height and weight chart found at the doctor’s office. There are tall and short people, big and skinny people and everyone in between. Clothing manufactures understand this and produce clothes for every body type. The big and tall gentlemen’s shops cater to men who can’t find their size in regular department stores. Petite women shop in specialty stores designed to meet the needs of their smaller frames. Not so with neckties. Today’s standard and skinny neck ties are designed for men of average height and are often too long for men of shorter stature and women who like to wear ties. Enter the vintage skinny tie. Whereas modern ties average 55 inches, many (but not all) thin neckties produced in the 50’s and 60’s are a bit shorter, in the area of 51 inches, give or take. They were not manufactured to meet the needs of taller or portlier gentlemen, but they are a great choice for shorter people and slimmer body types.

Unique Designs, Patterns and Novelty Themes

Today’s ties come in standard patterns which include stripes, solids, paid, polka dots, floral, paisley and foulard patterns. These patterns are reproduced so often that it makes it hard to purchase new ties if the ones from the previous season are in good condition. A casual stroll at an upscale department store proved quite insightful. I found carousels upon carousels of the true and tried patterns but ultimately a forgettable selection of neckwear practically identical to ties from yesteryear. Where has creativity gone?

For those not handy with a sewing machine or not inclined to make their own tie, vintage skinny ties are the answer. Ties from the 50’s and 60’s copy many of the designs found in ties of the 40’s except in a smaller package. A flourish or embellishment is often located in the center of solid color ties to add visual interest. Some embellishments are in the shape of birds, sport fish, unicorns, horses, feathers, leaves and numerous other novelty themes. Good luck finding new skinny ties with a flourish. They are no longer made. Standard patterns, which were popular even back then, come in more unusual color combinations on vintage skinny neckwear.

It is no surprise that for well fitting neckwear with interesting motifs, men and women prefer vintage skinny neckties and make them a permanent staple of their wardrobe. A large assortment can be found online when searching for “vintage skinny ties”.