| With the popularity of shows like Mad Men and the | | | | perfectly symmetrical. Also, symmetrical designs are |
| current trend toward skinny ties when it comes to | | | | not always centered. They may be askew a touch to |
| men's fashion, it is no surprise that people are paying | | | | the left or the right. Some imperfections are blatant |
| more attention to vintage narrow neckties. Thin | | | | while others are not readily noticeable. For example, |
| neckwear from the 1950's, 1960's and 1980's can be | | | | who will really be measuring up the right side of the tip |
| found when you look for it at yard sales, flea markets, | | | | of a tie to the other side to determine that one is a |
| thrift stores, online auctions, online specialty stores, | | | | quarter to half an inch off? Instead people will notice |
| even your own closet. Men gravitate toward these | | | | your entire getup if the tie you wear blends in with the |
| vintage finds since they offer so much more than | | | | rest of your attire and the pattern itself if the necktie is |
| today's brand new ties; however, you need to keep a | | | | a stand out. It is up to you to decide whether you wish |
| few things in mind when purchasing one. | | | | to accept the imperfections or reject them. |
| Vintage Skinny Ties can be Shorter | | | | Dry Cleaning May Not be an Option |
| You'll find plenty of thin neckties which are today's | | | | Most of the vintage accessories from the 80's can be |
| length, that is, 55 inches long give or take. Just be | | | | dry cleaned, but I wouldn't advise the same for those |
| aware that many of the ones from the 50's and 60's | | | | which are 50 to 60 years old. Actually some of the |
| are shorter. How much shorter? Well, as short as 50 | | | | neckwear is made of Dacron polyester and the |
| inches. If the design is to die for and a must have, not | | | | accompanying labels indicate it can be machine or |
| to worry. You will simply have to start the tying | | | | hand washed. I have personally tried both, and with |
| process with a shorter piece of the thin end. When | | | | proper precautions, such as washing using the delicate |
| done with the knot, the thin end might sit 2 to 4 inches | | | | cycle, this works just fine. Other fabrics such as silk, |
| from the knot which seems very short, and it is, but no | | | | rayon, acetate and blended materials should not be |
| one sees the thin end behind the front anyway. It really | | | | washed at home or at the local dry cleaners where |
| is a small price to pay for some of the most | | | | today's harsher chemicals may ruin your tie. |
| extraordinary neckwear to come from this era. | | | | Conclusion |
| Mass Produced Ties Sometimes Missed on Quality | | | | Vintage skinny ties have a lot to offer in the way of |
| Control | | | | unique designs which you will find nowhere else. With |
| Since the beginning of the 20th century, neckties were | | | | proper precautions and care, you too can enjoy them. |
| produced by the millions, and the QC departments | | | | Despite their occasional "short" comings, they make |
| didn't always pay as much attention as they could | | | | wonderful gifts as well as great additions to your |
| have for some of the neckwear sold at the retail level. | | | | wardrobe. |
| What you will find is that some of the tips are not | | | | |