Ridiculous History: Neckties are Utterly Ridiculous
Podcast Episode Summary
Released on December 3, 2024
Hosted by Ben Bolan and Noel Brown, Produced by Max Williams
1. Introduction and Opening Banter
The episode kicks off with hosts Ben Bolan and Noel Brown humorously introducing their super producer, Max Williams, highlighting his passion for neckties.
- Ben Bolan [00:43]: “You guys know how much I love neckties. You guys know I have so many.”
- Noel Brown [01:06]: “I have one tie and every time I have to put it on, I have to look up a YouTube video on how to tie it.”
This light-hearted exchange sets the tone for their deep dive into the world of neckties.
2. The Decorative Nature of Neckties
Bolan and Brown discuss how neckties have evolved from functional garments to purely decorative accessories.
- Ben Bolan [02:38]: “Generally speaking, the necktie today is decorative. It is ornamental rather than functional.”
- Noel Brown [03:36]: “What's neat about a tie, though, is it’s not only an accoutrement or a decorative ornamental piece of kit itself, you can even decorate the decorative thing with like tie pins.”
They emphasize that modern ties serve no practical purpose, contrasting them with items like scarves or mops.
3. Historical Origins: Ancient Civilizations and Status Symbols
The discussion shifts to the origins of neckwear in ancient civilizations, highlighting its role as a status symbol.
- Ben Bolan [08:22]: “The idea of tying stuff around your neck as a flex is surprisingly old. If you go back to ancient civilizations... these people were rocking stuff around their neck and it was not functional. It was a status symbol.”
- Noel Brown [09:22]: “In ancient Rome, they had a strip of linen called a sudarium...”
They explore how various cultures, from China to Egypt, used neck adornments to signify rank and status.
4. The Croatian Mercenaries and the Cravat
Bolan narrates the transition of neckwear from ancient times to the 17th century, focusing on Croatian mercenaries in France.
- Ben Bolan [12:03]: “The ancestor of the modern tie goes back probably to the 1600s... Croatian mercenaries in France under Louis XIV.”
- Noel Brown [12:28]: “They wore decorative scarves or knotted neckerchiefs as part of their military kit.”
These neckerchiefs served both functional purposes, like holding capes, and as symbols of military rank.
5. Evolution Through Europe: Louis XIV and the Spread of the Cravat
The hosts explain how the cravat became fashionable in France and spread across Europe.
- Ben Bolan [16:11]: “Louis XIII decided he was going to co-opt this fashion and require them to be worn at royal events. This is almost like the very first introduction of the Black tie affair.”
- Noel Brown [17:07]: “The French public is calling this the Croat, and then it becomes, to your point, Noel, it becomes corrupted to la cravat or cravat in English.”
They discuss the cravat's transformation from a military accessory to a widespread fashion statement.
6. Beau Brummel and the Popularization of the Cravat
Beau Brummel's influence in making the cravat a fashion staple is highlighted.
- Noel Brown [29:29]: “Beau Brummel helped to really solidify the way we think of tying a tie or a cravat.”
- Ben Bolan [32:08]: “Women go crazy for a sharp dressed man. But we're also shouting out our buddy Beau Brummel here because Noel, he is the guy who started the trend of wearing black evening wear.”
Brummel introduced intricate tying techniques, making the cravat a symbol of sophistication and skill rather than just wealth.
7. Transition to Modern Ties: Manufacturing and Knot Styles
The conversation moves to the industrial advancements that made ties more accessible and the evolution of various knot styles.
- Ben Bolan [45:47]: “In the 1920s, a New York tie maker named Jesse Langsdorf changed the game by making ties that retained their shape after being tied.”
- Noel Brown [43:15]: “The Four in Hand knot was created in the 1800s and is still one of the most well-known conventional tie knots today.”
They explore how manufacturing innovations democratized tie ownership and the proliferation of diverse knot styles enhanced their decorative role.
8. Modern Significance: Status Symbol and Professional Attire
Bolan and Brown analyze the contemporary role of ties in professional settings and as status symbols.
- Ben Bolan [41:02]: “During the Industrial Revolution, working professionals became increasingly aware of how they looked. The tie provided a way to mark their appearance as individuals of note.”
- Noel Brown [47:15]: “I just find them to be sharp and a little less old-fashioned looking.”
Ties are portrayed as essential elements of professional attire, symbolizing professionalism and ambition.
9. Collecting Ties and Tie Trends
The hosts delve into the culture of tie collecting and current trends in neckwear.
- Ben Bolan [50:53]: “There is a word for people who collect ties: Gravitologist.”
- Noel Brown [50:27]: “Max loves ties so much, it's more likely for my father to give me a tie than the other way around.”
They discuss how ties have become collectibles and the various styles that cater to different fashion sensibilities.
10. Conclusion: Neckties in Contemporary Society
Bolan and Brown wrap up by reflecting on the enduring presence of ties and their place in modern fashion.
- Ben Bolan [51:02]: “The tie refers more to the act than the object. It's about how you tied it—the knotting abilities—which creates a meritocratic element.”
- Noel Brown [48:22]: “We've solved the history of neckties. It's a flexible symbol that continues to evolve.”
They conclude that despite their seemingly ridiculous nature, ties remain a potent symbol of social status, professionalism, and personal style.
Notable Quotes
- Ben Bolan [02:38]: “The necktie today is decorative. It is ornamental rather than functional.”
- Noel Brown [08:22]: “The idea of tying stuff around your neck as a flex is surprisingly old.”
- Ben Bolan [16:11]: “Louis XIII... the very first introduction of the Black tie affair.”
- Noel Brown [29:29]: “Beau Brummel... started the trend of wearing black evening wear.”
Final Thoughts
In "Neckties are Utterly Ridiculous," Ben Bolan and Noel Brown provide an insightful and entertaining exploration of neckties, tracing their journey from ancient status symbols to modern professional accessories. Through historical anecdotes and witty commentary, the hosts reveal the often overlooked complexities and social implications of this seemingly simple piece of apparel.