November 17, 2008

Paisley Design Neckties

How to Wear a Paisley Necktie

The paisley design is quite an old pattern that dates back to the Safvid Dynasty of Persia (1501-1736). The teardrop-like shape of the paisley design was derived from young date palm, and lotus plant shoots. Like the plants, the paisley design was a symbol for fertility in ancient Babylonia. The pattern was commonly used to decorate royal garments at first, but soon spread to a wide range of textile products in India. The pattern became popular in Europe after some of Napoleon’s offices brought back shawls from their mission in Egypt.

Paisley designs on neckties didn’t become popular until the 1930’s and early 1940s. For about a decade, the paisley design necktie could be found in most designers’ collections. Eventually, by the late 1940s, the paisley design on neckties faded out. By the early 1990s renowned necktie designer Robert Talbott brought the Paisley design back into fashion. Even thought paisley design neckties are slightly less popular than they used to be, they are a must have for any necktie aficionado. In fact a nice paisley tie can, if combined correctly, add a nice sophisticated touch to your outfit.

How to Match a Paisley design tie.
Traditional paisley design ties have several colors and are quite “busy” looking. For that reason the tie combines best with classic shirt colors such as white and blue. Depending on the size of the paisleys the tie can also combine quite well with fine checkered dress shirts. This especially looks nice for large paisleys on a fine checkered dress shirt.

The traditional look of the paisley necktie also looks great in combination with a blazer made from a thicker wool fabric. Plaid blazers are also great choices. For the final touch add a pocket square. The pattern on the pocket square doesn’t have to match the tie. Int fact, knowing how to combine different patterns, such as stripes, plaid, checks, polka dots, and paisleys, in clothing will show your sense of style and feel for fashion. Make sure that the colors harmonize with one another, and that the patterns are not in conflict with each other.