The History & Popularity of Vintage Fashionwear: Suspenders, Cravats, & Ascot Ties-SteampunkgearSA
The History of Vintage Fashionwear: Suspenders, Cravats and Ascot Ties
Suspenders, cravats and Ascot ties are worn with formal clothing, office outfits, wedding attire and casual wear. They also feature in vintage-inspired and steampunk outfits.
Suspenders: How They Work and How They Are Worn
Suspenders hold trousers up from the shoulders rather than tightening them around the waist like a belt. Some wearers find this more comfortable.
In my own business, customers order six assorted heavy-duty adjustable suspenders in different colours and patterns. They wear them with formal outfits, office clothing, wedding attire, or jeans and a T-shirt.
During the 20th century, suspenders were worn with both business attire and working men's clothing. They are also associated with early 1900s menswear and period clothing in film and television, including Peaky Blinders.
For more background on the style, read What IS Steampunk… and What Is Definitely NOT?
Cravats and Ascot Ties
The Origin of the Cravat
The cravat's origins are traced to Croatian soldiers serving in France in the 17th century. They wore cloth around their necks, and the French adopted the style.
The word “cravat” is believed to have developed from the French pronunciation of “Croat”. By the 18th and 19th centuries, cravats were an established part of men's fashion.
Today, cravats can be worn with casual shirts, office outfits and wedding attire. Different colours and patterns allow wearers to match them with other clothing.
Browse our vintage cravats and Ascot ties, or compare them with our bowties and formal bowtie sets.
The Ascot Tie
The Ascot tie takes its name from Royal Ascot, the British horse-racing event associated with formal dress. The traditional Ascot is wider than an ordinary necktie and is worn with formal attire.
Cravats and Ascot ties are also worn with wedding outfits, vintage-inspired clothing and steampunk event apparel. They are available in solid colours and patterned designs.
Why People Still Wear Vintage Accessories
Suspenders, cravats and Ascot ties give wearers alternatives to belts and standard neckties. They add colour and pattern without requiring a complete change of outfit.
They can be used for formal occasions, everyday clothing or themed events. The choice depends on the outfit and the wearer's preferences.
Vintage Accessories in Steampunk Outfits
Steampunk combines vintage clothing with industrial design, mechanical inventions and imagined histories involving steam power.
Suspenders and cravats can be combined with a pocket watch, goggles, or a vintage top hat.
You can wear a complete vintage-inspired outfit or combine individual accessories with modern clothing.
Choosing Accessories for Your Outfit
Choose colours and patterns that work with your shirt, trousers and other accessories. Suspenders, cravats and Ascot ties can be worn separately or combined for a coordinated outfit.
Vintage Accessories at SteampunkGear SA
SteampunkGear SA stocks suspenders, cravats, Ascot ties and other vintage-style accessories.
For help choosing an accessory or sourcing a specific piece, contact Yolande.
