Hello,

In the dim and distant past, clothes manifested social status. Fabrics were the indicator of power and wealth. Brocades interwoven with silver, velvets, delicate silks, cashmere (wool from goat hair), llama wool and merino wool, were only used to create clothes for the then rulers and gentry, as they were very expensive and available only for the chosen few. In the Middle Ages, to stand up against excessive luxury, an act was implemented (of course only for the wealthy middle class) that forbade making clothes from luxurious materials; they could only be used to adorn clothes.

Fortunately that is all history. These precious fabrics and the products made from them are now freely available, and most importantly – at reasonable prices.

So now wearing a silk tie or silk pocket square is no longer a sign of wealth, but at most good taste

Most of us know and appreciate the wonderful characteristics of natural fabrics, e.g. shiny flowing silk with subtle gloss, or the fluffy and elegant feel of cashmere. This also includes merino wool, popular for the fact that it does not itch or wrinkle. These materials are characterized by their softness and delicacy, and this is where their charm lies…

These fine qualities of precious fabrics were noticed from the very beginning, and appreciated by tailors all over the world to this day. These particular fabrics are most often used by great fashion designers and producers to create their unique collections, bringing out the best in them, dying them with intense colours, and creating original patterns.

China is the cradle of silk, but Italians have been trying to dominate this market since the 16th century

The cradle of silk is China, yet since the sixteenth century Italians have been trying to dominate this market. The largest growth in the silk industry in Italy was observed in the nineteenth century when they managed to capture the market in Europe, and then in America. Their success was the discovery and development of natural paints for dyeing and washing fabrics to preserve their softness and deep unique colours.

The founders of the most valued cashmere workshops in Italy import goat wool from Australia and New Zealand, as this is where there are the cleanest pastures and the softest undergrowth. Nevertheless, the goat breed and breeding conditions are not the only aspects that matter. After the yarn has been delivered to Europe, it is stored in strictly controlled conditions – in cellars of appropriate height, and in the immediate vicinity of mountain streams to ensure appropriate temperature and humidity. No wonder that this fabric is so expensive. But it is worth the money… The moment you touch the raw wool, you can feel the soft and delicate caress that is the promise of pleasure in wearing cashmere scarves and sweaters.

The fabrics that the ties, bow ties, pocket squares, and scarves presented in the photos in my posts are made from come from the best Italian manufacturers, such as: Clerici Tessuto, RATTI, Arteseta, and Ermenegildo Zegna.

You can buy all these products on the producers site: www.Tiestore.pl. And if you download the special promotional code, you can receive a 5% discount.

FIVEPCT-2018

– products in the cart will be discounted.

In my previous post I presented a few sets to show the rules of matching a pocket square to clothes. Today I will provide some more details.

The basic principle is that a tie differs from a pocket square. Therefore I suggest the simplest combination, that is, a plain tie (or with a tiny geometric pattern) + a colourful patterned pocket square, or the other way round, i.e. a patterned tie + a plain pocket square. This simple combination can also be used when matching a pocket square to a bow tie or cravat.

Those men who wear a pocket square with a plain jacket, instead of ties with shirts, can choose any of them, there are no limitations here. If a jacket is checked, I suggest a pocket square in a different pattern, e.g. paisley, small flowers, geometrical motifs, or plain. If we insist on choosing a checked pocket square, then for contrast we should diversify the size of this check, e.g. a big check jacket – a small check, dogstooth pocket square, or the other way round.

At least one colour of a pocket square should match the colour of the jacket or shirt. Such a set is definitely the best.

It is also recommended that the tie is made from a different fabric than the pocket square. Today we can meet these requirements as there are more and more linen, cotton and woollen pocket squares on the market. They have different sizes; the most common in Poland is 33×33 cm, but this is not a rule. For example, Italians prefer bigger ones, 40×40 cm, as they make pocket squares from very delicate and thin silk. Similarly, linen pocket squares are rather in bigger sizes, while woollen, grenadine and cashmere pocket squares are smaller – 31×31 cm.

And one more piece of advice. Woollen pocket squares should not be worn with formal suits – only silk ones. And silk satin pocket squares in turn should not be worn with glossy suits and jackets – here silk twill ones will be better.

It is also worth remembering about the ways of folding pocket squares. For formal occasions they should be folded evenly to look neat. This is not a good time for artistry.

Cheers…

Mariszka

Comments are closed.