If the 80s were all about the shiny, double breasted power suit and the 90s were all about the big, boxy, shapeless suit in bad colours, then the noughties have been all about returning to tradition. English tradition. The good old days. Narrow lapels and pants, clean blacks, blues and greys, crisp shirts with small collars, knitted ties.
The knitted tie is about as far away from the traditional tie as you can get. First off, it's knitted with a machine as opposed to woven like a normal tie. They're both made in 100% silk, but knitted ties are a bit more casual and have a heavy texture you can see and feel. But most noticeably, knitted ties have a straight end, otherwise known as a bobtail. If a skinny tie is the rockstar of ties, its knitted counterpart is the English rake.
Here's how to wear it. For the classic 60s look, pair the knitted tie with a white shirt and a plain coloured suit. Since it's a statement piece in itself, keep the accessories to a minimum - leave your pink silk kerchief at home and replace it with a white cotton pocket square (and I mean folded in a square, no elaborate points or poufs). If you want to dress it down, take off the blazer and replace it with a v neck knitted sweater. Or wear the sweater underneath the blazer. I personally like the first option - a navy knitted tie, white shirt, dark suit, white cotton pocket square. Channel your inner Alfie (Michael Caine, not Jude Law) and add a silver tie bar. Instant 60s cad.
