The ascot first appeared as a fashion accessory in Eastern Europe in the 17th century as a scarf-like cloth men wrapped around their necks for extra style and warmth. Gaining widespread popularity in Western culture in the 18th century, the ascot became an iconic symbol of class in aristocratic circles of men. The ascot experienced a revival through the currents of psychedelic music in the late 1960s and again in the 1970s with Mod style in the United Kingdom and elsewhere on the European continent. Ascots are modernly being worn as informal fashion pieces to complement a semi-casual look for men. Follow the steps below to learn how to tie an ascot and what to sport with your trendy accessory.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Tying an Ascot

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  1. Make sure the ascot is on the inside of your collar directly touching your skin. The two open ends should be resting on your chest.
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  3. If you want a tighter, more secure knot, wrap the long end around the short end a second time.
  4. Be sure not to make the folds too tight.
  5. The ascot should be positioned straight in the center of your chest just like a normal tie.
  6. If you are not wearing a waistcoat, you should tuck the ascot into whatever V-shaped neck of clothing you are wearing on your torso, such as a blazer. The focus of an ascot is the bib that forms around the neck, so just make sure that this part is exposed.[1]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Creating an Outfit

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  1. Your ascot should stand out in your outfit, and therefore should contain different colors or patterns. Patterned ascots are currently very popular among men that want to add a sophisticated spark to their outfit.
  2. Every man walking around the financial district of your town is wearing a standard black suit, so how do you stand out? By adding an ascot! Personalize your suit to fit your style by using your ascot as a statement piece. Any color or pattern can be used to jazz up your standard black and white suit.
  3. If a suit isn't your thing, sport an ascot with casual apparel to relax the class a bit.
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  • Question
    I want to wear all black: black jeans, boots, and a button-down shirt, with a red print ascot to a job interview, is that that doable?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You shouldn't wear jeans to a job interview. Consider a black top and grey pantsuit, or a blue frill top and skirt of black.
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Tips

  • Choose colors and patterns that compliment your complexion. Because the ascot is so close to your face, avoid colors that wash you out or clash with your natural skin and hair tones.
  • Ascots should not be worn with extremely informal clothing like sweatpants or gym clothes.
  • Ascots are currently making a return to men's fashion, but primarily on the East Coast in places like New York City. Know your fashion geography before sporting an ascot to your local bar.
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About This Article

LaTricia Brown
Co-authored by:
Master Tailor & Creative Director
This article was co-authored by LaTricia Brown. LaTricia Brown is a Master Tailor and Designer and the Owner of Trish B. Stylin' based in the Savannah, Georgia metro area. LaTricia has over a decade of experience including bridal design, men's and women's clothing design, and fashion show directing. She has a BFA in Fashion with a minor in Accessory Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). LaTricia has worked with W Magazine in New York City and has assisted with the personal styling of P. Diddy. She has also assisted the development of Sean John's 10-Year Anniversary Collection and appeared in the filming of Diddy's "If I Were King" Documentary. This article has been viewed 223,488 times.
33 votes - 89%
Co-authors: 11
Updated: March 25, 2024
Views: 223,488
Categories: Scarves
Article SummaryX

To tie an ascot, start by draping it around your neck, with one end about six inches longer than the other. Grab the long end, cross it over and in front of the short end, then tuck it back under the short end. Now that you’ve created a loop, pull the long end all the way through, then straighten it out. To make your ascot look polished, reposition the long end so it’s right on top of the short end, with both ends about the same length. To learn how to choose an outfit to wear an ascot with, keep reading!

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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 223,488 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Anonymous

    Anonymous

    Dec 7, 2017

    "I purchased an ascot and was not sure how to tie it. Your steps answered all my questions."
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