We are often asked for the difference between an ascot and a cravat when offering alternatives to the classic neck or bowtie. The most basic answers would be that ascots are more informal, as they are tied under the collar. Whereas cravat can refer to all ties, but there are cravats that are not ascots, ties or bowties.

We’ve decided to take this definition a bit further and explore different options for cravats and for ascots. We encourage the reader to take experiment with these forms of neckwear as they are often under estimated but provide a really great look for most all occasions.

What is a Cravat? 

The cravat is essentially any cloth that is tied around one’s neck for decorative purposes. It is one of the earliest forms of a neck bands and therefore the origin of modern necktie, bowtie, and scarves dating back to the 17th century. 

Types of Cravats

Day Cravat:  The day or casual cravat is a cravat that is worn informally, tucked into an open shirt collar. It is loose and more flowing looking than a wedding cravat.

Wedding Cravat: The modern wedding cravat looks very similar to a necktie but with a scrunched knot. A traditional wedding cravat has two flaps of fabric that are folding on top of each other and fastened together with a cravat pin. The latter style has mostly disappeared in favor of the “scrunchie" style.

The last type of cravat is an ascot cravat, but this guide is going to get into more specific detail about the ascot below.

Cravat Fabrics

All Silk: An all-silk cravat is one made entirely of silk without an additional backing or lining. The upside of an all-silk cravat is that it lighter weight and provides a polished finished that many prefer when wearing a cravat. Consequently, without cotton backing the cravat is more slippery, which means the tie would need to be tied in such a way to keep the knot from slipping out. Additionally, more fabric would be needed, which isn’t always cheap when it comes to all-silk products.

Silk and a Cotton Backing: This is one of the more popular choices for a cravat. The cotton backing usually provides a contrasting color and greater comfort because of it’s ability to be tied and fitted easier without slipping. As a result of the backing, this type of cravat is slightly thicker and can provide a more puffed out billowing look once tied, an often desired effect among cravat wearers.

Polyester: A polyester cravat is favored by many because of their ability to come in many different designs simply not available in silk. They are more durable and certainly more budget friendly.

Wool: You may notice a few of the cravats on the shelves made from wool. Wool cravats will still have a cotton back to provide comfort and knot security.

What is an Ascot?

Here’s where things can get a little confusing. An ascot is actually just a type of cravat. It is the modern day, American term used to describe a day cravat.

Types of Ascots:

Formal Ascot: The origin of the formal ascot is the “Royal Ascot” and the Ascot heath. The Ascot heath was a popular horse race in England where those attending wear formal morning dress consisting of a morning coat, a winged collar shirt and a cravat that was generally silver with some parts black, tied tightly with a double knot and then fastened with a cravat pin.

(Please insert picture of the formal ascot)

Today these ascots are rarely seen as they are dated and not as formal looking compared to the modern ascot.

Day Ascot: This is much more modern way of wearing a cravat. It became popular back in the 1930s as a casual way to include neckwear when a necktie and bow tie were just too formal. They were commonly worn with a jacket at home or out with a blazer.

(Please insert pictures of different ways to wear /tie a day ascot.)

Ascot Patterns: Because an ascot is meant to be a casual accessory you can bold with your pattern selection. Keep in mind that your outfit must match and therefore when choosing an ascot make sure to choose one that contrasts with your jacket and shirt selections. A large pattern ascot would pair well with a solid shirt or a small pattern shirt and a solid jacket while a solid colored ascot would go harmoniously with a patterned jacket or shirt.

Now, events are often more casual than in years prior. An ascot is a great way to look well dressed and elegant while also being a conversation starter with the people around you. It is a wonderful alternative for those who do not like tight collars around their necks as the shirt and collar must be unbuttoned a little to wear it.

Perhaps the confusion between the cravat and the ascot is a result of ascots being the only cravat style with their own unique name. Thus, in many people’s minds all cravats are ascots. The words are often used synonymously.

The easiest rule to remember from this is that, “All ascots are cravats, but not all cravats are ascots.”

We are often asked for the difference between an ascot and a cravat when offering alternatives to the classic neck or bowtie. The most basic answers would be that ascots are more informal, as they are tied under the collar. Whereas cravat can refer to all ties, but there are cravats that are not ascots, ties or bowties.

We’ve decided to take this definition a bit further and explore different options for cravats and for ascots. We encourage the reader to take experiment with these forms of neckwear as they are often under estimated but provide a really great look for most all occasions.

What is a Cravat? 

The cravat is essentially any cloth that is tied around one’s neck for decorative purposes. It is one of the earliest forms of a neck bands and therefore the origin of modern necktie, bowtie, and scarves dating back to the 17th century. 

Types of Cravats

Day Cravat:  The day or casual cravat is a cravat that is worn informally, tucked into an open shirt collar. It is loose and more flowing looking than a wedding cravat.

Wedding Cravat: The modern wedding cravat looks very similar to a necktie but with a scrunched knot. A traditional wedding cravat has two flaps of fabric that are folding on top of each other and fastened together with a cravat pin. The latter style has mostly disappeared in favor of the “scrunchie" style.

The last type of cravat is an ascot cravat, but this guide is going to get into more specific detail about the ascot below.

Cravat Fabrics

All Silk: An all-silk cravat is one made entirely of silk without an additional backing or lining. The upside of an all-silk cravat is that it lighter weight and provides a polished finished that many prefer when wearing a cravat. Consequently, without cotton backing the cravat is more slippery, which means the tie would need to be tied in such a way to keep the knot from slipping out. Additionally, more fabric would be needed, which isn’t always cheap when it comes to all-silk products.

Silk and a Cotton Backing: This is one of the more popular choices for a cravat. The cotton backing usually provides a contrasting color and greater comfort because of it’s ability to be tied and fitted easier without slipping. As a result of the backing, this type of cravat is slightly thicker and can provide a more puffed out billowing look once tied, an often desired effect among cravat wearers.

Polyester: A polyester cravat is favored by many because of their ability to come in many different designs simply not available in silk. They are more durable and certainly more budget friendly.

Wool: You may notice a few of the cravats on the shelves made from wool. Wool cravats will still have a cotton back to provide comfort and knot security.

What is an Ascot?

Here’s where things can get a little confusing. An ascot is actually just a type of cravat. It is the modern day, American term used to describe a day cravat.

Types of Ascots:

Formal Ascot: The origin of the formal ascot is the “Royal Ascot” and the Ascot heath. The Ascot heath was a popular horse race in England where those attending wear formal morning dress consisting of a morning coat, a winged collar shirt and a cravat that was generally silver with some parts black, tied tightly with a double knot and then fastened with a cravat pin.

(Please insert picture of the formal ascot)

Today these ascots are rarely seen as they are dated and not as formal looking compared to the modern ascot.

Day Ascot: This is much more modern way of wearing a cravat. It became popular back in the 1930s as a casual way to include neckwear when a necktie and bow tie were just too formal. They were commonly worn with a jacket at home or out with a blazer.

(Please insert pictures of different ways to wear /tie a day ascot.)

Ascot Patterns: Because an ascot is meant to be a casual accessory you can bold with your pattern selection. Keep in mind that your outfit must match and therefore when choosing an ascot make sure to choose one that contrasts with your jacket and shirt selections. A large pattern ascot would pair well with a solid shirt or a small pattern shirt and a solid jacket while a solid colored ascot would go harmoniously with a patterned jacket or shirt.

Now, events are often more casual than in years prior. An ascot is a great way to look well dressed and elegant while also being a conversation starter with the people around you. It is a wonderful alternative for those who do not like tight collars around their necks as the shirt and collar must be unbuttoned a little to wear it.

Perhaps the confusion between the cravat and the ascot is a result of ascots being the only cravat style with their own unique name. Thus, in many people’s minds all cravats are ascots. The words are often used synonymously.

The easiest rule to remember from this is that, “All ascots are cravats, but not all cravats are ascots.”