Girls, following broader fashion trends for women, began wearing various forms of neckties starting in the second half of the 19th century.
According to Valerie Steele, director of The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, women started wearing various forms of neckties in the second half of the 19th century. This period marked a significant shift in fashion, as women began adopting clothing items previously exclusive to menswear, such as suits and neckwear.
The Rise of Female Neckwear
The adoption of neckties by women wasn't uniform globally or instantaneously.
- In America: Suits for women, often worn with neckties or other forms of neckwear, were accepted fairly readily.
- In France: The acceptance of women wearing suits and ties took longer.
While the reference specifically mentions "women," the adoption of styles by women during this era typically influenced fashion across different age groups, including younger females (girls), as the trend became more established and interpreted for various contexts, such as specific garments or occasions. Therefore, the second half of the 19th century serves as the foundational period for females, including girls as the style evolved, to begin incorporating ties into their attire.
Key Takeaway
The historical evidence points to the second half of the 19th century as the starting point for females, including women and subsequently girls, wearing neckties as a fashionable item, particularly in conjunction with the rise of women's suiting.
