What is the difference between cravat and ascot

As part of the morning dress at the Royal Ascot horse race , men would wear what was later to be known as the "ascot". Always think twice when someone uses the term "cravat", as they could be talking about 19th-century ties or the modern "day cravat" as they are commonly known in the UK.

Ascot Vs Cravat. It's probably a more formal cravat worn with morning dress. Does it sit under the shirt? It is probably what we call an ascot that sits under the shirt. At the end of the day, "cravat" is really a more general term and is often replaceable with the word tie in Europe.

Some say an ascot is a subset of a cravat. Others could say a bow tie and a "regular" men's tie, as we know it in the United States, could be called cravats as well. Frustration comes when Americans refer to a necktie or neckerchief as an ascot tie.

It matters where the tie sits around the shirt, but it also is important to understand how a tie is folded around the neck. Ascots are tied like a regular men's tie is folded, minus one additional step. A few men are unaware and sometimes fail to accurately name or point them out. The difference between ascot and cravat is that the ascot is quite informal and casual, whereas the cravat is completely formal. This is quite an ambiguous topic, and the exact difference is not established while people have developed the difference over time for their comfort.

However, a lot of us are likely to get confused between them, and it is common to call an ascot a cravat and vice versa. It is commonly tied under the jacket, coat, or shirt to give it a unique and fashionable look. The cravat is regarded as the conventional and the absolutely original version of the tie. It is particularly used in formal meetings and places. More than the need to look chic and fashionable, one wears a tie to match and get along with the rules and to sit in a professional environment.

Ascot is an informal and stylish version of the tie. It is usually worn for events and functions happening in the daytime. It is a piece of cloth that is similar to a scarf that is tied under the collar, usually as an alternate for a tie. Irrespective of how old it is, it is still trendy and in fashion. Usually, it was worn for business meetings though it was quite informal. Men liked to express their sense of creativity and uniqueness by elevating their style.

As you can see, what separates an ascot from a cravat is the placement, which also influences formality. Ascots are less formal than the other cravats pictured. The biggest problem with the ascot-cravat vocabulary is that ascots are the only cravat style with their own unique name.

So instead of picking one word to describe a product, they use both and confuse the heck out of inquisitive readers. If we work together, maybe we can not only change vocabulary, but change the world. Never hurts to dream of men everywhere wearing ascots.

Ascot photo credit: Esquire.