To learn more about an ascot collar, which is a tall collar with points turned up over the chin, see this article.
What is an Ascot?
The ascot, a broad necktie that resembled a scarf, gained popularity among well-dressed British males in the latter half of the nineteenth century. It was initially named after the English racetrack Ascot Heath, where the look was made popular by stylish onlookers at the Royal Ascot. Each year, a four-day horse race was held at Royal Ascot.
The ascot was a more formal garment that was frequently worn for business in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. It was typically made of black satin and tied in the middle with a diamond stickpin.
The ascot peaked in popularity during the 1890s when stylish men started to wear more vibrant neckwear, but it went out of style at the beginning of the 1900s when the bow tie came into favour and is only really used in the twenty-first century with highly formal morning attire, at weddings, and at the Royal Ascot races.
Is it different from a Cravat?
Ascot, which is really a type of cravat, is a formal necktie worn with a morning dress, tied in a simple knot, worn over the shirt, and fastened with a pin.
A neckerchief, also known as a cravat, is a patterned silk scarf that is tied around the neck, tucked inside the shirt, and casually worn. Neckties, bow ties, neckerchiefs, and ascots can all be referred to as cravats.
In conclusion, every ascot is a cravat, but not every cravat is an ascot.
