The art of tying an ascot: beginner's guide

Born in the 1880s at the heart of the English aristocracy, the ascot takes its name from the prestigious Royal Ascot races, where high society paraded in its finest attire.

This forerunner of the modern tie is distinguished by:

• a loose and silky shape,

• a chic but unrestrained wear,

• and a rare versatility between formal and semi-formal.

💬 A well-tied ascot transforms an ordinary outfit into a statement of elegance.

It embodies the philosophy of the Victorian dandy: attention to detail, mastery of gesture, and the pursuit of a style both noble and personal.

👉 To enhance this look, pair your ascot with Y-clip suspenders, a fitted vest, and a newsboy cap. For the urban gentleman, a portable pocket ashtray subtly completes the ensemble.

Understanding the Ascot and Its Unique Style 💎

The ascot is a wide silk band with flared ends, tied at the collar to create a puffed effect.
Its fluid texture and shine make it one of the most expressive accessories in men's wardrobes.

✨ Key features

• Generous width for a majestic drape

• Noble fabric: silk, satin, or jacquard

• Asymmetrical ends to facilitate tying

• Light lining to maintain shape

🔸 Quick comparison

Wearing an ascot is claiming an aristocratic heritage while cultivating a contemporary charm.
It pairs wonderfully with a three-piece suit, a silk pocket square, and a pocket watch.

The Ideal Occasions to Wear an Ascot 🥂

👰 Weddings and Ceremonies

• Pearl gray: daytime wedding

• Black satin: evening wedding

• Paisley patterns: countryside vibe

🏇 Horse races and galas

The Royal Ascot in England remains the ultimate reference.
The ascot is worn proudly there, matched with a tailcoat suit and a top hat.

🎭 Dinners, openings, cultural events

It offers a relaxed elegance, more original than a tie, yet just as chic.
Pair it with a tweed blazer, flannel trousers, and, why not, a newsboy cap for textured contrast.

💡 The ascot is both conversation and tradition: it draws attention without ever provoking it.

Mastering the Knotting Technique: the “Twice Around” Method 🪢

The “twice around” method is the most elegant and stable.
It is perfect for beginners seeking a neat finish.

Steps to follow:

1️⃣ Positioning
Place the ascot around the neck, the right side slightly longer.
The shiny side should face outward.

2️⃣ Croisement
Cross the long side over the short one, forming an “X” under the chin.
Hold the crossing with your left hand.

3️⃣ Double wrap
Pass the long side around the neck twice.
Adjust so the fabric remains fluid and does not tighten.

4️⃣ Finishing
Slide the free end into the front loop.
Form a slight central fold ("dimple") with your fingers.
Adjust the folds and check the volume balance.

🎩 A good ascot knot should look spontaneous, never stiff.

Practice in front of a mirror observing the symmetry and fluidity of the fabric.
Genuine silk, soft and shiny, greatly facilitates tying.

Mastering the Art of Style: Tips for Wearing an Ascot with Confidence 🧥

🎨 Winning colors and patterns

• Gray, beige, navy blue: neutral and versatile

• Paisley, polka dots or fine stripes: chic detail without exaggeration

• Burgundy or emerald green: bold touch on a sober suit

💼 Accessories to combine

• Antique pocket watch

• Vintage brooch or matching cufflinks

• Coordinated pocket square

Limit yourself to 2 or 3 accessories maximum to avoid overload.
Favor aged metal or brass finishes, which perfectly match the retro spirit of the ascot.

👉 For a finishing touch, wear vintage Shelby suspenders, available at Modern Gentleman, to recall the raw elegance of the 1920s.

The Peaky Blinders Legacy: When the Ascot Becomes a Symbol 🕶️

The Peaky Blinders series propelled the ascot to the status of a contemporary icon.
Worn by Tommy Shelby, it embodies a balance between authority and refinement.

The Shelby style revisited

• Newsboy cap

• Fitted three-piece suit

• Leather suspenders

• Gray or burgundy ascot tied casually

This blend of British rigor and stylish rebellion appeals to a new generation of men.
The ascot, once seen as outdated, today becomes the symbol of a modern charisma rooted in history.

💬 A well-chosen ascot guarantees you never go unnoticed, without ever overdoing it.

Giving an Ascot: Personalized Elegance 🎁

The ascot is also an ideal gift, both elegant, intimate, and lasting.

💎 Personalization options

• Embroidered initials or engraved dates

• Custom fabric (Italian silk, jacquard, fine wool)

• Vintage box or engraved case for presentation

🎁 Refined gift ideas

• For a wedding: an ascot matching the theme and engraved with the date

• For a birthday: a model embroidered with the recipient's initials

• For a fashion enthusiast: an art deco ascot accompanied by a card explaining its history

Add a engraved wooden box, a tie pin, or a vintage Zippo lighter to enhance the gift.

Resources to Learn How to Tie an Ascot 📚

📺 YouTube Channels

• Gentleman’s Gazette — detailed tutorials

• Le Vestiaire de Thomas — explanations in French

• The Elegant Oxford — historical and technical approach

📱 Useful Applications

• How to Tie — 3D knot animations

• Tie Guide Pro — interactive advice

• Gentleman’s Closet — special ascot and accessories section

These visual resources allow you to perfect your technique at your own pace.
Repeat the gesture, test different fabrics, and find the style that defines you.

Conclusion: Elegance, a Gesture That Is Passed On 🕰️

Mastering the art of tying an ascot is reconnecting with a tradition of authentic elegance.
Every gesture, every fold tells a story — that of gentlemen who knew that presence is not bought, it is cultivated.

🎩 The man who ties an ascot does not seek to please: he asserts his uniqueness.

Express your personality, experiment with colors, play with textures — and let your ascot become your timeless signature.