Polka Dots in Men's Fashion
Polka dot patterns have been part of the fabric industry for over 200 years now. The first ones to use this design in clothing were the British. It is said that no other than, Beau Brummell (1778-1840) himself wore polka dots in his attire. Beau Brummell is said to be the arbiter of men's fashion in regency England. Some people even call him the inventor of the modern suit for men, and his early influence on men's fashion is still evident today.
During the same time period that Polka Dots were introduced in clothing, Polish Polka music became popular, and although there is no real connection between polka dots and Polka music, the pattern got the name from there. With a little imagination however a connected between the two can be seen: The Polka dance got its name from the Polish word "pulka," meaning half-step, as in the dance. Perhaps this delightful dance, that takes one around in circles was the inspiration for the polka dot pattern.
In men's fashion the Polka dot dates back to the 18th century in Great Britain. Especially accessories such as bow ties and neckties were popular in polka dot patterns. By the late 19th century the polka dot pattern was on the decline and striping patterns in neckties was the predominant style in Great Britain. Not until the 1960s the Polka dot pattern became once again popular. It is a little unclear what originated the re-birth of this lively design. Some argue that Brian Hyland's number one hit "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini" from 1960 was the major influence of this come-back while consider Walt Disney to be the one that brought this forgotten pattern back in style when he dressed Mickey Mouse in a red dress with red polka dot pattern in 1961.
During the 1960s the polka dot pattern was once again popular a commonly seen on women's dresses as well as men's neck ties and bow ties. Today Polka dots are still present in men's fashion. Especially smaller polka dot patterns on neckties and bow ties are quite popular. Most common color The combinations for men's polka dot ties today are On by red and white, by blue and white, by blue and yellow, and by silver and black.
How to Match Polka Dot Ties
Combining different patterns in dress shirt, necktie and suit is much easier than it initially seems. If you follow the basic rule to combined patterns that are different in size, then you will have no problem to match your polka dot ties. A necktie with small polka dot pattern would go very well with a drepolss shirt that has a medium to large size checkered pattern. Ties with large polka dot patterns are much less common in men's fashion today and are typically seen more often on less formal novelty ties. The same rule will still apply: Match the necktie that has large polka dots with a narrow striped dress shirt or fine pin stripes suit.