For many men, a tie is not just an accessory to a business suit. This is a means for self-expression, which helps to make the image unique. And this is not difficult at all, especially since today the choice of tie models is simply huge.
In our article, we will consider in detail such a stylish accessory as a plastron. What is it, how to wear it correctly and how to learn to tie it? Simple recommendations suggested below will help you make a pattern and sew a tie yourself.
Plastron - what is it?
Among the whole variety of models of ties, there are those that can be worn at least every day, and others designed for especially solemn occasions. Plastron also belongs to the second group of ties. What it is?
Plastron is a wide tie that covers the neck and a large part of the chest. The model has wide acute-angled edges and a narrower middle, which is hidden under the shirt collar. Plastron is made of light or heavy silk, usually black, white, gray, red, as well as other colors.
The history of the plastron
Plastron as a kind of wide tie appeared in the middle of the XIX century. At this time, such a fashion accessory was widespread among English dandies. What does plastron mean? This is the French name for the tie, which came from the English word Ascot. In England, Ascot is the name of a settlement in the county of Berkshire, where the famous Royal Horse Racing was held.
Plastron is called the predecessor of a modern tie. It appeared in England around the 19th century and resembled a narrow strip of fabric on the neck with wide acute-angled edges. The ends of the tie were bent in half, and the joint was connected with a special pin or brooch. They sewed it from special heavy silk with a decorative pattern. They wore a plastron with a business card - a type of men's suit with long semicircular floors. They fastened the tie directly to the shirt, using at least 12 pins. Particularly popular business cards were in the XIX-XX century, that is, at the same time as the plastron.
What is it in modern fashion? This is the same wide tie, but today the plastron is attached directly to the shirt and fixed at the base of the neck with a brooch or pin.
What to wear with plastron
Plastron does not lose its popularity today. In Western countries, especially in the UK, such a tie is still an obligatory wedding accessory, which still successfully combines with a business card, dress coat or classic suit.
Banquets, balls, weddings, theater premieres, exhibitions, awards and other celebrations - these are the places where you need to wear a suit with a plastron. This tie option is not suitable for everyday wear. In an office setting, he looks too elegant and even elaborate.
How to tie a tie
A classic plastron with wide acute-angled ends and a narrow middle is tied in the following manner and in the following sequence:
- Wrap a tie around the neck so that its wide ends hang down in front.
- Tie the edges of the plastron into a regular knot.
- Lift the upper end and connect it with a volume unit with the second end. In this case, it is not necessary to tighten the assembly. Thus, the ends of the plastron are connected by two nodes, one of them performing a practical function, and the second a decorative one.
- The loose ends of the tie must be carefully crossed, and then fixed with a pin at the base of the neck. You can use a beautiful brooch decorated with stones and emphasizing the solemnity of the event on which this tie is worn.
Plastron tied in this way retains its shape perfectly throughout the day. You do not have to worry that he will unleash during a fun wedding dance.
Plastron: do-it-yourself tie pattern
You can sew a stylish plastron with your own hands using a very simple pattern. When cutting the fabric folds in half, a drawing is applied to the fold line, which is drawn around the contour. In this case, allowances for seams in those places where they are provided should be taken into account.
When constructing a pattern, a horizontal line should be indicated (when cutting, it will be located perpendicular to the fold of the fabric). To the left of it, it is necessary to postpone the value of the neck circumference with an increase (usually it is 3 cm). To the right of the horizontal it is necessary to indicate the shape and width of the plastron (20 cm). Do not forget about seam allowances. The width of each end of the tie is 10 cm, the length is 30-32 cm. The length of the product can be even greater than that provided by the pattern. You can finally adjust it already by trying on.
How to sew a plastron yourself
For plastron traditionally choose fabric "silk duchess". It is a dense material with a perfectly smooth, silky surface. Products from it look elegant and expensive. But when working with this fabric, inexperienced craftswomen often have difficulties, since the material slides and it is difficult to achieve a clear fit to the pattern when cutting.
To plastron was dense and well kept in shape, doublerin is used when sewing. It is glued with an iron to the main fabric. In the process, it is necessary to iron the allowances for the seams well so that they can be easily hidden inside.
What is a plastron, how to wear it and how to build a pattern, you now understand. It remains only to buy a suitable silk fabric and start sewing this elegant and stylish accessory.