Ascot vs Cravat: What’s the Difference?

If you've been shopping for men's neckwear, you've probably encountered the terms ascot and cravat – often describing remarkably similar-looking items.

So, is an ascot the same as a cravat?

The short answer is that “cravat” is historically the broader term, while an ascot is a particular style of cravat. In modern use, however, the names are frequently used interchangeably.

Here's what you need to know.

What Is a Cravat?

The word cravat has been used for centuries to describe fabric worn around the neck.

Modern neckties, bow ties and ascots all developed from earlier forms of neckwear that could broadly be described as cravats.

Today, particularly in Britain, the word cravat is commonly used for a broad piece of fabric worn around the neck, either tucked inside an open shirt or worn as part of more formal attire.

This means that when somebody refers to a men's cravat, they may be describing what somebody else would call an ascot.

What Is an Ascot?

An ascot is a style of broad neckwear traditionally associated with smart social dress.

Unlike a conventional necktie, an ascot is usually worn with an open shirt collar. The fabric is tied relatively loosely, spread across the front and tucked inside the shirt.

This creates the characteristic soft, gathered appearance around the neck.

Modern ascots come in a huge variety of colours and patterns, ranging from traditional paisley designs to florals, geometric patterns and plain colours.

Why Is It Called an Ascot?

The name is associated with Ascot Racecourse in England, where this style of neckwear became associated with fashionable dress.

Over time, “ascot” became a commonly used name for the style, particularly outside the UK.

The terminology can therefore vary depending on where you live.

An item advertised as an ascot in the United States might very easily be described as a cravat in Britain.

Ascot vs Cravat: Is There Actually a Difference?

Historically, yes.

In strict terminology, cravat is the broader category, while an ascot is one particular development of the cravat.

In everyday modern shopping, however, the distinction is considerably less important.

If you're looking for the broad, soft neckwear that's tied loosely and tucked inside an open shirt, searching for either men's ascots or men's cravats can lead you to essentially the same style.

What About Wedding Cravats?

This is where the terminology can become slightly more confusing.

In the UK, the term wedding cravat is often used for formal neckwear worn by the groom, best man or groomsmen.

These can be styled somewhat differently from the relaxed ascot worn inside an open shirt.

Wedding cravats are often worn more prominently and can be coordinated with waistcoats, pocket squares and the wedding colour scheme.

So while ascots and cravats overlap considerably, the phrase wedding cravat can sometimes refer to a more formal way of wearing this type of neckwear.

Ascot vs Necktie

The difference between an ascot and a conventional necktie is much clearer.

A necktie is normally worn underneath a closed shirt collar and secured with a structured knot. The tie then hangs visibly down the front of the shirt.

An ascot is broader and softer.

It is generally tied loosely around the neck, with the fabric spread across the opening of the shirt and the ends tucked inside.

The result is less business-like and often more distinctive.

Ascot vs Bow Tie

A bow tie sits at the neck in a compact bow shape and is normally worn with the shirt buttoned to the top.

An ascot creates almost the opposite effect.

The shirt is left open, the fabric is allowed to form natural folds and the overall appearance is softer and more relaxed.

Both can provide an alternative to a conventional necktie, but they create very different looks.

When Should You Wear an Ascot or Cravat?

There are surprisingly few restrictions.

Ascots and cravats can work particularly well for:

• Weddings

• Parties and celebrations

• Race meetings

• Dinners

• Country and tweed outfits

• Smart-casual occasions

• Vintage-inspired outfits

They can also simply be worn because you prefer something more individual than a conventional necktie.

A patterned ascot with a white shirt and dark blazer, for example, creates a distinctive outfit without requiring particularly formal clothing.

Which Should You Search For: Ascot or Cravat?

Both.

If you're shopping online, it's worth remembering that retailers and customers in different countries use the terminology differently.

British shoppers are generally more familiar with cravat, while ascot is particularly common terminology internationally.

The important thing is therefore not necessarily the name but the style you're looking for.

If you want broad neckwear that can be loosely tied and tucked inside an open shirt, you're looking in the right place.

How Do You Wear One?

If you've never worn this style of neckwear before, it's easier than it might appear.

Our How to Tie an Ascot guide explains the knot step by step, while our How to Wear an Ascot guide covers shirts, jackets, colours, weddings, tweed and more.

Once you've learned the basic knot, an ascot can actually be quicker and more forgiving to arrange than a traditional necktie.

Explore Ascots and Cravats

At The Ascot Shop, we specialise in ascots and cravats in a wide range of colours and patterns.

Whether you call it an ascot or a cravat, you'll find everything from understated plain colours to paisley, floral and distinctive patterned designs suitable for weddings, smart occasions or simply adding something different to your everyday wardrobe.