Have you ever wondered how wearing a strip of brightly coloured cloth around the neck became not only acceptable, but even a symbol of status and prosperity for men? Well, there's no straight answer to this as there's a lack of records and also many conflicting differences of opinion, based on how we define the necktie.

History claims that it was the Croatian regiment that had the most profound effect on this worldwide fashion.

As their hard-fought campaigns earned them respect, European rulers took notice of this and started to sport it themselves. And after about 20 years, the French, who appear to have led world fashion trends in that age, accepted and embraced it. Throughout the 20th century, necktie styles varied from the simple and straight to the wide and wild styles of the 70s and now in the 21st century, we find that neckties are still the key accessory for the sharp-dressed man. They come in slim, fat, short and long sizes in multiple colours.

It's so much easier now to sport a dhoti on traditional occasions. There's no need to worry about it slipping and the knot getting undone either. Because to the rescue is the elastic waistband.