A cravat is a wide neckcloth or scarf worn around the neck and tied in front, an early form of the modern necktie.
From French “cravate,” based on “Croate” (Croat), because Croatian soldiers in the 17th century wore distinctive neck scarves. The fashion spread across Europe and the name stuck.
The necktie you see in offices today traces back to Croatian soldiers’ stylish neck scarves. So a cravat is a tiny piece of military fashion history that somehow ended up in business meetings and formal dinners.
“Cravat” historically referred to a neckcloth associated with men’s formal dress in European contexts, tied to class and gender norms about appropriate male attire. Women’s fashion items were often described separately and judged by different standards.
Use “cravat” descriptively for the garment without assuming the wearer’s gender; people of any gender may choose to wear one. Avoid using it as shorthand for masculinity or status.
["neckcloth","neckwear","tie (in some contexts)"]
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