Mid- 19th century

Man's Kerchief

For daytime and sporting wear, the mid-nineteenth century male could add a bright touch to his dress with a colorful and patterned neckcloth. A practical alternative to stiffer neckwear, kerchiefs and Indian bandanas (from the Hindi word for tie-dye) had been worn since the late eighteenth century. These large squares, folded diagonally and wrapped and tied around the neck, were of silk or cotton and were made either in India or in Europe following the Indian style.