Silk Ties selection from Simply Ties.

The history of silk is as intricate and as colourful as the fabric itself. The production of silk was the most zealously guarded secret in history, and one the Chinese kept to themselves for more than 3000 years. Revealing the secret of this precious fabric was punishable by death.

Legend has it that in 2640 BC, the Chinese Princess Xi-Ling-Shih, was the first to weave a cocoon of silk. In fact originally silk was reserved exclusively for the use of the ruler, permitted only for the emperor, his wife and children and high dignitaries. So precious was this fabric it became a currency on its own.

The production of silk is a lengthy process, beginning with the little silk worm. These little fellows eat many pounds of mulberry leaves, increasing their weight many thousands of times, until they then wrap themselves in a cocoon to mature. These cocoons are then harvested and boiled down and the long, smooth strands unwound, which are then woven together to make silk thread. This thread is in turn woven to make cloth.

By the 3rd Century BC, silk found its way to Asia, then was discovered by the Romans, by the 7th Century the Arabs were trading in it, as it travelled to Africa, Sicily and Spain.It then found its way through Europe, and it was not until the 1980s, when China would again be the major producer and exporter of silk.

Silk has remained classic and timeless...fashions change, but silk has never gone out of style. As one of the strongest natural fabrics, it appears in a variety of weavesand its unique characteristics distinguish it from other fabrics. A silk tie can either be printed, resulting in a very smooth fabric, or woven, resulting in a silky, but slightly textured feel. A silk tie will be extremely soft and fluid; hold silk in your hands and watch how beautifully it drapes, no other material will be as smooth or drape quite as well.

Silk absorbs dye well, giving it those beautiful vibrant colours. Silk also reflects light, giving it the shiny appearance so characteristic of this exquisite fabric. This means that your silk ties will be a rich colour, and shiny, ensuring that you stand out...no fading into the background with a silk tie!

Silk ties are more than just a fashion accessory; it is a statement, about who you are. Whether you are a young professional or an established executive, silk ties form an essential part of your working wardrobe, an absolute must have. In your private life, nothing says stylishlike a silk tie and not just because of how it looks, but how it feels as you knot it, the effortless way a silk tie can transform your image. After all, you are wearing a fabric, which was originally fit only for a king.