Buff Micropattern Madder Silk Ascot

Look Great in the Buff!

An emblem of rakish charm, this ascot is well-suited to most sport coat or blazer combinations thanks to its neutral buff base color. Hopsack or worsted fabrics will emphasize its unique silk texture, but this ascot will also pair as easily with warm-weather linens, cottons, or seersuckers as with cold-weather tweeds or flannels, and is truly an all-season accessory.

This versatility is enhanced by the ascot’s color palette. The buff base provides an ideal foundation for pairing with nearly any garment or accessory, as buff is a neutral earthtone that looks great with every other color.

The additional shades of red and blue provide a pop of color without being overwhelming, giving the entire ascot a more sedate and understated appearance typical of British Style. Blue is the most common color in menswear and the red tones ensure visual interest. Together, this color combination is incredibly memorable but also effortlessly elegant.

With its rich color palette, this ascot is the perfect choice for the understated gentleman desirous of a casual neckwear alternative with a sophisticated dash of color. To really stand out from the crowd, consider augmenting this ascot’s dashing charm with a refined boutonniere.

Questions?

If you have questions or need style advice in choosing neckwear for yourself or someone else, let us know, we are happy to help.

SKU: 4054956010510

Live Your 1930s Movie Star Dreams!

• Crafted from 100% Silk
• Thoroughly Dyed to Reduce Fading
• Handmade by Heritage English Artisans
• Historically-Inspired Classic Patterns
• Self-Tying, Use Any Knot You Want
• Incredibly Soft on the Neck

Why You Should Wear a Day Ascot

Day ascots are an excellent way to look put-together and elegant without being overly formal in an increasingly casual world. They also attract attention because of their rarity and can be a fantastic conversation starter. Because it is worn with an open collar, a day ascot is also a great alternative if it is an especially warm day or if you do not like tight collars around your neck but do not wish to forgo neckwear entirely.

Day ascots can also effortlessly elevate any ensemble and make it appear much more dressy and, at the same time, relaxed, giving you the best of both worlds. Day ascots can be worn on a variety of occasions and are suitable for many casual dress codes. For any outfit you might wear without a tie, you can add a day ascot to add flair to your look.

Although they are a type of cravat, day ascots are decidedly less formal than neckties or bow ties. Accordingly, while they can be worn in casual or some creative office environments, they are likely not appropriate for most formal professional business settings because of their casual style.

Sizing Your Ascot

Unlike neckties and bow ties, ascots are sold “one size fits all.” This can be an issue with cheaper ascots, because manufacturers, to save money on fabric, will make the neck band very short, making it uncomfortable or impossible for larger people or those with thick necks to wear their ascots.

At Fort Belvedere, we determined the perfect size for our ascots to fit every neck but not to have excessive and billowy fabric. Our ascots have neckbands of sufficient length to sit comfortably and to be tied in various ways without appearing odd or awkward.

Care

Cleaning

If your ascot becomes stained, it can be spot cleaned with a mild detergent suitable for silks.

Make a mixture of tepid water and the detergent and gently blot the stain with a clean cloth.

Allow the ascot to air dry flat.

Pressing

If your ascot begins to develop wrinkles, gently steam the wrinkles out with a garment steamer on its lowest heat setting. Avoid ironing your ascots, because the flat edge of the iron and the localized heat can ruin the delicately turned edges of the ascot.

Storage

Similar to a necktie, attentive storing of your ascot will prevent unnecessary wrinkling or damage. Ascots should be loosely hung up or stored and laid down flat. Take care to ensure that no part of the ascot is excessively twisted or crumpled.

An Ancient Dye of Historic Beauty

Madder silk is a mesmerizing and lustrous textile that has been held in high regard throughout the annals of time for its intensely rich hues. The name “madder” is derived from the Rubia tinctorum plant, also known as common madder or dyer’s madder, which is the source of its natural and vibrant dyes.

Traditionally, natural madder root was renowned for yielding primarily red pigments; however, the evolution of modern dyeing techniques has expanded this spectrum to embrace a panopony of deep, saturated tones. Envision shades such as mustard yellow, forest green, burnt orange, profound blues and violets—and naturally, the classic reds and burgundies.

The very finest madder products, such as those we offer, are renowned for their unique texture and sheen, having been printed on twill silk fabric treated with gum arabic, conferring on them a distinct, matte finish known among connoisseurs as a “chalk hand.”

Today, the artisans dedicated to crafting madder fabric might be fewer than in days past, yet select purveyors continue to uphold this sartorial tradition. The creation of madder silk is an intricate and labor-intensive art, entailing numerous stages of screen printing and necessitating only the finest quality silk. With a commitment to excellence, Fort Belvedere sources its revered ancient madder exclusively from England.