In the 17th century, during the Thirty Years' War, Croatian mercenaries served in the French armies and were among the best fighters in the King's service. As such, these soldiers were presented to King Louis XIV to be thanked, and they wore a colorful scarf around their necks, tied in a particular way. According to tradition, it was often Croatian women who tied this fabric around their husbands' or fiancés' necks before they left for war, as a sign of love and fidelity.
The French, impressed by this practical and elegant accessory (much more comfortable than the large starched collars of the time), quickly adopted it. The word "cravate" (tie) was then born from a deformation of "Croate" (Croatian).
It was during the reign of Louis XIV, the Sun King, that the tie truly became fashionable. The king adopted it at the court of Versailles, made it a symbol of elegance, and even created the position of "cravatier" to adjust it each morning. From the French court, the fashion then spread throughout Europe and has become an icon of elegance today.