Men’s & Women’s Fashion Icons: Hermès ties and riding trousers

Men’s & Women’s Fashion Icons: Hermès ties and riding trousers

Since its inception in 1837 as a humble harness-maker, Hermès collections have become a bastion of luxury, honoring its equestrian roots while shaping both men and women’s fashion. The story begins in Cannes in 1949 when Hermès introduced its legendary silk ties, filling a gap for gentlemen turned away from casinos for lacking proper attire. Today, Hermès ties remain staple status symbols in men’s fashion, alongside its impeccably tailored riding trousers and jodhpurs, which seamlessly elevate equestrian wear into modern chic. 

In this article, we unpack the enduring allure of Hermès silk ties and the refined equestrian legacy behind riding trousers, exploring their craftsmanship, heritage, and styling potential.

What makes Hermès ties iconic in men’s fashion

Hermès silk ties have held legendary status since their debut in 1949. Born from a Cannes casino anecdote where gentlemen lacked neckwear, Hermès transformed this need into a silk staple. What sets them apart is the house’s total control, from Brazilian silk cultivation to artisanal printing, yielding over 75,000 colorways and intricate motifs like animals, as seen in this fishes print tie, geometry, and equestrian patterns. In men’s fashion, these ties symbolize elegance, taste, and enduring craftsmanship, asserting prestige beyond price tags.

Hermès riding trousers: history of an equestrian classic

Hermès began in 1837 as a Paris workshop crafting premium harnesses for noble clients. Saddlery was added in the 1880s, paired with the iconic “saddle stitch” and ultra‑light yet durable designs. Riding trousers: such as breeches and evolved jodhpurs, reflect equestrian roots: tailored for mobility, reinforced, and cut for horseback wear, like these white riding trousers.

Materials and craftsmanship behind Hermès ties and riding trousers

Hermès’ dedication to luxury is evident in its materials. Silk ties feature premium silk, screen‑printed in France, cut and stitched by single artisans in Les Ateliers Hermès for impeccable quality. Similarly, riding trousers use stretch‑enhanced fabrics, top‑stitched seams, leather knee‑patches, and reinforced cuffs grounded in equestrian utility yet tailored for elegance. This blend of traditional techniques and functional fabrics defines both the silk ties and jodhpurs as symbols of sophistication and durability.

How to style Hermès ties for a modern look

  • Business smart: Pair the classic yellow Hermès boat print silk tie with a slim navy or charcoal suit; contrast with a crisp white shirt for timeless appeal.
  • Smart casual: Wear an equestrian‑print silk tie with a knit polo or Oxford shirt, tucked into tailored chinos. Top it off with a sport coat for a preppy‑elegant feel.
  • Weekend style: Match a silk twill Hermès vintage patterned cachecol under a cashmere sweater or blazer, ideal for lunch dates or gallery visits, balancing bold prints with neutral layers.
  • Accessorizing: Elevate with a silk pocket square mirroring the tie’s motif. Hermès collections include coordinating stoles and bow ties to refine your ensemble

Styling Hermès riding trousers: Elegance with an edge

  • Heritage chic: Tuck a crisp white shirt into beige riding trousers, add tall riding boots and an unisex blazer for equestrian sophistication in urban settings.
  • Layered luxury: Combine dark‑toned riding pants, or a pair of checked pattern riding trousers with a roll‑neck sweater and tailored coat, smart yet relaxed for crisp autumn days.
  • Weekend edge: For women’s fashion, pair leather‑accent jodhpurs with a silk blouse and sleek ankle boots, topped with a tailored jacket; melding heritage flair with modern ambition.
  • Sporty luxe: Combine technical‑fabric trousers with an equestrian‑inspired quilted vest and riding-style suede bootsfor mountain‑town or countryside outings.

Elevate your wardrobe with Hermès 

Hermès ties and riding trousers are not merely garments; they are wearable legacies. With premium silk, leather accents, and artisan craftsmanship rooted in equestrian tradition, they remain iconic staples in modern men’s and women’s fashion.


At Cavalli e Nastri, an icon among Milan vintage shops, we believe embracing Hermès’ silk ties and equestrian‑inspired jodhpurs isn't just about style; it's about carrying forward a legacy of craftsmanship, sophistication, and timeless elegance.