Neck Cloth. A folded cloth worn around the neck, as a band or cravat; an article of dress which replaced the ruff and falling band, and formed a marked feature in the fashionable dress of men in 1740 to 1775. Throughout the 17th century the ends were commonly of lace and fell over the breast. Later, and down to about 1820, the neck-cloth was plain and composed of fine white linen.