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Style Debate: Neckties are overrated

February 28, 2012 By Joe | Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

Ties are, in fact, overrated:  Look, no one is saying the necktie is a bad thing.  It’s just not all that it’s cracked up to be.  Men use ties as a panacea.  A crutch even.  They put on a tie and they think they’re dressed up, when in fact, a good chunk of men look uncomfortable and/or stuffy when wearing one.  Ties can be a type of subconscious sartorial leash.  And your boss is holding the other end.  In our increasingly dressed down culture, a tie can also be seen as off-putting.  Is that the fault of the tie-wearer?  No.  But you can wear a blazer or sport coat and still look sharp without a tie.  Same goes for a suit ( some vehemently disagree.)  You put on a tie, and people often get suspicious.

Ties are NOT overrated:  Listen here Mr. too-cool-for-a-tie.  Ties are not only a sign of respect for those around you, they’re a sign of power.  Try addressing a joint session of Congress without a tie on.  A great looking and subtle tie tied in an appropriate sized knot with a well-done tie dimple shows you know what you’re doing.  It can also show you’re not to be messed with.  It’s one of those few pieces that allows a man to show a slice of personality if he chooses.  It’s also another opportunity, like the cut of your suit, to stand out from the sea of fellas mailing it in.

Are you behind the tie?  Do you have a closet full of ties yet rarely use them?  Do you think they make someone look stuffy?  Leave your take in the comments below…

Filed Under: Accessories Tagged With: necktie, overrated, style debate, Tie

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Comments

  1. Rob says

    February 28, 2012 at 5:03 AM

    I love to wear my ties – after 10 years working in an area where I rarely needed to wear one, a new job that allows me to suit-up and wear a tie much more often has been great!
    And now that I’ve seen your other link to The Tie Bar, looked at their variety and realised how inexpensively they ship to Austalia, it seems like a great opportunity to add to my collection!

  2. Davelli0331 says

    February 28, 2012 at 5:37 AM

    It’s going to depend mostly on context, I think.  For those in professions where ties are acceptable, or even required, they’ll probably think ties are OK.  Those of us who work in very laid back fields might generally say they’re a bit overrated.

    The last time I wore a nice wool blazer to work, my boss called me into his office and asked why I was dressed so nicely.  He joked that he would take my picture and use it as a formal dress code policy.  While I appreciate the good humor and let it roll off my shoulders, it’s not really the kind of attention I want from my clothing.  So I can’t imagine wearing a tie to work.

  3. boomchakalakalakaboon says

    February 28, 2012 at 6:12 AM

    Well, philosophically they are overrated – but that’s a useless line of reasoning, since MOST elements of style are overrated and at odds with basic comfort and functionality. (CROCS or athletic shoes are the perfect shoe for most purposes; polyester is one of the most practical fabrics, etc.)

    Once we assume that style and fashion do not particularly make sense, ties are not overrated at all, the main reason being that traditional sport coats, blazers, and suit jackets simply look stupid without a tie on.

  4. Jordan Helton says

    February 28, 2012 at 6:17 AM

    Basically what Davelli said. Its to the point where you will get HARASSED at work if you go above the minimum standard of dress. It’s almost sickening that people will go so far to bring you back down to their lazy level.

  5. Bookman says

    February 28, 2012 at 6:24 AM

    Ties are a great opportunity for expression within the context of a more-restrained working environment. The key is to start enjoying subtlety…a big mistake many men make with ties is that they mistakenly believe “power” ties are “loud” ties. Ties are not appropriate for every setting; but, effectively wearing ties in serious settings will place you in a better view with colleagues and others. The way to get over discomfort with wearing ties is to do it enough that you discover the style of tie and size of knot that suits you and become more adjusted to the look.
    All of that said, I have way too many ties…or, not nearly enough closets….

  6. Andrew says

    February 28, 2012 at 6:37 AM

    I disagree – fashion makes perfect sense. While athletic shoes might be the ideal form of footwear if humans were still required to engage in strenuous physical activity on a daily basis to ensure our survival (though not Crocs – they don’t seem like they would provide adequate protection or be all that easy to run in), society has long evolved beyond that point. Modern style reflects the characteristics valued by modern civilization – we now take the way in which we are perceived by others into consideration along with comfort and functionality. The contemporary business suit is no accident. It might not be the ideal thing to wear when running for miles or hunting a moose, but it’s the perfect outfit for the complex social environment which rules the modern world. And as society continues to evolve, style will as well, such that it is always the perfect complement to the demands placed upon us by our surrounding environment.

    That being said, while a ties can (and often are) utilized poorly, and not every outfit or situation requires a tie, the tie does serve a clear purpose. It serves to accentuate and lengthen the torso, frame the face, and provide a clean, streamlined appearance. An appropriate, well-chosen tie should be worn whenever possible – it’s one of the best ways to set yourself apart from everyone else who’s just going through the motions.

  7. boomchakalaka says

    February 28, 2012 at 7:34 AM

    Well, the extravagant clothing of religious ring leaders also serves clear social purpose, but that doesn’t make it any less stupid. Modern business attire is standardized, conformist, and serves primarily to signify one’s status of member of “the club”. I fail to see how this is desireable or constructive. 

  8. Matthew Watson says

    February 28, 2012 at 7:46 AM

    Ties are in fact underrated. Like you said above, people think of them as little more than a symbol of power and a way to stand out. In fact, they can be an expression of personality and the center of any outfit.

    I wear a tie when I want crisp, manly triangles to frame my face, rather than the sloppy wrinkles of an undone collar. (Some collars left undone can look right, but only occasionally.)

    I also wear a tie to express my mood—to showcase a color too bright for other pieces, or a fabric that pulls the rest of the outfit into it.

  9. kaboom says

    February 28, 2012 at 8:05 AM

    From a purely aesthetical point of view ties are certainly not overrated – they look great, and it’s impossible to dress classically without a tie. The real question IMO is – is the aesthetics worth the hassle? Answers will vary, but for me the answer is no: it’s an added expense, an added restraint to your movements. People have done much crazier things to look good,  but that doesn’t change the fact that ties and many other style details are functionally useless, and as such  – a burden.

  10. Chris Moore says

    February 28, 2012 at 8:17 AM

    Until I can afford custom shirts I have a choice to make, shoulders or neck, only one will fit. So for me its 1) Baggy shirt with a tie, 2)  well fitted shirt with a loose tie that makes me look like I threw it on but am not pleased about it, or 3) great crisp shirt with no tie. I’ll pick 3 every time.

  11. Andrew says

    February 28, 2012 at 8:19 AM

    To say that the purpose of modern business attire is simply to communicate exclusive status is a clear misunderstanding. The purpose of wearing a suit is not to say “Look at me, I’m a wealthy businessman, just like you!” The modern world is driven by perceptions. Business attire serves to influence the perceptions of others, whether that’s through simply highlighting your torso or conveying a sense of power. Style serves its purpose in that it is a tool which can be used to gain an advantage in the world around you. Yes, that advantage might not be increased comfort or functionality, but that doesn’t make it any less real. The fact that we don’t simply wear Under Armor and sneakers every day is just a reflection on the fact that our world doesn’t necessarily revolve around comfort or functionality. Fashion isn’t to blame for that, it’s just a reflection of society. That being said, there are still ways in which style can be used to distinguish oneself. Most of us are here because we want to be better dressed than our peers – not simply for the sake of style, but because it gives us a real advantage in the modern world.

  12. j.r. says

    February 28, 2012 at 8:54 AM

    I am the only person in my office workspace of about 30 who wears a tie (at least 3-4 days a week) — yet today, just minutes ago, i was told “you are definitely always the best-dressed person here.” and I was also asked to go to lunch to have a style discussion with some female workers last week. If you do it right, it works.

    However, I work in a huge building in a huge city and there are also many suits roaming around the here, as well as on the trains and sidewalks. So its a matter of perspective. If I were working in a different environment, i might wear them less frequently, but I am comfortable in them — not to mention, I hate when my undershirt or chest pubes stick out, so the tie helps to hide this

  13. Dan Patrick Flores says

    February 28, 2012 at 10:00 AM

    I’m waiting for a dig on George Clooney.

  14. Mark Johnson says

    February 28, 2012 at 10:24 AM

    I like them aesthetically but don’t find them all that comfortable. I agree a suit doesn’t look right without a tie. You can go tieless in a sportcoat and blazer and I definitely think doffing the tie before the jacket is preferable to the other way around.   

  15. Wrecking Ball says

    February 28, 2012 at 10:46 AM

    You can have my ties when you pry them from my cold, dead hands.

  16. Butch_Z says

    February 28, 2012 at 11:39 AM

    Ties are only overrated when they’re of the super-skinny variety. 

  17. DenverBrian says

    February 28, 2012 at 11:58 AM

    I think it depends on the environment you’re in. I work in advertising where everyone wears ironic t-shirts and skinny jeans, yet I wear a cardigan & tie with darker jeans and nice wingtips daily. I’ve never been told I’m overdressed, and I have my male co-workers asking me for fashion advice weekly. If I wore a suit, then, it’d be “trying too hard.” And it doesn’t hurt when cute girls in the office walk up to say “I love that tie on you.” I don’t consider my attire fancy at all, but I won’t sacrifice personal style to dress down to the level of everyone around me. It’s about standing out and being comfortable with yourself.

    Heck, even when I’m out at the “hipster” clubs I’ll be rocking a nice vest, collared shirt & tie. Sure, you get some remarks from drunk guys and think “maybe I’m overdressed.” Then, a cute girl will come and grab your tie to go dance with her. You smile. She smiles. The other guys just stare with envy. 😉

    Keeping your style is a great reflection upon how you view yourself and your confidence level. I think it also does wonders for how people perceive what kind of person you are.

  18. Arnim says

    February 28, 2012 at 2:24 PM

    Ties are excellent.  If a guy lacks the fortitude to pull off a tie, that says more about him than it does about the garment that he might otherwise be wearing.  A tie says something to the world about the man wearing it.  To me, it says something like, “I have something important to do.”  I’m thankful that I have opportunity for meaningful work.  I’m proud of this and do not hesitate to dress like a man with responsibilities.  Just my $.02

  19. Tyrone says

    February 28, 2012 at 4:12 PM

    Generally, if you feel or look uncomfortable with a tie on, it’s because you’re doing it wrong.  I know that if my shirt fits right, and I tie a good knot, wearing a tie is no less comfortable than a sweatshirt – and certainly more comfortable than a turtleneck.  But it does have to be appropriate to the context.

  20. DonM says

    February 28, 2012 at 4:26 PM

    Ties are very under-rated and I am convinced there is such thing as a tie for every occasion. I feel like a lot of the stigma that comes with wearing ties is actually an association of other areas of discomfort with more formal dress. For instance, people get poor fitting dress shoes, complain about how uncomfortable they are, and somehow associate the ties presence as a driving source of their discomfort. Similarly, a lot of people hate what they do. It’s sad, but sometimes you need to make choices between a fun and fulfilling career or one that will pay the bills and put little Timmy through college. The discourse is amplified by needing to dress up, etc. Again, I feel like the tie gets brought down for no good reason. 

    Joe makes a great point with careful wording, “tied in an appropriate sized knot with a well-done tie dimple shows you know what you’re doing.” It is quite frankly ridiculous when I see others tie atrocious knots. Having an arsenal of knots in your bag is critical to landing the right effect. If I walk around with a full windsor with jeans and a patch pocket blazer, yea I’m pushing it. But, a less aggressive knot works perfectly there. Conversely, if you find yourself in a monster of a spread collar, don’t even think about a whimpy four-in-the-hand. It’s nothing new in life; the situation should govern one’s response. 

    Last point, if one was to consider the mathematical combinations between all types of collars, knot types, patterns, textures, accompaniments, etc that are possible with a tie, it would be astronomical. I don’t of any singular item that is as diverse as a tie. Its origins are rooted in history (an intersting history at that) and it will continue to be both influential and relevant for years to come. What other article of clothing have you ever seen help or hurt someone’s chances of becoming the leader of the free world as much as a tie has?

  21. Pancho says

    February 28, 2012 at 4:37 PM

    Any type of clothing is capable of signifying status or membership in a “club” so that objection holds less merit than you seem to believe. Try going to a Goth or Heavy Metal show dressed in pastels to see what I mean.

    If something serves a purpose then it isn’t stupid, because it’s serving it’s purpose. Therefore you may disagree with a groups religious beliefs but to deride their ritual clothing as stupid is very silly, because it’s serving a purpose for them.

    Likewise with modern business attire. Furthermore, it’s ironic that modern business attire is derided as standardized and conformist since what it has replaced it is just as standardized and conformist: chinos, jeans, t-shirts and sweats. The manner of dressing and most of us sooner or later drifts into a standard look and very few of us are able to be continuously creative or original on a daily basis or have a workplace that allows us to do so.

  22. Pancho says

    February 28, 2012 at 5:08 PM

    I actually think ties are underrated, as someone else said up thread.  If you know how to wear them (and your shirts, get your correct neck size) they aren’t uncomfortable. They have visual, aesthetic, and stylistic purposes plus they help keep the collar straight and even keep the neck a tiny bit warmer on cool evenings, like a neckerchief. They’ve been part of male attire for centuries now. Wearing a suit or blazer without one can still look nice but on some level will still look and be incomplete. There’s also something quintessentially masculine about them. Presidents and kings have worn a form of the necktie since King Louis XIV.

    Like others have said a lot depends on the place and occasion but you can get away with wearing one more often than not, even in casual environments if you know how to wear it. They don’t have to be expensive either. I get mine from thrift stores, ebay, and the Tie Bar ( I am going to splurge on a custom made one someday, though).

  23. kaboomchikiboom says

    February 28, 2012 at 5:20 PM

    I agree; The problem is that most objects in the modern world (not just clothing) are imbued with meaning and feelings far beyond their functional utility. This is not a good thing, simply because it is 1) a waste of resources (material and emotional) and 2) it shapes social interactions in ways that are driven by objects and money, rather than actual relationships.

  24. Justin K says

    February 28, 2012 at 6:02 PM

     Chris, I feel your pain. I’m an athletically built 5’10, 180 lb. guy who buys mediums (that are often too large in places), but the necks NEVER fit (top button doesn’t close). Larges swallow me up. So, more often than not, I do the more laid-back look (using less formal patterns), with the tie loose around the neck. I wish I could afford higher quality shirts, though…

  25. BenR says

    February 28, 2012 at 6:14 PM

    Most of the arguments made against ties could also be made against wearing blazers, dress shoes, and suits: They are uncomfortable, they make you look stuffy, you only wear one because you have to, and so on. All those things COULD be true, but they don’t HAVE to be. The whole reason sites like Dappered exist is to show guys how they can improve their style and personal presentation by wearing the right things in the right ways at the right time.

  26. kaboomchakalaka says

    February 28, 2012 at 8:04 PM

    I don’t dispute any of the above roles and mechanisms, just pointing that just because they exist, doesn’t mean that we should embrace them wholehartedly. Humans have done many stupid things over the ages, that we don’t do anymore, so a sober reflection on why we invest so much attention in clothing won’t hurt. Especially given that some of us (myself included) turn it into a borderline obsession – i.e. taking it far beyond what would be considered a fly and sleek look in all but most upscale communities

  27. DonM says

    February 28, 2012 at 8:40 PM

    I’d like to style off (forgot what they called it in Zoolander) between the pro-ties and pro-tieless folks. Almost guaranteeing a win for the ties in front of a random audience. #marchmadnessstyledbracketfashionoff

  28. Dennis K says

    February 28, 2012 at 8:50 PM

    I have never worked a job that has required me to wear a tie. I own 13 neckties and 3 bow-ties. I wear them on my days off. 

  29. Alfalfa King says

    February 28, 2012 at 8:58 PM

    I work in the canadian federal government, sadly I too dress down for work.

  30. Dan Lothringer says

    February 28, 2012 at 11:39 PM

    The inherent problem with this argument is the underlying assumption that all ties are created equal – when in fact, so many people wind up wearing ugly prints and low-quality third-rate silks.  This is obviously not a comment against men who wear attractive ties; rather, a suggestion that the idea of a tie elevating an ensemble is case-by-case.  There is nothing inherently great about a tie, as anyone who’s been dragged to a TGI Friday’s can attest.

  31. Guest says

    February 28, 2012 at 11:48 PM

     ITS A WALKOFF!

  32. Pancho says

    February 29, 2012 at 1:35 AM

    Objects have always been imbued with meaning. That’s true of  pretty much every society throughout the world and throughout history. We’re no different and no worse in this respect.

    And how is imbuing an object with meaning a waste of resources? It’s not a zero sum game. If I’m enjoying my new jacket it does not necessarily follow that I’m neglecting my family, my neighbors, or the world.

    The right clothes help portray me as a capable, serious person to the world.
    If a nice suit makes me more presentable at work or in social settings; taken seriously by coworkers, peers, or new acquaintances; trusted by customers or clients, and reflects my position, knowledge or expertise: if it pleases my parents, wife or girlfriend, makes the kids proud, or marks the occasion as special; if it’s pleasing my guests or showing respect for the occasion; if it just makes for a more pleasing environment; then it’s adding value to my life and enriching others and  my interactions with them.

    Those interactions are listed aren’t driven by money or objects but by relationships. We’re thinking of others because most of us know or are starting to realize how much others appreciate it when we bother to put on a tie.

    I

  33. Derek says

    March 2, 2012 at 10:04 AM

    Ties own end of story.

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