A Men’s Fashion Perspective

Sinatra had a style that was no match for his charisma

“Dressed to the nines,” what exactly does it mean? 

“Snazzy,” said in not so quite a whisper.  Often, this is what a man would hear as he entered a club or restaurant. Such was the common the reaction, for a gentleman wearing ties to over hear. For much of the prior century men had a desire to look stylish, wearing suits and ties - especially socially. This was commonly referred to “dressing up.”

Not long ago, a man had a keen sense of fashion that could rival a woman’s awareness of fashion and the desire to dress accordingly. This appreciation of apparel was not just limited to the aesthetic value of clothes alone, but the quality of textiles, fabrication and craftsmanship. Moreover, the value of what a designer’s name meant let alone just the knowledge of who they were and what qualifications they had were as important as the rooster of the starting lineup for the N.Y. Yankees. Today, it seems like men either don’t know who the fashion designers are, or they just don’t care. The acceptance of casual dress in the workplace, partly due to the dotcom era on the 90’s created a severely diminished appreciation of men’s high fashion clothing.

Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, and Marilyn Monroe

A revolution against neckties had gained support that it became a common ideal to dress in what some men called comfortable clothing. The casual Fridays became casual every-day. In Southern California guys working in stock broker firms would show up for work after the morning surf session in surf baggies, Tee shirts, and salt water still in their hair. Many Car dealerships, even large chains decided that a relaxed appearance was OK, and restaurants that required wait staff, men and women to wear neckties adopted the trend and branded clothing with company logos replaced the tie. What had been the signature apparel of fast food eateries and gas stations became a common look for establishments that had table clothes and reservations only policies. Some of hold outs, even signature restaurants and night clubs in New York City were not requiring a necktie for a man to gain entrance. It was as if what had been a standard rule in Miami Beach would be next in reverse, replacing “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service,” with,”Come in However You Look.” 

God forbid, if the Rainbow Room in New York City atop 30 Rockefeller Plaza on the 70th floor were to shun their "No Necktie - No Entrance" rule - Armageddon could quite possibly be next.  When arriving on the 69th floor the elevator door would open to the entrance to the famous lounge, one floor below the restaurant where it was a wait of several weeks of advance reservations for a table.  This was where the maitre'd would deliver the bad news to men without neckties.   Sadly, I have checked and it is true the Rainbow Room has closed in 2009, another recession casualty.  New owners are considering re-opening this iconic New York City Venue, which is perhaps the greatest view of Manhattan, and a beautiful example of Art Deco design.   Hopefully they will have a necktie required rule.  See wikipedia.org/ Rainbow Room for the story about this restaurant atop 30 Rockefeller Plaza on 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue.    In 1930 the "21" Club opened on West 52nd Street in Manhattan where neckties were required for men to enter.   In January of 2009 the popular restaurant and lounge ended it's neck wear policy, something that some men could never have imagined.   They still have a tie drawer with a collection ready to be loaned to men, young and old necktie aficionados.  You may read more here, Club 21 Abandons its Necktie Only Rule..  Any man ever visiting New York could get a necktie on the short notice at almost every corner at a kiosk.  There was a constant need for ties and as always, entrepreneurs would see opportunity.

Neckties surely have lost their way in the maze and confusion of men's fashion, and the very nonchalant manner of modern society.  Is the lack of a man's desire to dress with stylishness another indication of the decline of culture or way of life?  At the very least, men's fashion is becoming less than what many would consider as elegant.   Interestingly enough the word elegant according to Wikipedia is defined as impossible to define cogently, because the word is vaguely and arbitrarily understood. One man's elegance is another man's nuisance - obviously that would depend on the man and his character.  Apparently in the new millennium more and more men are in the opinion that neckties are useless.

In contrast, men wore neckties religiously to work throughout the decades from the turn of the past century, spanning two world wars. Even, men in the blue collar work force were not without their desire to have the distinctive look of character and of serious mind. This would be evident in the fact that non professional men would wear neckties under their coveralls. The professional dress code was suits and ties, although it was hardly enforced attire, rather one that was naturally adhered to. Men just felt the desire to be classy and polished while in employment.  


"Clothes and manners do not make the man; but when he is made, they greatly improve his appearance." Arthur Ashe

Oxford Suit Illustration

A statement that could easily illustrate how important dress clothes were to men is the fact that everyman owned at least one suit and several neckties. It was a show of respect to dress in a suit and tie and that respect was reciprocal. As if it were at right of becoming an adult young men learned how to tie ties, as if it were a ritual of adolescence. This was not just a tradition realized within society in which its scope was broad encompassing ethnic boundaries; it was more of life style than anything else.


It was a day when men wore ties because they felt elegant and sophisticated by having an appearance of style. Possibly a result of Industrialization, men clothing had become streamlined with flair and panache. Men were expected to be serious about their lives and their way of thinking. Their attitude and character would be perceived in such manner as a reflection of their style, which naturally created great thought in grooming. “If it looks like a gentlemen, and talks like a gentlemen, then it is probably a gentleman.” It was man’s endeavor not to look like a misfit and fall into the category of being a bum. It was a great feeling to being chic. Men were as glamouress as woman were in a time when being a handsome man meant being “dressed to the nines.”


Now, what does “dressed to the nines” mean? Well, now that you ask.

Although there are many different theories about the origin or reference of this cliché here is the actual meaning of the adage “dressed to the nines.”

Dressed flamboyantly or smartly

THE URBAN DICTIONARY

Phrase that means perfectly dressed in the most fashionable attire. Would most likely be used in evening attire fashion such as being dressed for a formal occasion in which a person would dress their best to command as much respect and attention as possible.

We could tell the black tie event was the most important of the social season. Everyone was dressed to the nines.

The Phrase Finder

Answers.com Wiki Answers

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A Quite Different Mona Lisa



Mona Lisa in the modern world

If you like Mona like I like Mona then you may not actually like this version of her. This version of Leonardo Da Vinci master piece is just for fun, After all, a parody of the Mona Lisa is meant to cause no real harm, her portrait is the most famous artwork in the world.


The mystery of who she is and what she meant to Da Vinci has surrounded this painting creating a cult-like following that embraces young and old. You won't want to miss our post from last February, Mysterious Mona Lisa


You may be interested in Mona Lisa neckties that have become collector items. The illustration of her on the tie is quite attracting. She does have that alluring Mona Lisa Smile that she is so famous for.

Checkout Mona Lisa art neckties here.

American Flag Necktie Mania

American Flag Necktie

For the ten year anniversary of the tragedy of Sept 11 the perfect gift for the man in your life is an American Flag Necktie. Patriotic expression could not be more wonderfully exhibited personally with more class and dignity.

Patriotism could not have been more absolute than what Americans and the world realized in the days after 9-11. American flags were displayed proudly everywhere on car antennas, on homes, illustrated on apparel, and as patriotic ties for men. For the American male American Flag ties became an iconic symbol of what it meant to be a proud American.

The demand for patriotic flag ties were a boom to the necktie manufacturers and retailers that was surely welcomed. Department stores and specialty retailers selling in kiosks in malls and on the Internet could hardly keep the flag ties in stock as the desire to wear the “Old Glory” as a novelty necktie became a fashion phenomenon. Pilots and male flight attendants seemed to set the patriotic necktie fashion trend at first, which soon caught on with businessmen, waiters and waitresses and car salesmen.

It was not just the novelty necktie manufacturers that produced the American Flag neckties designs. It was again Mark Abramhoff of Ralph Marlin Ties with a wonderful collection of silk and poly American Flag theme ties that answered the retail call - that he was already producing in his line of patriotic ties which he introduced at he start of Gulf War One.  The designers of Jerry Garcia ties, Electric Neckwear, Eagles Wings, MLB and two of the largest necktie companies in the world; Superba, and Randa also created wonderful themed patriotic ties.

American patriotism became such a fashion statement, whether as a Stars and Stripes Tee Shirt, a scarf, or a flag necktie that is was not since Pearl Harbor that such a heart-felt pride in the U.S.A. was realized. For at least the expression of the spirit of country and the desire to be counted among the free and brave it was as if everyone in the United States was overwhelmed with patriotism. Men, women and children, cars, homes, and businesses proudly had the American Flag displayed with pride in one way or another.

Check out our patriotic tie collection



Patriotic Necktie by Mark Abramhoff

American Flag Necktie by MLB

American Flag Tie Ralph Marlin

Patriotic Ties by Mark Abramhoff

A Necktie Joke

A jumper cable as a necktie ?  -  funny neckties

A funny tie joke.

A guy goes into a restaurant/lounge wearing a shirt open at the collar and is met by a bouncer who tells him he must wear a necktie to gain admission. So the guy goes out to his car and he looks around for a necktie and discovers that he just doesn’t have one. He sees a set of jumper cables in his trunk. In desperation he ties these around his neck, manages to fashion a fairly acceptable looking knot and lets the ends dangle free. He goes back to the restaurant and the bouncer carefully looks him over for a few minutes and then says, “Well, OK, I guess you can come in - just don’t start anything.”

Ten Happy Men Wearing Neckties

Ten happy young men wearing wedding neckties  -  photo by Mitchell Jay Mendler

Why are these guys so happy?  Looking at this fantastic photograph one thing is for sure - these are some really cool guys.  It's that uniform look, thanks to the suits and ties they are wearing, and most with shades creating mystique; heck they look like the Blues Brothers or better yet the "Cool Brothers."  Whoever said that wearing ties wasn't fun better take a close look at this photograph? This is of course a wedding and the fellas usually wear suits and ties, however this is not just any wedding. This wedding is a very special wedding because I know two of these guys really well. The guy of the far left is my nephew and the guy in the center 5th from the left is my other nephew. He is the groom and since it is he that is reaching higher and more or less at the center of this image, I will go as far as stating that is this perfectly composed photograph.

I know a few things about photography as for most of my life I have been a professional photographer shooting landscapes in Iceland, the US South West, India, New York City, Miami Beach, the Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, and the 92 America's Cup.


I also know a few things about neckties. For some un-known reason the bride and groom did not ask me for the ties for their special day. My feelings were not hurt; to be honest I am not sure that I could have afforded to give them the ties as a gift. Surely I could never have charged them.

Men wearing neckties at weddings is a tradition that is not without cause. When a man commits his love, loyalty, and honor to a women he is reaching a level of sophistication that is unique in several ways. He has decided to settle down and no longer craves the grasp of his youth. There is much to recognize about the formal union of a man and a woman, typically recognized by law, by which they become husband and wife. He surely feels that he has reached a greater level of maturity and is confident of himself and his life. No doubt the groom will feel fortunate to have found a loving mate. When the union of a man and woman is executed by marriage the groom becomes much more responsible and serious about life.  He realizes a greater being, especially about his life, family and the desire of prosperity for himself and his mate.  Their relationship becomes bound in a spiritual and legal way that is absolute. In all cultures throughout the history of civilization the joining of a man and women in formal marriage has been conducted with a joyous celebration and festivities. Since most people get married once, this event becomes one of the most memorable days in both of their lives and surely the most important day that will define their futures.

With the significance of becoming married it is a traditional that both the bride and the groom dress to the occasion. Naturally as this being the defining day of their lives they'll take great pride in their dress. The bride will plan her special day with great detail and with the help of experts usually every last detail will be planned. Her wedding gown and her bride’s maid will create a presentation that will be a statement of personality with great respect. Naturally the groom will as well execute his attire to suit his character and as well have his best man and ushers comply. With all due respect as a show of his self worth he will wear a suit a necktie to full fill the level of the seriousness of his pledge to a woman as her husband.  

Congraduations to a very happy Shane and Danielle Mendler, Uncle Jeffrey.

Nothing else, save the groom wearing a suit and tie will suffice to express such deemed personification.  The meaning of marriage is culturally distinct throughout the world and its significance to civilization explicit. Therefore, without question the institution of marriage and the ceremony that formalizes the decision of two people to live together is a testament to value of the necktie.


With that said, here are a few funny notes I made while considering what to write and how this photograph inspired me so.  I cannot help  but look at the satirical side of what the photograph is telling me.  One note of importance the photographer is my twin brother, my hat is off to him on this one. A photograph like this is as timeless as the heavens.

Now, getting back to the point about why these guys are so happy. There are several possible reasons.

Number one: They have been drinking, ( note the glass with orange fluid in it on the seawall, presumably a Screw Driver - vodka and orange juice ).

Number two: They are at a wedding which is always a happy event so they are naturally full of joy and excitement.

Number three: One of them, the groom is very happy because he has found love.

Number four: All of these men are happy because they are excited for the groom, obviously a close friend.

Number five: Some of these men are happy because they are not getting married and they really love being single and the groom will no longer be a threat, competing for babes.

Number six: Since some of them are already married they are just happy for reason number one and two and probably also because they now have another pal that has entered the institution of marriage so they are not going to be feeling as much like the minority now - "another one bites the dust."

Number seven: They are not happy at all and are faking because they had to make the photographer happy so he would stop bugging them. This is most likely not the reason that they look so happy but never-the-less by doing this and by doing it so perfectly they could avoid further wedding photographer harassment

Number eight: My favorite and with no question probably the greatest reason that these young men wearing neckties are so jubilant. It is just that, they are so happy because they are all wearing suits and ties and as a resul they feel like a million dollars.

check out our solid color wedding ties and our Hawaiian theme wedding ties.

Neckties in the Desert

Major Mandolin

I have heard this joke before and even have my version of it posted on this blog  Desert Necktie Joke

I like the way this guy delivers it. It has something to do with his hat and his eyes. Not too mention he labels the necktie guy as a Jewish entrepreneur and the weary desert trekking soul an Arab. In my "Ties in the Desert Joke" I leave the religion out of it.  However, I must admit the ethnic mention of these men is effective.


Major Mandolin Neckties in the Desert Joke - click to see the video

A Pro Basketball Player and Neckties

Former Harrisburg High standout
Lawrence Hamm enjoys being a
role model to kids.

This professional basketball player teaches kids how to to neckties, then how to play basketball.

This professional basketball player teaches kids how to neckties, then how to play basketball. Former pro basketball player Lawrence Hamm wants the young men and women to understand a strategy for success. I have been working on a post that examines the dress code of the NBA compared to the NFL that I hope will be ready for posting in a couple of weeks.

I have long been aware of the fact that high school basketball coaches demand that student on the team where ties to matches and even to practice. Now I do not mean just basketball neckties, any tie.  However, you can imagine that a kid showing up for practice wearing a basketball tie would win over the coach and anyone else like girls for instance. 

You may find this article very interesting because here is a guy that was a pro athlete trying to set examples that will encourage kids to do good and become successful at whatever they do by wearing neckties.  It seems that as far as basketball is concerned sports neckties are a very important part of being a pro.

Lawrence Hamm teaches kids how to wear
neckties - then how to play basketball

At Hamm Camp, it’s loops before hoops.

The camp director, professional basketball player Lawrence Hamm, lets kids play basketball only after they practice tying neckties each morning. Even the girls have to do it because, sometimes, brothers and even dads need help.

“Lawrence says we have to look like we’re suitable if we have an interview or something,” said Naasir Johnson, an eighth-grader at Nativity School of Harrisburg. “He wants us to succeed in life, not just basketball.”

He goes on to explain that learning how to tie ties is part of having positive life skills.  He says, “You want to dress in a way that people will respect you. And that means they have to know how to tie a tie.”

Read the entire article here - Former basketball pro Lawrence Hamm's camp teaches kids a strategy for success.

Further information - Hamm gives back to Harrsburg,

Check out our basketball neckties at Sport Ties at Nice Tie Store

Basketball Necktie

Basketball Tie

Another Gorilla Wearing a Tie

Donkey Kong Country Returns: the tie wearing gorilla is back.

Why would a gorilla wear a tie - probably to make himself look more serious

I don't know "donkey" about video games but this was a funny thing to find after my post yesterday about a gorilla that wears a tie vs, an ape with a riffle. You can see that post here A Gorilla Wears Neckties.  I had to ask myself, "why would a video game gorilla wear a tie?"  So with my interest up high, I did some research and here is the scoop on the fashion conscious Donkey Kong Gorilla who wear neckties.

In this successor to the classic 1994 Super Nintendo game Donkey Kong Country which originally was a Miyamoto character from 1980 the gorilla had to be very special.  The man who created Donkey Kong had some specific advice for the people who were making the next Donkey Kong game: "The gorilla better slap the ground properly."  Further technical stuff, facts and information on the game can be found on Kotaku.com  I do not know if the other gorilla in the original Donkey Kongs wore neckties but I have a feeling I know why this one his wearing a tie.  In this day and age of the casual dress code being so popular you would have to admit that a gorilla that wears a tie is not a gorilla to be taken lightly.  He means business.

Although, not a real gorilla, just a cartoon gorilla he is wearing a tie like the gorilla in my previous post. The tie has the logo DK on it, obviously for the sake of promoting the video game, Donkey Kong, not because the tie is a Donna Karen tie. Anyway in this new version of the game called Donkey Kong Country Returns the gorilla pounces on frogs while rampaging through the jungle, and swinging on vines through trees devouring bananas. Through a gauntlet of giant Venus fly traps caving in paths, pirate boats shooting cannon balls at him, dodging a giant Octopus's tentacles along the beach Doney Kong is on it.

The charming and debonair gorilla never once seems to be un-sure of himself. He even has a side kick, Diddy Kong but the little guy has no necktie. However wearing a necktie or not both of them are none-the-less fairly formidable looking. I especially like the parts when the gorilla is pounding his chest. At that, he reminded me of stock brokers that I know, they are so arrogant at times and so dam egotistical.   This tie wearing gorilla, doesn't play around, he wants his bananas and nothing is going to stop him.  Kind of like suave those stock brokers that will stop at nothing in pursuit of their commisions.  So that is why he wears the necktie. 

I will admit, to make sure I used the correct adjective here I looked up the word suave on line. "smoothly though often superficially gracious and sophisticated -  suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction -  stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully."  Man can he swing through the jungle or what -  sounds good to me.

You may want to check out another cartoon character post on out blog Why does Fred Flintstone wear ties.

Check out the You TubeVideo 

A Gorilla Wearing a Tie vs. and Ape with a Riffle



A Gorilla wearing neckties

I would never, ever say the world of fashion is not like a jungle, surely not the fashion world of neckties.

An ape shooting an AK 47 Assault Riffle is not something to laugh at; well at least it's not supposed to be funny, ( video below ).  This is a very alarming instance of men and beast interacting with each other. Gauging the advance of evolution is a funny science given all of the variables. Being civilized in the jungle of our world can be a bit complicated given all of the different beliefs in religion and more important, taking into account the greed factor.

If an ape were to get a hold of a loaded AK 47 Riffle what would he think about? Now, what if the ape was given a necktie? Could he tie a tie? Would he wear it and would he become more civil? I believe that we have a testament to the Darwin Theory of evolution here. Certainly this is a monkey see, monkey do thing but what is clearly unique here is that ape becomes very celebratory after he conquers his territory. We live in a very dangerous world. I guess this is proof that being a killer does not take much intelligence. The Ape sure caught on fast as you may note that in the end he is displaying the absolute characteristics of a victorious warrior. 

Ape shoots an AK 47 Riffle instead or wearing neckties

Just imagine if his behavior were changed and he was not being so aggressive but being much more friendly and as well receiving kind gestures and body language in return.  I am sure that if the ape were to be handed a tie and given a few short lessons in tying it he would like wearing neckties. In fact he would become quite attached to his new found fashionable look. I am sure that if the ape were to be handed a tie and given a few short lessons in tying it he would like wearing ties.

The celebration of the victory may be scary
then the shooting

In fact he would probably become quite attached to his new found fashionable look. Most likely the extra respect he would receive would become an addiction to him. The added attraction from female apes and the possibility of higher political status he would gain would improve his character substantially. Just considering how elegant his cousin, the gorilla appears in the photo above compared to the chaotic images from the video from YouTube below,  the answer is obvious. Soon Yahoo will be tooting the fashion horn, “Gorilla trending neckties sets the jungle fashion world on fire.”

Watch the video below if you have any doubt that the behavior of an ape can become a bit of a problem once he has his grip on a loaded AK 47 Assault Riffle. In a viral ad campaign, producers of the new film "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" released a series of videos showing weapon-wielding apes. Stylized to look like documentary footage out of Africa, one video features a chimp shooting an AK-47 at a group of off-duty soldiers who had been taunting it.  Yes those are actors, but that is a real ape and he is surely taking matters into his own hands.