Are Ties Cool Again?

Models present creations by French designer Veronique
Nichanian for Hermes - the Men's Autumn-Winter 2012-13

“The more things change, the more they stay the same.“ 

I never actually understood how that could be.  I guess it is one of the clichés that meant something at a certain time, something fashionable, not necessarily fashionable in the sense of fashion attire, but a state of fashion regarding what society accepts as chic or maybe just society itself. 

As seen in late January in a Paris Men's fashion show neckties are hardly a forgotten fashion accessory.  The necktie has seen a new sense of recognition by designers and young men, especially skinny ties.  Wearing suits is back in style and ties are meant to go with them.  Things change regarding fashion - that's what fashion means. What was fashionable once, can be again.  Everything that is created, or envisioned is influenced by what has been.  Sometimes ideas, especially fashion ideas are reborn, with a new found appreciation.   Kind of like when color television and film replaced black and white.  It was not very long before black and white film was considered an art and became a much appreciated medium in story telling.  Story telling just seemed to have a greater passion with the life like realism of color replaced with black and white.

The point I am making is regarding an attitude towards neckties by young men that has caused a stylish craze that has escaped most men of years.  Apparently men wearing neckties are gracing the runways of the fashion world, on the college campus as ties are making a big comeback in the men's retail.   Narrow ties have especially become a favorite of younger men that recently considered wearing ties as a restriction to their freedom.  When men were wearing neckties religiously a rebellious wave against ties became a means of expression for youth.

For at least the last two or three decades, wearing neckties became a sort of un-fashion statement by youth.  It was an easy way to be different and unique, shunning authority by resisting to conform to a way that their fathers had deemed proper.  For a young man novelty theme ties like music and rock and roll themes had been the tie of choice as at least it was a way to make a statement. To be cool and still be a rebel even though it was not possible to avoid the dreaded conforming to an unpopular dress code.  This was one of the great successes of Jerry Garcia ties.


Now, serious fashion ties like rep stripes and conservative design are being tied around the necks of the young.   By sharp contrast, men are becoming less refined embracing a casual attire in a similar way and for possibly the same reason, to become free of authoritive fashion.  Maybe they want to feel young and free again. 

So there it is,  “The more things change, the more they stay the same.“  kind-of-sort-of.

Related article, Times Live - Life Style Jan 23, 2012
Now that older men have ditched it to look cool, the stylish young are reclaiming the necktie as their own, with the once-derided accessory making a stealthy comeback on the menswear runways.

At Lanvin on Sunday there were no ties until the finale, but there were neckties for all the evening looks — save for a single bow-tie, a nod to the personal style of designer Alber Elbaz.

"Ties are a part of the suit that is coming back," Elbaz confirmed. "Not the ties of our fathers or grandfathers. They are worn by a new generation that comes from sport, new technologies.  "It's neither the world of the dandy nor of the boardroom."  Read more Could Neckties Be Cool Again

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 vs. High Heels



High Heels vs.Ties

Wearing a necktie should be no problem for a man when considering the suffering women deal with when wearing high heels.

In late December of 1998 Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands publicly lambasted men after having heard enough of their complaining about having to wear neckties. She demanded that men should consider how difficult it is for women to have attractive looks. Her argument challenged men to try to understand how difficult a woman’s grooming is every day. She exclaimed that having to wear a necktie was nothing compared to wearing high heels, while negotiating all of the days many challenges, like stairs, standing on trains or buses, etc. More or less she labelled men as whiners when it came to the issue of wearing ties or not.

“A snake around my neck,” Prince Claus snarled, throwing his navy blue necktie at the feet of his wife, Queen Beatrix. And on her royal feet she was probably wearing high heels.

It is true that in recent times some men have been complaining about wearing ties and that it is such an effort to tie them. The phenomenon of hating ties has become quite ridiculous and absurd as if the tie was a threat to their freedom. Neckties are a very useful fashion accessory for men as wearing a tie is the only way a man can actually express himself artistically, save sporting tattoos. Tattoos will certainly have a completely opposite effect on a man’s appearance that could be easily construed as negative, possibly not a deserving reflection but unavoidable. It really is not such a burden to dress up and wear a suit and tie and the benefits are unique, in their own right. Actually compared to what women have to deal with when dressing; a man’s grooming endeavors are rather minuscule.

Just considering everything women have to contend with regarding their appearance, save the high heels. There is make-up - a very daunting and time consuming task, leg shaving, having to wear nylons, bras, hair styling, and well you get the picture - women have a really serious enterprise to tackle every day in order to look good. The apparel and the necessary accessories are much more fashion sensitive than men’s apparel let alone the importance of an absolute perfect fit that is almost a science for women. The result of their labor makes them feel as good, and as sexy as they look. They take this special pride in their appearance out of self respect. Moreover, the great lengths they go through are simply so that they are not unnoticed by men. Women take great care and spend a lot of time and money in being gorgeous.



Women in High Heels Love Men
Wearing Ties

Actually, both men and women love high heels.

Men become mesmerized at the site of a woman in high heels. They like an exaggerated female figure with toned legs that appear longer, with greater definition and shape. And, of course the added height is a major plus. In addition to making women taller, high heels force the back to arch, pushing the bosom forward and the buttocks rearward, thus accentuating the female form. Body language is accented and that sexy swagger of hips and thighs of a more statuesque form creates a striking appearance. Women are well aware that high heels create serious sex appeal so they tolerate the lack of comfort. There is a price tag of being beautiful or more beautiful and in the case of the value vs. sacrifice, wearing high heels is worth it. Very simply, women in high heels are more likely to attract favorable notice.

Women like men in suits and ties, but not all men oblige.

Women are attracted to men in suits and ties. A man that wears a tie is considered successful by women and well kept. Men dressing up command great reverence. Ties have sex appeal, creating a great desirability by women. Men that wear neckties have a distinctive look. Women consider a man in a suit and tie debonair and most likely romantic. Women tend to go crazy over men who dress up, as a man who is well groomed is exciting and has an interesting gravity about him. The polished well groomed man will fare much better with women than men who are not dressed up as a man in a suit and tie has a distinguished look, with a certain handsome style otherwise hard to achieve.



Men Wearing Neckties and High Heels

......ties are sexy. I love watching a man put one on – and I absolutely drool when he takes it off. I’d love to explain why that is, but I can’t. Just know that it’s something many women thoroughly enjoy watching. a quote by Isabella Snow from an article on Hub Pages - read the article here

Included is an image that is a bit of an anomaly that I did not expect to find while searching Google images. There are some men that like ties and high heels so much that they not only tie neckties, they also wear high heels. Apparently there is a fashion craze out there that has granted the Queen of Sweden, Silvia’s wish.

"I don't know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot!" Marilyn Monroe

“I love men, not because they are men, but because they are not women.” Christina, Queen of Sweden

“Ginger Rogers did everything that Fred Astaire did. She just did it backwards and in high heels.” Linda Ellerbee


Yahoo Answers - Neckties

Read more - Why women wear high heels

Wearing Neckties - Get the Advantage



A Man Flying Wearing A Tie

If you have any doubts that wearing neckties will give you an advantage in life you better look again at this photograph.  When I wear ties I feel stronger and have much more confidence than when I am not wearing a tie.  Men wearing ties have a certain style about the way they handle them selves.  It's that debonair appearance that is hard to match.  I guess it makes men super.  Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound,  Look, up in the sky!  It's a bird!  It's a plane!  It's Superman!  Or maybe just a regular guy wearing a tie, possibly like the guy in the photo above, thanks to some skills using Photoshop.

As for the Man of Steel - Yes, it's Superman, strange visitor from another planet who came to Earth with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men. Superman, who can change the course of mighty rivers, bend steel with his bare hands, and who, disguised as Clark Kent, a mild mannered reporter for a great metropolitan newspaper, fights a never-ending battle for truth, justice and the American way.  You may want to read my last Post.   Super Superman Ties   I was born in the mid 50s and Superman was the bomb for me.  Maybe it was the adventurous stories of how a regular guy like Clark Kent who wore a suit and necktie could become a hero defeating villains.  Watching George Reeves tear off his tie and shirt to reveal his Shield before soaring into the heavens, was something that was a telivision ritual for me that I dared not miss. 

Now regarding the advantage factor about wearing ties is another issue that can be argued with great validity.  A Hot Rod Flame Tie for Hot Shot Guy  Checkout this true story about a guy who bought a tie from me ten years ago, making note of his comment just yesturday.  He not only got the job, he got the girl, married her, and started his own company because he wore that tie to a job interview the very next day.  I just cannot make this stuff up. 



Ties – Some Men Hate Them, Some Men Love Them



Patriotic Necktie Lovers Expressing Themselves

Once again I am bewildered about how such hatred can involve a simple thing like men’s neckties. For God’s sake it is just a piece of fabric that men used to wear everyday and many still do. I found this web page, “Neckties Is an Evil Invention - Necktie Haters United,” one morning while searching Google for interesting things about neckties. It is rather bizarre how foolish and stupid some things turn out once they are spoken or written. You can see for yourself right here. A couple of the comments are listed below this response - article to their assault on men who love ties. Included are links some FaceBook Pages, other blog posts or sites that are about neckties and a Flickr discussion page that are related either pro or con, hate or love.  I am fair - everyone can have there 15 minutes or seconds of fame here.  I’ve also started a Face Book Page called “Ties Are Wonderful – Necktie Lovers United.”  Check out a post I did almost a year ago - another response to a necktie hate blog post I discovered called Die Necktie Die,  my essay worth reading I Love Ties 

Necktie Noose

The Tie Haters - Necktie Haters United

I am not really sure why men hate ties so much. Maybe with some guys it is an issue with being lazy as tying a necktie is a something that has to be practiced at first and does require some extra time when dressing. Maybe they are rebellious to authority, or being casual to an extreme. It could be that wearing a necktie is just considered too uncomfortable to tolerate. You know - that noose around the neck thing.  Many guys do not own a suit let alone ties.

The Tie Lovers - Necktie Lovers United

Why do men wear ties? It’s simple, besides taking care in their overall appearance - they can express themselves artistically, displaying the quality of their character and nature. It is about presentation and style, often an intimate statement of who a man is passionately. There is a vast scope of what a tie can actually mean or hint at considering the variables. Ties have flowers, or stripes, funny themes, or subtle design, Jesus Christ’s image or an illustration of a comic book super hero; there can be no mistake about what you say with the design and style of a necktie. The visual moment can really make a first impression a lasting one. Dressing up makes men feel good especially when receiving great respect and consideration. A man’s self esteem is heightened, if at least not just by his careful tailoring of his self image, but by the attention he commands.

The Functional Factor

A necktie is considered merely a fashion accessory however a tie serves a very important part of dress. A shirt collars’ form is supported by a tie as the erosion of wear will eventually create sagging. An accessory yes! A necessary one no, but considering a tie-less shirt as naked is not so unrealistic. Without a tie, the accented part of the collar is more or less serving a useless function. It is almost like wearing pants with no belt. The belt helps hold the pants in place on a man’s waist; therefore without a belt what purpose do the belt loops serve.

The Accessory Factor

Regardless of function of the tie’s constructive use, there is much greater use as it’s’ purpose as an aesthetic complement to a man’s attire. When considering wearing a suit and no tie, the aesthetic value of fashion design is missed. The width of the jacket lapel and collar, the breadth of the opening and its visual play with the shirt color, shape, and texture is surely meant to include a focal point. Wearing a necktie is a very necessary part of dressing in a suit if you just consider the angles and shapes, let alone the addition and accent of color and design that a tie adds. It is a compositional thing; neckties are part of the equation.



Sinatra Style

The Personality Factor

If you decide to wear a black suit, black shirt and black tie you’ll be mysterious. Adding a colorful tie instead, including pastels and a small pattern, you will be saying that you’re daring, and if the pattern is bold you’re being adventurous. The same results concerning persona would be true for a grey or navy suit, however the mysterious element would no longer be present. If the necktie you wear is a novelty you are exclaiming that you’re fun loving and not afraid of attention. Besides being easy to meet and talk to you can reveal something about yourself, a hobby, or something that you like; sports, music, or a comic book character. Novelty ties are liberal and certainly the silly, carefree side of necktie fashion. The opposite would be rep striped neckties or ties with small prints or patterns, which are the conservative side of ties as accessories. They will compliment a suit and shirt, in color and if not contrasting the look is serious and respectful. If you wear a red tie whether a pattern, striped, or solid tone you are expressing confidence, strength, and even an aggressive nature.  Read a post about necktie personality by LaniAnn  that further explains the psychology of fashion and novelty necktie wearing "What Does Your Tie Say About You"

The Fashion Statement Ruse

The conservative rule may actually be misleading and an illusion as due to a certain dress code a guy who needs to fit a certain look for employment may actually be quite a different person after hours. Sometimes to play the part a man will have to go against his instincts and wear a tie that is actually saying nothing at all about him, except maybe obedience. This guy may actually have a different tie, novelty or maybe a bold design to change into that is more comfortable for his individuality when not in the environment that dictates his appearance. This fashion ruse however, will not go the opposite way, almost 100% of the time as a conservative guy just could not wear a tie that is silly or fun. That would contradict his character and integrity. For instance a guy who likes to wear Disney Mickey Mouse or other cartoon character ties could bend his lighthearted taste in fashion and dress conservatively for an occasion or for satisfying employment dress codes. The conservative guy who wears rep stripe neckties and is conscious about being conventional would not be caught dead in a novelty tie.



Attracting Friends - Bob Hope

The Respect Factor

“With an evening coat and a white tie, anybody, even a stock broker, can gain a reputation for being civilized.”  Oscar Wilde, from the “Picture of Dorian Gray,” 1891

The fact that men wearing ties command respect is no secret. Consider a banker not wearing a tie – he may not be very trust worthy. How about a lawyer without a necktie – would you have confidence in him? What about the politicians that make the laws and govern the people and support a nation standing diplomatically. How much clout could that law maker muster let alone votes. The same goes for stock brokers, and serious businessmen. The polished look of men wearing ties is un-mistakable. Being serious about appearance is a habit of exact measure, there is no in between. It has been said that a man has to earn respect. Dressing with the confidence that the impressions made will be of distinction and style is good start in winning respect. The desire to be chic and tailored is not a bad thing.  It should be mentioned that the respect issue is both ways regarding what tie to wear, and when, and what the result will be.  If a man was to attend a funeral wearing a tie with skulls illustrated on it or the Tasmanian Devil he may have to worry about ghosts haunting him or having the pole barriers beat him to death.  So in this case if a man is showing the lack of respect by wearing an inappropriate tie he will get the opposite of respect.

The Conclusion

So, take that - Necktie Haters United, losers. We necktie lovers have long since realized that if all men looked so good then there would be just too much competition for the ladies and whatever else we men desire.  Steak and Lobster, great wine, fast cars and boats; all of that comes a lot easier when you are dressed like a gentleman and not like a bum.

A few of the goofball posts on Necktie Hater's Page - a warning, it is a bit scary.

AFTON SAID: "Necktie is an evil invention - I'm absolutely bewildered to find any utilitarian purpose of this atrocious self-asphyxiation apparatus.  I would advocate the banning of neckties, for the benefit of men's respiratory health. Anyone to form Necktie Haters United?"


KURANES SAID: "I'm already the president of this organization."
 
CLEVERHOUSE SAID: "Ties were invented by the Devil to torment his imps, like most ugly things."
 
The rest are right here Necktie is an Evil Invention - Necktie Hater's United

Here are some more blog site pages, Face Book Pages and forum pages- some of them are pro ties, some not.

Ties - A Face Book Organization

I Love Ties - Face Book Group

How Many Ties Do You Own - a discussion on Flickr

Neckties are Fancy Nooses - a Face Book Group

I Love Tie - A Different Face Book Group

No Ties - A Face Book Group

A Toast to Ties and High Heels - they make no sense! - a Face Book Group

Men Who Love Ties - a Face Book Group

The Manifesto Necktie Hatered

Tie Hate

Does Anyone Else Hate Neckties

I Hate it When Someone Pulls My Necktie

Neckties Suck

Men in Ties

Notes in the Key of Life From the Archives: Men in Ties by Cindy Swanson
Sunday, February 06, 2011


Ben Affleck wearing a black suit and 
charcoal tie

I found this blog post today which interestingly enough continues from an earlier post that concerned necktie popularity as reported in USA Today about two and a half years ago. Revisiting this question is a means of understanding if ties are becoming less popular or regained the attraction this fashion accessory once commanded. I am planning a similar study of this issue that actually has great emotion attached. Some men actually hate ties as if they were a threat to their freedom of personality. You may want to check out a post I made nearly ten months ago called “I love ties” check it out  - which started out as a response to a blog post I found called “die necktie die.”

The study that I plan to execute on line and in a multiple choice questionnaire will be affectionately called TIE WARS - Jeffrey Hunter

Delving into the archives for a story about whether men's ties are disappearing off the scene. How about you? Do you like to see men in ties? Are you a man who hates/loves them?


Cary Grant

On June 17, 2008, USA Today ran an article questioning whether men's ties were disappearing off the scene. Over two years later, ties are still going strong, and men are still looking great in them! Following is my original post: The USA Today article - find it here  “The necktie, knot what it used to be, still hangs on”

Are neckties going the way of the buffalo?

Photos of some popular movie stars wearing ties that surely set trends in men's fashion. 

Russel Crowe

After Father's Day-the day probably most associated with the giving of ties, save as Christmas presents - USA Today questions whether the necktie will "hang on" much longer.  The story reports that "the recent decision by the Men's Dress Furnishings Association--the trade group for America's neckwear makers--to shut down has some folks tied up in knots."

Admittedly, we're living in the day of Casual Friday....and Monday...and Tuesday...etc. The tie is not the icon it used to be. The story cites a Gallup poll that found just 6 per cent of men wearing neckties to work each day, down from10 percent in 2002. More than two-thirds of the men surveyed said they never wear a tie to work.

Robert Redford

However, there are still men who enjoy dressing up and looking sharp. "When you wear a tie it still says ... you're dressed for the occasion," the story quotes Amy Klaris, a retail  strategist at consulting firm Kurt Salmon Associates.

I can sympathize with men who think a tie feels like a noose around their neck. I don't know if I would enjoy wearing one all the time, just as, being a woman, I wouldn't want to have to wear high-heeled shoes all the time. However, I do think my husband looks gorgeous when he's dressed up in a suit and tie...and I would hate to see the necktie die out completely.


Daniel Craig

When I originally posted this story, I got some great comments from readers. Here are a few:

Kay: I love to see a man dressed up! But I have often wondered who first decided to tie a piece of fabric around their neck and call it fashionable... It is a strange practice, really.

Joel: I personally think neckties were designed by Torquemada.Another problem I have. My neck is too large for the size shirt I wear. If I get a shirt with a large enough neck, the sleeves are too long. They used to have extenders for necks, but they're increasingly hard to find.  So I either wear turtlenecks or just an open shirt. I'll wear a tie to a funeral, but that's about it.

Randy (a former co-worker of mine): I will always believe in ties. Even when one of our co-workers at the station begged us all to go to tieless attire, I still wore one a lot. Maybe you remember that. I still believe that a tie is a standard of professional dress and should be. Sure, I did tire at times of them, but if a man wears the proper neck size shirt, you can get used to the tie. However, I come from the old school of thought.

Ann-Marie: Josh Holloway would look good in a suit made out of garbage. But he looks extra yummy in a tie. (and no garbage)

Lea: I love a man in a tie, especially mine and thank goodness, he is still very much a believer in the tie. Such a professional and polished look! Love it!

So, how do YOU feel about men in ties? I'd love to get some more great comments! What do you think? Please post below - Cindy
 
Notes In The Key Of Life - Cindy's Blog


Men in ties at Nice tie Store