Contemplation: On Wearing Ties



A trunk with a treasure of neckties long forgotten

Learning to love neckties again

Earlier today I found a blog post that I thought was interesting enough to share. By sheer chance a box with neckties was found from days past causing a very interesting result. Sometimes by accident a fashion preference will find its way back into the hands and heart of someone. Re-discovering what was once an apparel fondness from earlier in a life is quite unique as normally what was once in style will not be considered to be useful, let alone to be admired. For instance in the 80's every man in America had a Members Only jacket, which have long ago be forgotten. I don't think a man today would be caught dead wearing one of those.

Many men, however not slave to fashion like most women, would not be able to except yesterdays fashion statement as functional attire. Not so much that a man may be so conscious about what his appearance may or may not say about him, it is often more or less a habit or regiment that is lost. People do tend to grow out of a look once found comfortable. Any influence of what society excepts now that is foreign from the past is a factor that makes some apparel not a likely fit in a contemporary life style. Not too long ago bald wasn't beautiful and men wore hats to help disguise the loss of it. The phenomenon of the casual trend in men’s attire has all but taken the necktie and buried it. However, down but not out ties are still worn by many men that have the urge to dress with distinction and to be polished with look of success. Wearing ties does take some extra effort, tying them, and yes you cannot wear a T shirt and the shirt must be buttoned all the wat to the collar. I really cannot blame the guys who take casual Friday to mean casual everyday.   As the story below illustrates some men are re-visiting the distinguished necktie fashion statement and are wearing ties again. Unlike those Members Only jackets ties have a real usefulness to them and they are certainly not something that is out of fashion, at least not yet.

The beginning first paragraph and the last one are below, including a link to read the entire article.  - Jeffrey Hunter
 

General Lordisimo’s Apocalypse Blog

May 9, 2011 - posted by Nathaniel



Not the General - none-the-less this is
a guy who obviously loves ties.  Some of
these designs are my personal favorites.
Jimmy Hendrix Psychedelic By Ralph
Marlin, X-Men by Esquires

Here is a story. I moved into a new house back in February and in the process did the general moving thing of packing up all my things, transporting them to a new location, and then unpacking them (this unpacking process is still “in the works”). During the act of packing/unpacking I came to the realization that I own an exceptional number of ties. Looking through them I can trace them from three major sources; ones I bought at thrift stores for various reasons throughout high school and college, ones my dad gave me that he didn’t wear anymore, and ones that I have received as gifts over the years. Anyways, as part of the moving process I was trying to determine what stuff of mine I really wanted to keep, and what I could potentially get rid of. So I was looking at this bunch of ties I had and thinking to myself, “I might only wear one or two of these a year.” So I decided I either needed to get rid of all the excess ties or start wearing them more regularly. I decided with the wearing. For the past couple of months I have been regularly wearing a tie to work two or three times a week.

It is kind of funny to start wearing a tie to work when for nearly the past three years I had never worn one. A lot of people have asked me “what is the occasion?” which makes sense. Today the humble tie tends to be a decorative piece that is reserved for occasions. It is reasonable to assume that over time the tie may end up going the way of men’s hats, fading into the background of necessary male style. I however think that the tie is worth its effort to this day. It displays a bit of professionalism, mixed with some individuality, and an overall sense of class (regardless of any class that I actually possess).

So here’s to you ties, may I wear you all well!

Read the entire article here and as well visiting this blog is well worth the time. The general is quite an interesting guy Contemplation On Wearing Ties at General Lordisimo's Apocalypse Blog

The picture of the guy with the loud ties is from Style Like U another fabulous blog you'll be glad you found

The Peacock Effect: For the Sake of Originality Let's Ditch the Necktie



The Peacock Effect and men's fashion

I do not agree with "ditching the necktie" but that is part of the title of this blog post as I found it on Daily Music Press Blog searching for an image for our previous post. 


I have always said that a man wearing a necktie, especially a very colorful and bold design was emulating the same characteristics as a peacock in nature. Male Peacocks display their feathers in a show of colorful passion. As part of a defensive character and a show of strength this display of nature is sensational. Much like a well dressed man adorning a suit complemented by a tie. - Jeffrey Hunter




Monday, July 26, 2010 - The Daily Music Press, industry, opinions, news, breaking artists


Ok, It might be imperative to pre-empt this post with the fact that even I have fallen victim to this now, very defunct fashion statement as a musician. Regardless, I was hoping, our community as a whole could mark today as the day we officially lose the necktie as a stylish "alternative" fashion statement for stage or promotional wear.

Let's just spend a short moment trying to understand why the necktie was successful in the first place. Let's break the third wall and think about why this was considered cool and whom or what "made" it cool.

Well, the necktie is traditionally used by professionals in a business setting. Therefore, the necktie makes a few unspoken statements and has it's own ingrained associations. Loosely put, the necktie says: Mature, professional, business, serious, smart, etc. The originator of necktie use in a musical/concert setting (we won't name names) was trying to (whether deliberately or not) create what is considered the "Peacock Effect" by wearing the necktie in a setting that is not usually associated with most of the above terms.



Whether trying to be less revolutionary or just being cool in
their own way - the Beatles sported ties in their early days.

What is the "Peacock Effect?": In a loose definition, the "Peacock Effect" is an effect created when one uses something (in many cases something visual, such as odd colors on clothing, various accessories that are out of the norm, etc.) to stand out in a crowd. Much like an actual peacock would with it's bright colors, etc.

What is another example a the use of the "Peacock Effect" in musical history?

The use of extreme makeup and big hair by the 80's female rock stars, and for men it was not just long hair it was ultra fashioned clothing, leather, and at times bold and outrageous accessories, example - Elton John's wild hats and the “wild” made up faces of Kiss.


What usually happens when the Peacock Effect is overused?

The odd use of the new item in a different setting almost always "stands out" at first, but over time that item usually develops it's own, new associations. For example, the use of the necktie in a musical setting is now usually associated with a singer-songwriter because of it's overuse by this group of musicians. Not only is it no longer original, but it's purpose (to stand out) is pretty much defeated.

Even country star Dierks Bentley
has jumped on the skinny tie bandwagon.

In a quick example that doesn't involve music: For a short while 5 years ago, a male could achieve head-turning attention by wearing pink clothing. Over time, this became less effective with the increasing popularity of the color and the implementation of the association term: "metrosexual." Thus categorizing the use of the color by males. This not only made the use more accepted, but even a standard color choice for men.

This is not to say that musicians are looking for attention, per se. Perhaps you wear the necktie because you find it comfortable, or you usually do when you aren't on stage? But the goal of stage and promotional wear is to wear something unique, something that the audience isn't wearing. You are the star, you are looking to set yourself apart and in essence create an "image." I have personally been told true stories of a record label requiring their musicians, by contract, to wear black socks as opposed to the standard white in order for the band to set themselves apart. Sadly, these types of unique statements are no longer being made by the necktie and only time will tell what will take it's place. Maybe it's just me, but I am hoping it's replacement comes soon. Until then, I am sure that we will continue to see it onstage and through camera lenses.

Check out this related post Neckties and Rock and Roll

What Else Can You Do With A Necktie

Author: Tricia Oliver


Neckties are a must-have for men. You can also make a statement with your necktie by choosing a color or pattern that contrasts with your shirt color or suit.

Fashion is not only for women. The TV show “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” and celebrities with style like Brad Pitt and David Beckham have shown that men can be both masculine and fashionable at the same time. Now another popular TV show, AMC’s “Mad Men” have brought increasing attention to a staple masculine fashion accessory - neckties.

Neckties have been worn by men since the 1920s. It has practically become a must-have for working men - especially men with powerful careers - in order to project an image of power and influence. Most men wear neckties with their shirts or suits, and they usually go for simple ties, with monochromatic colors or subdued tones. But is there anything else you can wear with a necktie?

Besides the ordinary colors, why not jazz up your neckties a bit by adding more designs and colors to your ensemble? For one, vintage ties have become increasingly popular these days. The advantage with going vintage is that you get to have the most unique and exquisite design on a tie. In most department stores, neckties tend to have the usual stripes design or colors - but all of them tend to look alike. If you want to set apart from the rest, vintage ties are the way to go. You can choose from an array of eras - the loud-colored neckties of the 1970s or the skinny neckties of the 1950s, or perhaps more vintage patterns that date back to the 1920s.

You can also make a statement with your necktie by choosing a color or pattern that contrasts with your shirt color or suit. For example, pink and yellow neckties are cool colors to go with your navy blue suit. Neckties with unusual patterns like dots, stripes, stars, paisley or even Mickey Mouse can surely be eye-catching and an attention-grabber, but make sure you are using it in the appropriate place or occasion. On the other hand, shorter and slimmer neckties would give you a younger and rock star vibe. For affordable ties, Beau Ties Ltd of Vermont offers a range of men’s accessories, which includes neckties and bowties using designs such as cows, ascot or ladies’ scarves in their list of choices. They also offer a necktie conversion, in which they would convert your much worn out tie into a nice little old bowtie.

Men’s necktie will never drop off from the face of the fashion world - it will always appear and re-appear in similar or different forms, always surprising its wearers of the novelty it can provide in their day to day wear. Of course, a good quality necktie will never fail to complete your wardrobe.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/clothing-articles/what-else-can-you-do-with-a-necktie-1227457.html


About the Author


For Tricia, the home is the best place to be.

All Tied Up A Man's Guide To Neckwear

NECKTIES - MEN'S ACCESSORIES

 

Written By: Grant Harris - Owner & Chief Style Consultant - Image Granted, LLC

The necktie is one of the most important and most versatile accessories a man can wear. Whether dressing up or down there is a tie for every occasion. Here we discuss the history, construction, and variety of the tie.

History

The Irishman, poet, prisoner, and eccentric dresser; Oscar Wilde; is famously quoted, "A well-tied tie is the first serious step in life". The history of the necktie dates back to 1600's when the Croatians defeated the Turks in battle while wearing silk handkerchiefs around their necks. The French King Louis XIV adopted the style for his royal regiment and the adornment eventually adopted the English when it became standard for men to wear some type of cloth around his neck. Over the years the necktie has evolved it its modern day form.

Attaching the Self Loop
Men's Flair

Construction

Originally all neckwear was cut from silk. A quality handmade necktie will be cut "on the bias" or against the grain of the fabric which gives the tie its three dimensional shape. The three main parts of the tie are the front or blade where the tie ends in a point; the neck where the tie is knotted; and the tail which is the smaller of the two sides. Most ties will have an additional piece of fabric sewn across the tail with its label. Tailors call this the "self loop" which holds the tail in place behind the blade. Try the Tiedown for another option to keep your tie in place.

Seven Fold Tie

The quality and price of tie is determined by the number of folds in the fabric. The average tie is folded on itself three times. The infamous seven fold tie is folded on itself seven times before it is fully constructed. This technique improves the "hand" or the feel of the tie when held. The more the folds the more easily the tie will hold a knot and its shape over time. On the tail of the blade there is small "slip stitch" joining the two folds of fabric. Upon folding back these two pieces of fabric there will be a long loop of thread. The purpose of this thread is to allow the tie fabric to move with the wearer according to each knot tied over time and return to its original shape.

On the reverse side of the bottom of the blade one will find the stitching of the lining. This process called "tipping" can be done in the same color and pattern as the front of the blade or in a different color and fabric. A quality handmade tie with the proper maintenance will afford the gentleman several years of enjoyable wear.

Variety

Neckwear can be had in several varieties of fabrics, colors, knits, prints, widths and shapes. Look for these options.

Fabrics

These are the most commonly found fabrics of neckties:
1. Silk - Most widely used and accepted
2. Wool - Best option for fall and winter ensembles
3. Cashmere - Most luxurious and exspensive option
4. Cotton - Least exspensive and most versatile fabric
5. Linen - Light and durable. Best worn during summer months

Colors

Ties can be found in any and all colors in the color wheel but to build a foundation a gentleman only needs the following:

1. Blue - Standard for business professionals
2. Black - Standard for formal events
3. Brown - Good option for country and/or weekend wear
4. Red - Wear this color to make a bold statement
5. Yellow and/or green - Wear during warm months as a playful option

Knit or Print

A knit tie is woven from a fabric such as silk or cashmere and has the design or graphic sewn into it. A printed tie has the design or graphic printed on the fabric itself and is not sewn in. A gentleman should have both in his wardrobe.





Silk Woven Knit Tie

  

Silk Printed Tie

Length, Width, and Shapes

Most ties come in length up to 58 inches, but extra long ties are available for men who are above average height. Tie width seems to change from generation to generation. From wide in the 70's, to skinny in the 80's, to standard in the 90's. Today ties have seen a migration back to the slim variety among younger professionals. However, the standard width accepted in most environments is 3 and 1/4 inches at its widest point. Most skinny ties will measure 2 and 1/2 inches at the widest point. Most ties worn in a professional environment will end with a pointed blade. However, many ties end a flat bottom. This is seen mostly on silk knit ties and is reserved for a casual environment.

Whether blue collar or professional, the necktie is an indispensible piece of any man's wardrobe and should be chosen with care, tied with dignity, and worn with ease (even when you don't have to). Stay tuned for our next segment on neckties where will discuss which knots to wear and how to wear them.

Check Out Image Granted For The Latest In Men's Fashion

Novelty and fashion ties at www.nicetiestore.com

Written By:
Grant Harris
Owner & Chief Style Consultant
Image Granted, LLC

"Dressing Men for the Life They Want"

CONTACT INFO:
Grant Harris, MBA
Phone - 703.554.9184
Email - corporate@imagegranted.com
Web Site - www.imageconsultant4men.com/
Blog - Image Granted Blog
Linked In - linkedin.com - Grant Harris
Face Book -  Image Granted
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FASHION

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They left a new comment on two of our post
This Guy Has Style &
The Sexiest Necktie Fashion Show Ever

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