London: A historical overview of men’s neckties reveals their decline in usage among younger generations, reflecting shifting social norms and professional dress codes. Despite the diminishing relevance of ties in everyday attire, some still cherish their symbolic elegance and cultural significance.
The evolution of men’s neckwear has witnessed dramatic changes over time, reflecting shifting social norms and professional expectations. Once a staple in a man’s wardrobe, neckties now find themselves largely unused, particularly among younger generations. This trend raises questions about the cultural relevance of neckties today.
Historically, neckwear has played a significant role in men’s fashion for centuries, with its roots tracing back to ancient civilisations. For instance, Chinese terracotta soldiers were noted to wear colourful scarves to signify rank, while Roman depictions showcase soldiers employing neck adornments to protect against armoured chafing. The necktie, a prevalent form of neckwear today, is believed to have gained prominence in the 17th century, inspired by Croatian mercenaries whose distinctive neck scarves caught the eye of King Louis XIII of France. This fascination led to the popularisation of the cravat, from which the modern necktie evolved. Today, Croatia celebrates Cravat Day on October 18, honouring the necktie as “a universal symbol of elegance and…human dignity”.
As society advanced, the variety in neckwear expanded, encompassing styles such as scarves, bandanas, bow ties, and eventually the long tie commonly seen today. However, recent trends indicate a noticeable decline in necktie usage among certain demographics. Real estate broker Brian White expressed his fondness for formal attire, stating, “I LOVE black or white tie…I detest the word ‘Casual’,” highlighting a prevailing sense of pride in dressing up for special occasions. On the other hand, ranch owner Greg McCandless noted, “The last time I wore a tie on a daily basis was 14 years ago,” suggesting a marked shift in professional dress codes over the years.
An uptick in informal dress codes has become evident across numerous social settings. For example, at the Cincinnati Symphony, a recent observation revealed that the no-tie to tie ratio stands at 3-2 among younger audience members. Similarly, Canlis, an upscale restaurant in Seattle, has adjusted its attire guidelines, no longer mandating ties. According to the restaurant, “We do not require ties but did at one point,” indicating a broader cultural shift toward more relaxed dress expectations.
The relaxation of tie requirements can be traced back to the mid-1990s when “Casual Fridays” gained popularity in American businesses, allowing employees to forgo ties and formal attire. Trevor McCandless, who experienced this phenomenon first-hand during his early career, mused that his attempts to argue against this trend on environmental grounds were ultimately unsuccessful, leading him to own just a handful of ties today.
Family preferences concerning ties can also differ significantly. While Trevor has reduced his neckwear collection, his brother Dylan cherishes ties, reminiscing that he used to wear them consistently. He reflected that business meetings once called for more formal attire, stating, “Years ago, it was a lot more common to dress up and wear suits and ties.”
Mark Larson, an author and theatre expert, has observed that although he retains a collection of ties, they remain unused. He described his storage as containing “a box…of ties unused and tangled like random power cords,” signifying an attachment to the garments despite their inactivity.
The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this decline in formal dress, with many professionals embracing remote work. As a consequence, the impulse to wear formal attire, including ties, diminished among remote workers. A new father, Joey Vishny, noted his commitment to being “overdressed rather than underdressed” for formal events, suggesting that significant occasions still prompt tie-wearing for some.
For those unwilling to part with their ties, options for repurposing have emerged. Various online platforms, such as Etsy, offer creative ideas for recycling old ties. The emotional struggle of keeping ties that may no longer serve a purpose was acknowledged, with many men left contemplating their fate amid changing fashion trends.
In summary, the necktie’s transition from a daily necessity to a rare accessory highlights ongoing transformations in societal customs around dressing. While many men are moving away from traditional neckwear, there remains a commitment among some to preserve its elegance, representing a nostalgic tie to the formality of the past.
Source: Noah Wire Services
