It might be time you dusted off your tie collection as men return to this timeless fashion accessory to create bold new style personas.
You may wear a tie every day of the work week or, like an increasing number of men, can’t remember the last time you tied one on, so to speak. However, the humble necktie has played a role in men’s fashion since the 17th century – in fact, it’s thought the tie as a male fashion accessory traces its origins to the uniforms worn by Croat soldiers during the Thirty Years war, something that’s illustrated at the newly opened Cravaticum – Museum Boutique of the Cravat (below), located in downtown Zagreb.
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History aside, when it comes to men’s fashion, the tie is more than just a piece of cloth; it’s a statement. Whether you’re heading to a business meeting, a social event, or a casual outing, your tie can communicate volumes about your personality, style, and even your mood.
“A tie influences a first impression because it typically serves as a focal point that conveys professionalism, attention to detail, and personal style,” says Dr Carolyn Mair, cognitive psychologist, fashion business consultant, and author of The Psychology of Fashion. “It adds a touch of formality and can enhance the perception of competence and confidence, making it particularly impactful in business or formal settings. The features of the tie – its shape, colour, pattern and knot – can reflect the wearer’s personality and taste, communicating characteristics such as creativity, authority, approachability and affiliation. This impacts how others respond to the wearer.”
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It wasn’t that long ago that every working stiff who called an office his second home wore a hat and tie most of the week, and it was something that was expected in men for generations, whether they were running to assembly at prep school, or accepting a retirement award from their corporate peers. A man without his tie looked dishevelled, ill-prepared and lacking grit.
“Ties have deep-rooted psychological and cultural significance. They symbolise professionalism, authority, and respect, reinforcing a structured and disciplined image and they also allow the wearer to add a touch of individuality and personal style in formal dress codes,” says Dr Mair. “Because of their cultural significance, wearing a tie can psychologically boost the wearer’s confidence and sense of preparedness, influencing their behaviour and interactions.”
She says ties are de rigueur in industries where tradition and formality are highly valued because they symbolise a commitment to maintaining a polished and professional appearance that reflects a polished and professional approach to work.
Despite its attention-grabbing potential, the use of the tie was already well in decline globally by the time the pandemic arrived, as dress codes (especially at traditionally staunch outfits like banks) became more casual, workers embraced technology to spend more time working out of the traditional office setting, and organisations sought to reduce their environmental footprint by cutting ties with both ties and air conditioning.
And yet, you might already have noticed the necktie is making a Rick Astley-sized comeback as fashion houses like Brunello Cucinelli (below), Dunhill (above), and Drakes all incorporated this timeless accessory back into their 2024 lines – Prada even used a necktie as an invite to its runway show in Milan while a recent Bloomberg UK article cited a boom in tie popularity, attributing it to the ‘fresh, rule-breaking ways of wearing them’ now available to men. Perhaps fashion houses have also realised the need to cater to men who spent the better part of three years doing Zoom calls in track pants and dressing gowns and now want to feel like they were actually back to work again.
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And that just means then when you do need to reach for a tie, you’ll want to take its selection a little more seriously, and no one knows that more than politicians. Remember Matt Damon’s concession speech as congressional would-be David Norris in The Adjustment Bureau: “This tie was selected for me by a group of specialists in Tenafly, New Jersey who chose it over 56 other ties we tested. In fact, our data suggests
that I have to stick to either a tie that is red or a tie that is blue. A yellow tie made it look as if I was taking my situation lightly, and I may, in fact, pull my pants down again at any moment. A silver tie meant that I’d forgotten my roots.”
If you’ve been watching the US presidential debates of late, you’ll see how closely characters like Trump and Biden adhere to these rigid tie codes.
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“The colours, patterns, and styles of politicians’ ties are strategically selected to convey specific messages and evoke desired emotional responses from their audience,” says Dr Mair. “For example, a red tie is socio-culturally associated with power, confidence, and assertiveness, making it a popular choice for speeches and debates. Whereas blue ties symbolise trust, calmness, and stability, fostering a sense of reliability and approachability. These visual cues in nonverbal communication allow politicians to subtly influence public perception and build their desired image, making them appear more relatable and authoritative as needed.”
Let’s take a look at our options:
The Classic Solid Colour Tie
A solid colour tie, especially in shades like navy blue, black, or burgundy, exudes confidence and simplicity – which is why they’re often favoured by politicians. It’s the go-to choice for professionals who value tradition and understated elegance. A man who wears a solid colour tie (and remember not all solid colours are born equal, lime green, for example, is a no-no) is often seen as reliable, focused, and serious about his career – he’s not one for unnecessary frills and he’s here to TCB.
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The Striped Tie
Striped ties, particularly those with diagonal stripes, are a staple in the corporate world. They suggest ambition and authority, making them a favourite among executives and aspiring leaders. The pattern is classic yet dynamic, hinting at a man who is driven, competitive, and ready to take charge. Wearing a striped tie can project an image of professionalism and assertiveness, as long as it doesn’t resemble a candy cane.
The Patterned Tie
Ties with bold patterns—such as paisley, polka dots, or geometric shapes—are perfect for those who want to showcase their creative side. A man who opts for a patterned tie is often seen as outgoing, innovative, and not afraid to stand out from the crowd. This tie choice can break the monotony of standard business attire and inject a bit of personality into your outfit. It’s a subtle way of saying you have a unique perspective and aren’t afraid to express it.
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The Skinny Tie
The staple of Ska bands and baristas, skinny ties have made a strong comeback, particularly among younger professionals and fashion-forward individuals. A skinny tie suggests that you are modern, trendy, and in tune with the latest fashion trends. It’s a popular choice for those working in creative industries or for casual business environments. Wearing a skinny tie can convey a sense of youthfulness and an appreciation for sleek, contemporary style – just be sure the rest of your look maintains such youthful optimism.
The Bow Tie
Bow ties are not just for formal events; they can be a powerful statement piece that indicates a bold and intellectual personality. A man who chooses a bow tie is often seen as confident, quirky, and not afraid to challenge conventions. Whether worn with a tuxedo or a smart casual outfit, a bow tie can make you stand out as someone who values tradition yet isn’t afraid to march to the beat of their own drum.
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The Knitted Tie
Knitted ties offer a textured, casual elegance that suggests approachability and a relaxed demeanour. They are perfect for less formal occasions and can add a touch of sophistication without being overly stiff. A man who wears a knitted tie is often perceived as friendly, down-to-earth, and stylishly laid-back. Just make sure you go for quality and don’t wear something that looks like you made it during a group session in prison.
The Novelty Tie
Not something we suggest (especially these days), novelty ties, adorned with quirky prints, cartoons, or festive designs, are all about having fun and showing a playful side. While they may not be suitable for every occasion, they can be a great way to lighten the mood and showcase your sense of humour. A man who dons a novelty tie is often seen as approachable, lighthearted, and someone who doesn’t take himself too seriously – but who shouldn’t be offended when others share the sentiment
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At the end of the day, you’re wearing a vital component of your personal brand on your chest whenever you don a tie. “To convey authority and confidence, a tie should be wide with a classic Windsor knot in a solid bold colour, preferably red – although politicians usually wear the colour associated with their party’s branding,” advises Dr Mair.
“The colour red is socio-culturally associated with power, strength, leadership, and determination, making it ideal for asserting dominance and confidence. In sports, teams in a red kit have been found to win more often than teams wearing other colours. Patterns should also be minimal if used at all, as overly intricate designs can distract from the desired message.”
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