According to a recent Gallup poll, less than 6% of men wear ties to work daily. Lee Terrill, president of Phillips-Van Heusen’s neckwear division, said, “…[N]ow so many people don’t wear a tie, that it’s a statement to wear one.”
I work for a publishing company, and our dress code is business casual. While there are a few editors who wear a necktie daily, I am the only one in my half of the building (i.e. the non–editorial side) who wears a necktie regularly. I decided to pick at least one or two days a week in which I would wear a tie in order to protest the “death” of the necktie. After my colleagues stopped asking me where I was interviewing, many began to look forward to tie day — mostly because I do not usually wear regular long ties; I much prefer bow ties for the following reasons:
- They are dignified. Think about 1940s film noir and Humphrey Bogart. Think about times when almost every man walked outside dressed in a suit, wearing a hat. This, to me, can inspire some of the civility and manners that were stronger back then.
- They are great for personal marketing. Wearing a bow tie often makes people curious about you, and this gives you more opportunities to “sell” yourself to others (in a proper manner, of course).
- They help one stand out from the crowd. Not like a two foot-long, neon green mohawk would, but wearing a bow tie certainly occasions a second look from passers-by. People are more likely to remember you (if only as “Bow Tie Guy”:).
- They add to one’s geek cred. Let’s face it: for many people, bow tie=nerd/geek/etc.
Would I want all men (or even most or even quite a few) to help bring back the bow tie? That scenario would negate three of my four points above. What then? Maybe bow ties can help people think outside the box more. Maybe they can help others pause for a few moments and ponder some of the now-lacking values and manners associated with the time of the bow ties heyday. Maybe they can help inspire me to live the same standards to which I would call my fellow citizens. Maybe.
My favorite bow tie company is Beau Ties Ltd., based in Vermont. The quality of their ties makes them worth every penny.
Let me hear from you! What do you think?
