reckties

[soccer mom]

why wear a tie

[heathfield]

To keep soup and beer stains off your shirt.

[starmack]

Heathfield after me own heart! He omitted the dandruff. The question is valid, soccer mom. I always feel uneasy with one.

[crokepark]

It's not compulsary.

[reinganum]

A necktie is the one item of clothing which can introduce a bit of colour. Most suits (or jacket/trouser combinations) are grey or dark blue and to wear anything too colourful would look odd in the normal office environment. But a colourful tie is acceptable (and sometimes even welcomed � look at Jon Snow!)

Why are people so uncomfortable about formality these days? Why does starmack feel uneasy (?) wearing one?

[Octavius]

Today, as it was originally, the principal purpose of neckwear is to add luxury and colour to the austerity of business attire as reinganum has said.

The tie as we know it has been around since the 1920s, but the four-in-hand (the term for the modern tie with one knot and two dangling tassles) was in fashion in the 1860s in England. Unlike its progenitors which warmed the neck, or simply made a statement of fashion, the late 19th century variety served the purpose of showing the wearer's affiliations.

With the expansion of English public schools during the late 19th century came the tradition of intercollegiate sports. Sporting colours became de rigeur and these were often shown in their ties (coloured stripes, club crest, emblems etc) and we still see this today in many schools.

As said above, to wear one is not compulsory, but to do so occasionally adds a touch of flamboyant finesse and professionalism to an otherwise dull or casual outfit.

[Romeo]

Because appearance is everything, of course!

[Kiwi the 1st]

To make humans look smart !