by Graham Duke

Created on: July 18, 2008   Last Updated: September 29, 2008

Despite the necktie's drab origins as a simple scarf, both the style and knot in the tie evolved as a means of professional identification in Western European society. In the modern era the necktie has become an element of many uniforms as well as a flexible article of dress codes and social customs. In the modern world, the wearing of a tie has become a symbol of professionalism and this symbol is so deeply ingrained in Western culture that the simple act of dressing in a tie with appropriately matching clothing affects the psychological outlook of both the wearer and people with whom he interacts.

A necktie is a way for a wealthy, professional, or stylish man to let others know that he is to be taken seriously. In a business relationship between a client and a vendor, individuals who wear ties identify one another as decision makers and leaders, while their bare-necked coworkers are often assumed to be subordinate. The 21st century's software and engineering culture as often as not has shunned formal dress and the necktie within the informal environment of product development, however, a relatively formal dress is still the de facto standard whenever individuals from different companies meet for business purposes.

Aside from its use in first-impression communications, the necktie is also one of the few articles of formal clothing that let a male wearer alter their appearance stylistically. Ties can be dressed up with clips and pins, tied in a variety of knots, recognizable by those with a bent for fashion, and are made to various standards ranging from third world sweat-shops through the finest European designers. Choice of a necktie is a way for a person to show their style and stand out without deviating from a formal dress code. While wearing a bright colored suit or shoes might look strange, very exciting ties are still considered acceptable in all but the most formal of situations. A necktie is also the only article of formal clothing that is truly specific to men. While woman may wear a tie, that in and of itself is as bold a statement as a man wearing a frilly cravat.

The basic shape of the necktie has fashion appeal apart from the affectations of modern society. By imposing a vertical line down the front of the body, the necktie has a slimming appearance. The majority of neckties thin as they approach the neck, also aiding the illusion of fitness as the narrower top makes the chest appear wider while the wider bottom makes the belly appear narrower.

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