Ties are back as workers dress up to keep jobs

Published on Sunday 15 November 2009 21:48

TELEVISION presenter Jeremy Paxman once denounced the humble tie as an "utterly useless part of the male wardrobe", worn only by politicians, reporters who interview them, and dodgy estate agents.

But it emerged yesterday the recession and fears of being made redundant have led to a surge in sales as workers strive to look more professional and hold on to their jobs.

Fashion retailer TM Lewin said tie sales have soared by 18 per cent in the past six months.

The firm's chief executive, Geoff Quinn, said just because workers want to look professional does not mean they end up looking bland.

He said: "The tie is making a serious comeback after dress-down has all but disappeared in the professional world.

"The choice of tie can tell you a lot about a person. Colourful ties are now the most popular, as office workers look to stand out from the competition."

Dylan Jones, style guru and editor of GQ magazine, was more blunt about the changes to men's fashion. He said: "Casual is dead. The tie has returned triumphantly as the ultimate office status symbol."

TV shows such as Mad Men and celebrities including David Beckham and David Walliams have cut ties free from the stuffy image of the past and put them into the mainstream.

Angela Marshall, owner of Appearance Management, said ties had started to disappear about two years ago in favour of a more casual look.

She said: "People have started to look sharper, and in something like the financial sector they feel the need to look more professional.

"Ties didn't really go out of fashion but people were less formal with their appearance. With people being afraid for their jobs, they are going more for a classic professional look."

Stylist Nick Ede, director of image consultants I Hate My Look, said young people discovered skinny ties a few years ago, and have now continued the trend into their first jobs.

And the older generation, he said, are seeing how fashionable ties can be.

He said: "Fashion is not just about garments, it's creating messages. Ties give an almost conformist look from school days and give the impression of more substance.

"Men want to be professional, but also want a fashionable edge. The smart, dandy look is even coming back with bow ties being worn."

Mr Ede said the skinny tie, and bright colours, were a particularly good option because they "elongate your body". Retailers such as River Island and Topman have also made ties more affordable, he added.

TM Lewin launches a national campaign today to get customers to exchange ties in aid of The Prince's Trust. Shoppers can bring in their old ties in a part-exchange for a new one, with 10 from each sale going towards the youth charity.

Sir Alan Sugar has donated a tie he wore during the BBC's The Apprentice.

NECK FASHION

DURING the Roman Empire, legionnaires wore lengths of material called "forcales" around their necks to protect themselves from chafing by their armour. The ruff – a wheel-shaped collar worn around the neck – was popular in Tudor times but gave way to cravats in the 17th century.

The modern tie began to emerge in the 1860s, originally known as the four-in-hand. Ties became more popular when they were brought into school and military uniforms.

In 1925, a New York tie-maker patented a long tie, sewn from three pieces of fabric and cut to a taper. Since then, the manufacture of most modern ties has followed this process.