Why a tie can reveal if its wearer is likely to have a brass neck or get a bit shirty

Published on Thursday 6 November 2008 22:19

MEN should take care when choosing which tie to wear, for it could reveal more about them than they realise.

A purple tie might look just the thing with a lilac shirt but, psychologists say, it gives the impression the wearer is envious, arrogant and vulgar.

Other colours to steer clear of include green – which suggests greed, jealousy, and bad luck.

Yellow, on the other hand, suggests individuality and reliability, while a red tie shouts passion, strength, energy and ambition.

Even worse are novelty ties which, researchers found, are worn by people trying to appear more significant, sexy or outgoing than they actually are.

Psychologist Dr Ludwig Lowenstein, who carried out the study, said: "When one considers the nature of the person wearing a particular colour of tie one must also take into consideration other aspects of the personality such as whether the person dresses to impress, wants to attract, control or look superior.

"Colours have been used throughout history to denote power, fear, anxiety and to have many other symbolic characteristics. Many people are impressed by colour and how and when it is worn. Be careful as you may be judged on what you wear rather than who you are."

Navy indicates calmness, coolness and confidence, while Dr Lowenstein, who runs Southern England Psychological Services, in Hampshire, suggested brown shows reliability.

His research also shows that pink ties should be left in the cupboard as they suggest soppy romantics looking for sympathy.

But Kevin Stewart, fashion stylist at Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh, said that it was more important to be in season.

"Choosing a tie should be about what you, as an individual, like to wear. This can be quite tricky.

"As men have become more fashion conscious they want to choose the colours and styles of the season. I would agree that novelty ties should really be banned, but I don't think it matters what colour of tie you wear as long as you like it, it enhances what you are wearing and you feel good wearing it."

David Walker, of tie makers Peckham Rye, which commissioned the study, said: "Skinny ties are understated and subtle without being too showy. A bit rock and roll, shows you're a bit savvy and edgy."

Other advice includes never wearing a spotted tie with a striped shirt, while a plain bow tie with a checked shirt says creative, eccentric and very swish.

The scarf wearer is trendy and very with it, coming across as more intelligent with an air of elegance about them. And while having an open-neck shirt can look cool if you are under the age of 45, for those over 45, researchers warn, it can look a bit "Sasha Distel", conjuring up images of a hairy chest and a suntan framed by a cheap belcher chain.

The good, the bad and the ugly

BROWN

Considered to be a solid reliable colour. Abundant in nature, earth and for genuine people.

NAVY

Symbolises unity, harmony and tranquillity. It indicates calm, cool and confident types.

RED

Suggests strength, passion, energy and ambition, as well as leadership power and anger.

YELLOW

Appears solid, earthy and reliable. For out of the ordinary people who are very much in control.

PINK

For someone who is a soppy romantic, perhaps looking for sympathy or craving admiration.

GREEN

Gives the impression of greedy, jealous individuals who are generally unlucky and gamblers.

PURPLE

Envious, arrogant and gaudy. Purple suggests superior vulgarity and should be avoided.

NOVELTY

For people who are trying to appear more significant, sexy or outgoing than they actually are.