Knot so tough

Abha Chaudhary

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Polite behaviour at work also calls for good grooming and following the prevailing dress codes. Dressing within the accepted standards transmits a message of self-esteem and respect for others, but this in itself is not enough. A working environment in which all the people appear to be cut from the sam0e cloth is depressing and boring!

There is certainly room for businessmen to express their individuality and to shape the initial impression they give of their appearance. A tie is perhaps the best way to accomplish this. The tie is not only part of the dress code, but it is also an accessory used to break the uniformity of appearance. A tie functions as the modern man’s main accessory. It enables him to express his individuality and to convey his personality as being something different from the other suits around him. It even allows him to add a colourful flair to his otherwise neutral wardrobe.

The official history of ties begins in Croatia but has its roots in the court of Louis XIV, Europe’s greatest fashion prophet. The tie, in its primal form, captured an undisputable and unshakeable place in men’s fashion. The Roman legionnaires called it the “focale”.The French have called it the ‘cravate’. The English called it ‘neckwear.’ However, in 1924, Jesse Langsdorf, a New York tailor, invented the tie, as we know it today. He developed a special system for cutting the tie, so that it would stay unwrinkled and free of creases even after being tied hundreds of times.

Ties complement a man’s personal and professional image, and add an air of authority and professionalism to his appearance. However, they must also suit your personality, your personal style, your position and your working environment. You must select a tie in which you feel comfortable and natural.

Code of conduct

Do not wear a tie that will draw all the attention. The tie must match your general appearance. Wear a conservative tie to work, in terms of both colour and pattern. The appropriate patterns for business ties are stripes, spots and paisley. These patterns normally go well with all types of shirts, suits and jackets. Wear ties made from silk or other natural materials; do not wear polyester ties. The most exclusive ties are made from silk. They hang straight down from the knot without any twists or distortions. Adopt the knot– style appropriate to the structure of your face and the type of shirt collar you prefer.

Wear it right

The three most accepted ways to knot a tie are the long knot (four-in-hand), the narrow knot (half Windsor), and the wide knot (full Windsor). A cloth band bearing the manufacturer’s name and other details is sewn horizontally across the tie’s inner side. Its other function is to hold the tail of the narrow tie, so that it does not protrude from the sides. Knot the tie so that its end will reach your belt buckle. There is nothing more ridiculous than a tie that ends in the middle of a man’s potbelly.

The most important factor in causing ties to wear out is not taking the knot apart. So remember to undo the knot by taking it apart in reverse order from how you tied it. Store ties by hanging them on a horizontal bar or rolling them up, starting from the narrow part.

A tie is a fashion item. Keep up with fashion changes or maintain a classic style. Today’s fashion researchers are predicting the tie’s demise, but there is really no way for a man to dress elegantly without wearing a tie. A nice-looking tie adds a professional, well-groomed and impressive touch to a man’s appearance.

(Chaudhary is a Chandigarh-based image consultant and soft skills coach)