The necktie, a staple of formal wear, is facing an existential crisis. As we move towards a more relaxed society, should we still be wearing neckties?

McQuaid Jesuit’s dress code states that its students should wear neckties, which is why I feel like this is a super important topic for me.

The necktie has been a symbol of formality and professionalism for decades. However, its popularity has been waning. As the COVID-19 pandemic forced people to work from home, people who would usually wear formalwear to work tended to follow a more relaxed dress code at home. (Sometimes, this included not even wearing pants.) More importantly, people who would normally wear ties at work weren’t wearing them at home. [Ed. Note—longtime readers will remember that 2020-21 was the Tieless Year at McQuaid Jesuit.] As the workforce continues to utilize online learning, web conferences, and other tech-assisted solutions, society seems to be more tolerant of non-tie wearers.

So we can thank remote working for allowing us to not wear ties.

Let’s think about it—if you own a tie, how often have you washed that tie? Imagine how many germs and stains are on that tie without you even knowing. That tie you love to use for special occasions could be the very thing that gets you sick. There is such a small chance that your tie is breeding the next bacterial epidemic.

I mean, you could take a couple of minutes out of your life and clean the tie . . . but do you really want to do that? Just imagine doing something faster—not wearing a tie at all! Those ten seconds of not putting on a tie could grant you the opportunity to do something more productive, like playing games—I mean, starting on your work.

The tie-less trend is not just about comfort; it’s about not having to spend time confused on tying a tie for the first time and wondering if you’re doing it properly, especially when the tie comes out too small or too long, making tie-wearers look silly.

Also, let’s be real—not wearing a tie makes you look cooler.

Celebrities have a significant influence on fashion trends, and many have embraced the tie-less look. They are setting the stage for a new era of formal wear, proving that one can look sharp and sophisticated without a tie.

For instance, consider the red carpet events where celebrities often debut new trends. More and more male celebrities are opting for sleek, tie-less looks. This trend is not limited to Hollywood, either; everyone from Silicon Valley CEOs to politicians are ditching ties, and the common people follow their trends because we can’t make decisions for ourselves.

If that’s not a good enough reason to not wear a tie, then the potential Safety Hazards of Neckties should be brought to your attention.

Neckties, while often seen as a symbol of professionalism, can pose significant dangers to life and limb.

• One of the primary concerns is the risk of accidents in workplaces with moving machinery, where a loose tie can get caught, leading to serious injuries.
• Sometimes, people like to tie their ties a bit too tight and not even feel a difference. As a result of this, wearing tight neckties has been associated with several health issues. These include increased intraocular pressure, which can lead to glaucoma, and reduced cerebral blood flow, potentially leading to reduced cognitive function.
• Even though fights between people wearing formal wear are unlikely to happen, one might think that putting oneself at a disadvantage by increasing the possibility of one’s neck being yanked increases the possibility of losing said fight quickly.

One more reason to not wear ties is to be different from everybody else. Instead of conforming to social standards, put yourself out there—be different. In today’s society, we are struggling to have our own identities and just follow trends. So make yourself unique, be different, start by doing something small and eventually build an identity for yourself.

Because who knows, maybe this small act of not wearing a tie can change the entire course of how life goes. As change can bring fortune or misfortune, no matter the magnitude.

The future of formal wear is likely to continue evolving towards more relaxed and individualistic styles. While the tie may not disappear entirely, its role in formal wear is undoubtedly changing. In conclusion, the tie-less trend is more than just a fashion statement. It’s a reflection of our evolving society, where ties are totally evil and should not be worn. So, next time you’re dressing up for a formal event, consider going tie-less. After all, style is about expressing who you are, not just adhering to tradition.