It’s Time to Restore the Necktie

One article of men’s clothing that is sadly on the decline is the necktie.

This abandonment reflects a refusal to accept any restrictions, discipline or discomfort in clothing or presentation. Many want to feel comfortable at any cost, even if undignified. Comfort and informality are today’s fashion gods. People will go to great expense to wear torn and ragged fashions with designer labels to worship at the altars of these gods.

The necktie is one major casualty of the war on good taste and formality. Some still wear it, but it is sadly disappearing and only visible on rare occasions. A person wearing a necktie stands out in a crowd today.

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The history of the necktie is very interesting. The tie, or cravat, has its origins in Croatia. Croatian mercenaries fighting for France during the Thirty Years’ War in the seventeenth century wore neckties to keep their coats closed. The French greatly admired the cravat as it became known, with King Louis XIV later adding it to his raiment. The original cravat was quite elaborate and required some effort to tie.

Over time, the cravat became less elaborate. The modern necktie has its origins in the nineteenth century. It gradually came to symbolize certain values. For example, it symbolizes professionalism and decorum. Professionals wear neckties to symbolize intellectual labor since it highlights the head. Thus, office workers, store clerks and school teachers used to wear neckties.

For this reason, schools, particularly parochial schools, required young boys to wear neckties to encourage courteous behavior and remind them of the importance of education in developing the mind.

At formal events such as Mass, weddings, funerals, graduations and other important events, neckties were worn to reflect the importance or even gravity of the occasion. It was an accepted and formal way for ordinary people to display a mark of reverence and respect since not all events are equal.

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The necktie hierarchically distinguishes the head, which contains the reason and will, from the torso. It forces the head to be in an erect and dignified position.

In today’s world, t-shirts, blue jeans, tennis shoes and an occasional blazer have invaded every part of life. The open collar conveys a sense that nothing is really important. The individual’s self-interest and comfort reign supreme.

People fail to realize that how they present themselves externally reflects the interior aspects of their souls. Elevated dress encourages good and elegant behavior. Slovenly dress encourages an attitude that reflects laziness and a lack of self-respect and discipline.

Wearing a tie in a tieless world requires courage and personality. Such a man does not go along with the fads and fashions of the world. He knows how to assert himself.

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Thus, while the tie may seem restrictive, it promotes a dignified, professional and polished appearance that uplifts the soul. It reflects a desire to please others by appearing and acting like a gentleman. Over time, a man learns to feel comfortable in a tie, just as he learns to accustom himself and sense the delights of self-discipline.

The tie was a small detail in a Christian civilization. Those seeking to do something to oppose the destruction of good customs would do well to get a tie and learn how to tie it. Stand out from the crowd. Be part of that restoration of a Christian order that is sacral, austere, anti-egalitarian and anti-liberal.¹

Photo Credit:  © H_Ko – stock.adobe.com

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