Some may be haphazardly covered in glitter, marker scribbles, rhinestones and pom-poms.
Others could be plastered from top to bottom with a sports team's logo.
Others are simply navy blue with thin, equally spaced red stripes.
Whether it signifies he is a father, sports fan or traditionalist, a necktie can immediately reveal pieces of a man's personality.
With many sources dating its origin back to the tomb of the first emperor of China, the tie has transformed over time to become a staple in church and business environments across the world.
"(Wearing a tie) means that you value looking professional and businesslike — that you hold yourself to a higher standard than just wearing the normal clothes,” said Matt Schmoldt, creator of Tiepedia.com. “A man can wear a white shirt and slacks and still look a little casual, but when he puts that tie on, he definitely looks professional and snazzy."
While the simple act of wearing a tie can say a lot about a person, here are three aspects of a tie that can speak volumes about who you are:
Color connotations
In everything from literature and art to home decorating and apparel, many have studied the universal symbolism of color. This analysis can jump from the canvas and the walls to the necktie by combining color information from Color-wheel-pro.com, a software tool that helps create color schemes, and PrecisionIntermedia.com, a multimedia advertising company in California.
• Red quickly attracts the eye and often is used as a symbol of authority and determination. Seen on businessmen throughout the world, red is considered a conservative color that makes for a "power tie."
• Although certain shades of pink may not be very far outside the red family, pink ties appear more gentle and friendly.
• Brown, which is often associated with the earth, is regarded as stable and masculine.
• One who wears an orange tie may be perceived as enthusiastic and creative with a fun personality.
• While yellow is seen as cheerful and happy, gold tones give the perception of prestige and wisdom.
• Green, which is connected to nature, can give a necktie wearer a fresh, harmonious, peaceful appearance.
• Overall, blue is considered a color of depth, stability and confidence, but when worn in different shades, blue may have more intricate connotations. Light blue is perceived as more tranquil. Dark blue is seen as a symbol of seriousness and knowledge, and is often used on conservative "power ties" with red.
• Seen as elegant, formal and powerful, "black-tie" events accurately reflect what the color reveals.
The point of a pattern
Not only does tie color carry significance, but fabric pattern also affects the message rendered.
Information found on Tie-necktie-video.com and ArtOfManliness.com, a website founded by LDS husband-and-wife team Brett and Kate McKay, offer insights into the meaning of tie pattern.
• Originally used in Britain as means of identifying the school where a man received his education, striped ties are now perceived as classic, conservative and generally safe.
• Paisley, which is often a fabric pattern associated with the 1960s, may denote somewhat of a "free spirit" or individualistic image.
• Polka dots of any size may be considered friendly and light-hearted.
• Being mad about plaid is not just about getting in touch with Scottish heritage. The multiple colors and various sized lines hold attention and may reflect the multiple dimensions of the wearer.
• Graphic ties with characters and sports teams are a quick way to show your interests.
• The absence of a pattern can say a lot as well. Solid ties not only portray versatility and boldness, but they are also considered a safe wardrobe staple.
Nuance of the Knot
Although University of Cambridge physicists Thomas Fink and Yong Mao have found that there are 85 different ways to tie a tie, most men are only with familiar with one or two methods. With help from ToTieATie.com, here is what your tying technique does and does "knot" say about you.
• While it is true that zipper and clip on ties are convenient, they may also be perceived as either youthful or lazy.
• Also referred to as the "schoolboy knot," the four-in-hand knot is often the first one learned and most commonly used. While this method is easy and suitable for most occasions, its asymmetrical structure may cause the wearer to seem unkempt if it is worn with too wide of a collar or not tied with care.
• The Pratt or Shelby knot is an average sized knot that may represent individuality because it is a "more obscure" knot, according to the ArtofManliness.com.
• The Windsor may be more difficult to tie, but the result is a large, symmetrical knot that gives a sense of power, making it most suitable for business and formal occasions.
• A Half-Windsor knot is the junior version of the full Windsor; therefore, while it is more businesslike than the four-in-hand knot, it does not live up to the professionalism of the Windsor.
• A bow tie knot is in a class of its own, and this method requires more practice and may be foreign to many men.
Because bow ties are most often worn to formal events, by nature, they give the wearer an air of superiority. Because each tie color, pattern and knot can reveal a piece of your personality, tie selection is key. Next time you approach your tie collection before church, work or a big meeting, ask yourself, "What does this tie say about me?"
e-mail: wbutters@desnews.com
