To have or have knot a tie...?

[imp man]

Hello everyone. It's months since I have posted anything on this site so apologies if the issue I am raising has been discussed recently.

I read a piece in my local paper by a businessman bemoaning the lack of ties when suits are worn. And it got me thinking.

I am in PR and always wear a whistle when I am at meetings but I long ago dispensed with the tie. I did this for one reason only - that it has become fashionable to do so. I think it dates back to when Tony Blair became Prime Minister and he wanted to look less formal, approachable and more blokey-blokey. David Cameron can often be seen without one.

But my question is this: Would you be prejudicial about a man who came to see you looking for business but did not wear a tie with his suit? Similarly, would you think the guy was too stuffy if he wore one?

Would that person's occupation and/or age make a difference?

A trip to the Tie Rack's January sales could depend on your answers.

 

[Officebird]

Your company image and age would make a difference. If you are a trendy PR firm and you're in your 30's I wouldn't expect you to be wearing a tie. If you were in your late 40's and had a rather sober PR company then I would find it odd that you didn't wear a tie.

I know people will jump on this saying it doesn't matter what you wear and that's true to a certain extent but I think people stereotype certain professions and how people within them will look. If you buck the trend then it can be sub-consciously unsettling to someone.

If Estwig came to my house to build a conservatory in a suit I would be concerned that he didn't know what he was talking about. If my accountant came for a meeting at my office in jeans covered in paint and a football t-shirt I would think that a bit unprofessional.

I know what you wear shouldn't matter and I probably don't dress the way I should, I think you need to be comfortable in what you wear but also be aware of the impression it makes on other people. With Officebird I work virtually and so I wear jeans everyday, unless I have a meeting, but I also have a reception counter so generally wear a blouse or something smart with my jeans so I look respectable to visitors.

 

[Delta-SI]

Depends what kind of tie it is really doesn't it.... If it's a cheap one then bleugh

 

[niagra]

When you don't know the situation, I feel that you can never look too smart but you can look too scruffy, so I would where a tie. You can always take it off once you've assessed the environment you're in.

However, my personal opinion is that suits and ties are for interviews, weddings and funerals!

Dario

 

[wordsinart]

I would really prefer if there was one standard - either tie on, or tie off.

I tend to turn up at a new contact's with tie on in the first instance - if I've gauged that they are a less formal company - it's tie off for the second.

Unfortunately, many a time I have been left feeling like an underdressed pillock having wrongly judged the company.

I think that we need a new law in this country (we've got laws for just abut everything else) to either make ties mandatory, or ban them from all walks of life apart from weddings and funerals

 

[Winston]

I never understood the need for a tie, they just get in the way. I do not wear a tie and have not done for years. Most ties do not look that good or smart either, and Jan and Feb is the worst when everyone feels that have to wear the awfull tie they got for xmas

 

[imp man]

Thanks folks. Your comments were very helpful. I've reached a compromise. I'll not wear a tie but I'll have one in my pocket in case it's expected.

 

[Zeno]

I must be old fashioned but wearing a suit & shirt without a tie just looks wrong.

It's like those riduculous efforts people call beards these days. Don't know what the world is coming to.

 

[gingerdad]

I'm a no tie person, unless its a very speical meeting. it has to be fairly special to get me in a suit, usually with my customers it shrit, company fleece and smart trousers.

if some one came to my office in a suit and tie they would look over dressed, as in the office is craghoppers/shorts (depending) and a polo shirt and fleece.

Mike

 

[Dragon Media Group]

I like to wear a tie actually, and if I am wearing a suit then I will wear a tie. It depends on the meeting too of course. If I were going to see an accountant or solicitor to try and get them to advertise I would wear a suit and tie. If I were visiting a beauty salon for the same purpose I would wear nice jeans or trousers with plain white trainers and a shirt and jacket/blazer.
If in doubt always overdress is my stance.

 

[MartCactus]

my personal opinion is that suits and ties are for interviews, weddings and funerals!

Dario

Don't forget those all important court appearances!

 

[Delta-SI]

Oh and as I have said before, I will hardly ever wear a suit and tie for the benefit of clients. I much prefer to be comfortable so it's cargo trousers, hiking boots and some kind of fleece. All my clients know how I dress and if they don't like it they won't be clients.

As an aside, I have seen some very garish ties of late and believe they should be sober if they are worn and not looking like something Del Boy would be proud of. (No nakes ladies and never ever novelty cartoon ones).

 

[phil knight]

Depends on context of the meeting and who I'm seeing.

As a general rule when I'm the client/seeing a supplier, I wear smart casual - trousers, decent open neck shirt no tie.
If I'm pitching trying to pick up a client and seeing a younger person then it's suit but no tie.
Pitching to older clients or in a formal presentation situation usually whistle and tie.
Never wear a suit and tie in the office any more - smart casual only.

I'm 37 and I it's taken me a few years to become confident enough in my own capabilities to dispense with the suit and tie more often than not - don't feel the need to 'hide' behind it any more.