There are plenty of reasons men list for not wanting to wear ties. They get dirty at lunch, they flop in the wind, they’re too tight, etc. Though I think all these excuses are unwarranted, I can understand preferring to wear a different neckwear instead. So…here are your options, in order of formality:
Cravat:
Advantages:
- A zillion ways to tie it
- Good for early 19th century dress-up
Disadvantage:
- Only good for early 19th century dress-up
Bow tie:
Advantages:
- You can’t get it dirty or caught in something
- It makes you look smart
Disadvantages:
- Hard to tie
- Could make you look like pretentious
Ascot:
Advantage:
- Lets you open your collar
Disadvantage:
- You’re not Cary Grant or Ashton Kutcher
Neckerchief:
Advantages:
- Soaks up sweat around your neck
- Easy to tie
- You probably have one lying around
Disadvantage:
- Could make you look like a woman…or a Ken Doll
Bolo tie:
Advantages:
- Badass
- Permits you to wear a cowboy hat with a suit
Disadvantage:
- Should only be worn by actual cowboys
Scarf:
Advantages:
- Easy to find in stores
- Keeps you warm
Disadvantages:
- Will make you look like a woman (Sorry Brad)
- More easily caught in turbo engines than ties
So, pick your poison. No matter what, people will stare longer than normal. But if that’s a positive, pick a neckwear and run with it.
Cravat photo credit: Etsy
Doctor Who photo credit: johnnyikon
Ascot photo credit: Esquire
Ken doll photo credit: Disney
Ken Salazar photo credit: WashPo
Brad Pitt photo credit: Examiner
