h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I have been wondering for quite some time now.
The nature of the neck tie! Why?
Where did this ugly useless piece of clothing ever come into existance?
Are they some kind of status symbol, or did they represent the rank of an officer of some kind. I dislike them and I would like to know who to blame so I can direct my rank at them (tell them to get knotted, sorry).

I would be most greatful for somebody to shed some light on this subject. it

Before the necktie we had the cravat, which originated in Croatia where soldiers wrapped colourful cloths around their necks. This idea was picked up by French soldiers in the 17th century and found its way into most, if not all, of Europe. Cravats were worn with bows of varying sizes, some a reasonable size, some larger and floppy, and some so big they hid the wearer's chin. There was also an item of neckwear called a stock, but I don't think this was tied as a cravat was.

The necktie as we know it appeared in the 19th century. It gained in popularity because it was inexpensive, easier to knot than a cravat, and lasted forever. Originally worn mostly by clergymen, by the early 20th century it was worn by everybody (everybody male, that is).

So the tie was never a status symbol or an insignia of rank. There's nobody you can blame for their popularity or for them being regarded as essential items of menswear. to disappoint you!

I'm quite sad really, I do enjoy ties and often impulse buy the things.

Richard has a really nice collection of unusual ties - everything from Wallace and Gromit to Medieval Calligraphy, by way of balloons and Ancient Egyptian art. He also has a nice collection of tie pins / tie bars and cuff links. It's his way of stamping his personality on the staid business uniform of suit and tie.

Ties have become fun. My Father was a teacher and had a whole lot of subject related ties bought for him at one time or another if only he had only worn them on dress down days. But no there were times we had to forbid him going out wearing certain ties to certain functions.

I have quite a collectiuon of ties and whenever I have to wear one. FC is always asking if she is not present which shirt and tie and suit combination I am wearing.

Schools also use them as a honours system at times. My school certainly did for all the senior teams as well as the prefects so it did have some sort of ranking.

Ties are a way for management to demonstrate their power over poor office workers.

I can see no other reason for a restrictive dress code.

I bought two new ties today on impulse though I must confess to being somewhat conformist in my tie buying; though I am somewhat tempted to begin wearing the more colourful and loud ties when I'm teaching aat school, though I'm not too sure how this would be viewed : though the Tarten tie I got today is a little more interesting than normal