When you look back on the life of President John F. Kennedy, you can acknowledge that he accomplished quite a bit in his brief life: He was a decorated World War II hero. As a journalist, he covered the Potsdam Conference for Hearst Newspapers. He served in Congress before being elected to the presidency. And he’s also credited with one sartorial milestone: killing the hat.
If you’re familiar with the history of fashion, you’ll know that the gentleman’s hat had been dying a slow death since the end of the 1920s. But it was still hanging around for a few events. In fact, Kennedy and a number of other dignitaries wore top hats on the way to his inauguration in 1961. However, when Kennedy took the dais for his inaugural address sans chapeau, he signaled the end of the hat as a widespread piece of formal wear.
But in the broader view, fashion changes aren’t a surprise; looks are constantly evolving, and sometimes it only takes one high-profile move to initiate a sea change. And in that spirit, it’s time to kill the necktie.
I say this with no offense meant to the Post’s archivist, Jeff Nilsson, a noted rocker of ties. But it’s time. In fact, if the COVID era has taught us anything, it’s that formality doesn’t have much to do with function. When the world withdrew to their homes and many, many office environments found ways for their employees to keep chugging along via Zoom and more, they weren’t doing it in dress clothes.
If you look at the world’s movers and shakers for the past couple of decades, fewer and fewer of them have gone fully formal. Billionaire Virgin Group founder Richard Branson has eschewed ties for years. Apple’s Steve Jobs defined his aesthetic with the black turtleneck. Mark Zuckerberg’s flip-flops were almost as famous as Facebook. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy is as likely to be seen in a Star Wars T-shirt as she is in formal dress.
When we worked from home en masse, no one broke out the jacket and tie. And it quickly became evident in most professions that not only does it not matter what you wear while you work from home, it generally doesn’t matter what you wear to work anywhere.
And if one formal fashion accessory can easily be scratched forever, it’s the tie. After all, the necktie is an extra. It’s an affectation. In many ways, it doesn’t even make sense. “You know what would complete this outfit of a nice shirt, pants, and jacket? A random piece of cloth just hanging from a knot around my neck.”
Let’s kill the tie, friends. If not for you and if not in the name of a more casual, comfortable workplace, do it for all the dads who will now have the chance to finally get something more personal for Father’s Day.
This article appears in the March/April 2023 issue of The Saturday Evening Post. Subscribe to the magazine for more art, inspiring stories, fiction, humor, and features from our archives.
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Comments
Ties are a fun accessory and can help add personality to an outfit, so let’s perhaps not kill it, just make it a choice.
It’s a shame Kennedy supposedly killed the formal hat, as it can still serve a purpose in inclement weather. One innovation of his that should’ve taken hold is fastening the bottom button on suit jackets. The button ‘rule’ is a truly pointless affectation and what really needs to die. Before it existed (to the best of my research, before around 1940), men would fasten or leave unfastened whatever button they wanted; I say let’s return to that!
My thoughts exactly for the last 20 plus years! It’s about time we move on from the strip of silk that supposedly elevates a man from slob to presentable and competent human being. Additionally, the author is NOT advocating for slovenly dress – only the demise of the necktie, so I’m not sure why some of you are indicating otherwise.
I left a job in business to go into teaching. As I envisioned enticing young minds to learn from history, I tried to imagine students listening to a teacher in the future explaining to the class that men in the past used to take a piece of cloth, put a knot in it and draw it tight around their throat for 8 hours a day while they worked. Can you image the comments?
I’m appalled at the lack of dressing up to attend church. I have noticed that even the older men (70+) have started to come to church in faded jeans. They throw on a blazer and consider themselves dressed up. A lot of Tee shirts and jeans at church. Something that wouldn’t have happened when I was a teenager. A few years ago a woman 50+ came to church in ripped jeans. My thoughts were , lady dress you age. It’s been 35 years since you were a teenager.
Also, I am surprised at all of the negative comments about tattoo’s. They seem so common anymore. I happened to see a formerly beautiful young lady so grossly tatted up that she was hard to look at. I silently wept.
Nelson Castillo, agree with you overall. Don’t wear ties every day, but fairly frequently. Torn jeans, tattoos? No.
J. JONESy: Agree completely, and do. I should get a tweed blazer, actually. My favorite suit is the black pinstripe.
Rumpelstitskin: There are always good compromises for whichever situation you’re in, and the weather.
Dave Snowden: In your first sentence, unfortunately you’re correct. The Oscars and Grammy Awards are crap fests (like the films and “music” they’re honoring) and rest my case there. It all needs to go away, asap.
Larry Printz: Had not heard of the cravat (as such) before, but recognized it looking it up. There were some sharp clothes in the 19th and early 20th century for men. I had my Edwardian suit phase in the early ’90s. My Dad was shocked to see his ‘Jet Age’ son wearing clothes from the horse and buggy era.
Hugh Brennan: I agree with your comments. Yes, the generations born after World War II have brought this country down (now) to the level of a two year old. You almost mentioned Cary Grant and Zuckerberg in the same sentence. Not to be mean, but not much can be done for the latter, billionaire or not. Good looks are indeed a gift.
Alan Daniels: I like your comments and observations. The Zoom comment reminded me of a Folger’s coffee commercial from a few years ago. Classy is far better than sloppy even if we’re in the minority.
Bill: My thanks to your homeland for inventing the tie!
Mike: You’re right about the hats. I’ve never worn one in the ‘business’ sense. The knit beanies are a favorite in the winter for warmth, and they have a turban-ish effect I like.
Charlotte: Good for your husband on his attire of choice. Does he wear these beautiful clothes daily? Just wondered. Silk ties are my favorites, especially the narrow ones. Love the piano keys and exotic animals best!
Cat: You’re so right. Torn shirts, torn jeans and everything else you mention. As to what happened, it’s complicated. Let’s just say by the time we had JFK and Jackie in the White House the only direction for the U.S. to go was down, and in an instant, was set in motion in late 1963.
Marci: Of course I have something to say. It’s been a rough weekend out here; power outages to name one…
James Elliott: You’re right. It’s part of a wider mindset of not caring. And let’s face it. Everything’s all over with.
Marjorie: As long as she’s an excellent doctor, that’s the main thing, but she should have the commonality of proper attire in line with the other doctors.
BOB WILSON: Agree with all your points. A lot of people are doing themselves a disservice with too many tattoos, but that’s their choice. I keep the adornments (love that word by the way) to a minimum. The Black Ice onyx diamond ring, cuff links and matching watch to name three. In the tradition of men’s mid-century ‘swank’, advertised in the Post and LIFE along with those flashy, illustrated finned cars.
At a guess 80% of the population are in blue or brown-collar jobs, their homes, lifestyle, habits, manners, and manner reflect this. When it comes to adornment many choose a tattoo and a chain around their necks, that’s why they do not work in banks, auction houses, art galleries or upmarket shops, and establishments, or make a good impression at a job interview. I think I have made my point. Get ahead and wear a tie, looking good is akin to feeling good, and you gain respect and admiration from others.
Back in the Dark Ages, when I participated in the daily rat race (I’m retired now), the saying was, “Clothes make the man!” I surely appreciated the time and trouble it took to dress nicely, and men and women in my particular business (banking) always looked sharp.
On that thought, I had to choose a new cardiologist recently when my doctor of 17 years decided to close his practice here, I was assigned to a fairly new doctor in a large cardiology practice, a woman, and I was delighted. My first appointment was a bit of surprise as she was dressed in an ancient sweatshirt, jean pants, and running shoes. For some reason, I was unimpressed since other doctors were all clad in white coats with embroidered names. Perhaps it was the thought that “Clothes make the WOMAN,” too.
I appreciate Brownfield’s treatment of the demise of the tie. It’s both realistic and humorous. On the one hand i recognize the reality: less stuffy, more casual is “in.” And i’m never happier than sitting out in warm weather in a t-shirt and shorts. But, like sloppy writing, there may be more going on than just being casual…it may be indicative of a wider mindset where we aren’t necessarily caring for ourselves. That’s one interpretation, anyway.
A Man well dressed Shirt, Tie , Jacket, nice Slacks, will always make me appreciate Men even more. So tired of the messy look, with as many Tattoos as possibly can be done. When did that become the Standard. ? I think of many of the Major Athletes, that always present themselves, in very well made clothing. And they do have Tattoos, but not on display in messy clothes. They do care, and so do I.
Thank you, well dressed Men.
To the writer: where are Bob Jr.’s comments on all of this? I really thought he would have something to say.
I hope no one accidentally strangles themselves from all the pearl-clutching in this thread.
There is nothing as nice as a clean man in a dress shirt, dress pants, socks, shoes and a tie!!! I rarely see anything but horrid torn shirts, torn jeans, and “flip-flops” on men. I grew up in a time when men dressed decently and women wore a nice dress, stocking, heels and looked like ladies. And….oh my gosh…the hideous tattoos on both men and women. 🙁 I never used to see a tattoo except on perhaps some dirty man who worked as a sailor. And NEVER on a lady!! I don’t know what on earth happened!!!!
Why can’t we have both? I love my long-haired hippie men as much as the man in the expensive suit who smells delicious. It’s a matter of when, where, why, right?
This is in answer to Hugh Brennan. I could not agree more with what you wrote! I wholeheartedly agree! A well dressed man has elevated himself to the next level. My husband is retired now but still wears a suit, custom made shirt and beautiful silk tie when the occasion warrants.
Can’t wait for your comments on vocal fry! I have a feeling I will be in agreement with you!
The hat never died, they’re everywhere. Everywhere ELSE. From ballcaps to beanies to cowboys, they’re in all walks of life now, just not in business any more.
Same goes with the tie unless you’re white collar material. There’s a lot to be said either way, but ties aren’t gonna die either.
I’m Croatian and ties were invented in Croatia. Part of my heritage I say keep them.
I could write paragraphs on this subject. I started out my career in shirt & tie at a departmental store as a hand lettering artist, years ago.
(pro’s don’t get paint on themselves.)
After a short time of tying a tie daily, I forgot I had it on. Those who claim they are uncomfortable, have improper fitting as proven by today’s sloppy look.
Yes there are many zoomers in their Pj’s. So better concentrate on the work so as not to scrutinize to closely your counter part on screen, or you will have to look sway.
Once it was said ‘the clothes make the man’ . A song was written about a well dressed man.
Sloppiness say’s I’ll do the job willy-nilly. Classy says you will do a good job.
So, here’s to you, all you snappy dressers whom are left.
Regards, Alan
Dressing like a grown man instead a slovenly teenager changes everything. People treat you completely differently. You feel completely different. You signal gravitas and honor those around you with the care you demonstrate in your appearance.
Funerals, church, business, government offices have all been infected with the “comfort” rash. Too many people don’t know the border between casual and slovenly. It’s reflected in manners, morals, demeanor, as well as dress and grooming.
It was my generation’s fault. I was a working-class hippie with my long hair, patched jeans and Army-Navy store wardrobe. Now, I see pictures of us when we thought we looked cool, and I see photos of grand-dad and his friends- men who did work with their hands- and I see adults respecting the occasions and circumstances and dressing accordingly.
Look at Cary Grant vs any of these forgettable celebrities. Zuckerberg? That’s a model? A grown man wearing flip-flops away from the pool or beach? yech.
Everything worthwhile is being destroyed and denigrated. Nothing works. The center does not hold. Shine your shoes, straighten your tie, shoot your cuffs and stand up straight. Suddenly, the world will pay attention and you will feel like a man.
Now, about that “vocal fry.”
A Necktie is a medieval device for keeping your shirt collar closed when people could not afford buttons, which were costly at the time. A good alternative to a necktie and justice formal is the cravat or Ascot. It’s a lot more comfortable.
In a world where some youth think it fashionable to wear their pants down to their rear ends and tattoos are considered formal wear, I believe wearing a tie in formal circumstances should stay. I watched the Oscars and Grammys this year..After seeing some of those “costumes” someday soon people will praying for formal wear and ties to return…
At dressy affairs I do feel sorry for the men in their dress shoes and socks; long tailored pants; leather belt; white, long sleeved cuffed shirts; tie knotted at their neck; and a heavy jacket over all of that. The women instead are wearing strapless, airy gowns; bare arms and legs; open shoes; and beautiful lightweight jewelry. It is particularly noticeable at a Summer outdoor affair. For men there must be something suitable and comfortable between this and sweats.
A dapper-looking man never goes out of style. Wear the tie, wear the pocket square, wear the suit, wear the tweed blazer, wear the Italian leather loafers, etc. In a world with loads of sloppy dressers, be the sharp-dressed man.
Disagree. Keep the ties. Look good, feel good. I wear them all the time. I’ll take old-school fashion over torn jeans, flip-flops, and tattoos any day.
Sad to have to agree. However, I always appreciate a guy in a good looking suit and tie. For those that want to make the effort, thank you.