It is high time for the modern man to wear a tie

Amir Benzaki is not alone regarding his anecdote on the decline of men wearing neckties in Malaysia. A simple survey in any workplace would likely reveal that fewer people are pairing neckties with their shirts and suits, agreeing with Amir’s experience. While fellow Malaysian men might notice this happening locally, it is becoming prevalent in other parts of the globe including the Western world, where wearing neckties was the business norm decades ago.

Neckties have been falling out of favour due to the ‘casualisation’ of the workplace, potentially as an effort by employers to attract and retain younger talents who dreaded the neckties, even seeing it as the symbol of ‘noose around the neck as a slave to work’. As millennials joined the workplace (perhaps also influenced by Silicon Valley), abandonment of the neckties has become more acceptable in the Western business world and perhaps reached its peak when JPMorgan Chase released a memo of a relaxed dress code for employees in 2016. Then, of course, the pandemic happened. Work-from-home culture has meant that casual wear, even leisure wear, is becoming more acceptable in a business environment. As employees returned to offices, many opted to maintain their casual looks, reserving neckties only for meetings with clients or formal events. Similarly, politicians and world leaders have also jumped in on this trend and started ditching their neckties. With photos of leaders of the G8 nations (now G7) wearing their suits with no neckties circulating the news and Internet, it is no wonder that younger generations of men feel little connection to this traditional accessory.

Unsurprisingly, the trend of not wearing neckties has been adopted by many countries and industries, becoming the new norm. It is acceptable to not wear neckties with shirts and suits across various business sectors, levels, and generations, making those who still wear them part of a rare, distinguished group. In an ironic twist, the necktie is slowly detaching itself from the image of the overworked businessman. Even if someone chooses not to wear a necktie, one might ask, “Do you feel more liberated in the workplace without it?”

Returning to the Malaysian context, Amir highlighted the declining popularity of neckties especially within politics. While the current Prime Minister and majority of the Members of Parliament are often seen in suits sans neckties, I am not sure if the rest of Malaysians could emulate this style as effectively. The Prime Minister, a seasoned politician with decades of experience, has established himself as a household name. His attire, whether formal or casual, is unlikely to affect how people perceive him. He is still the PM even without a necktie and people would still recognise and take himself seriously in debates, meetings, and conversations. However, for a common man – a junior executive or middle manager, for instance – wearing a necktie during a presentation or meeting with clients might still confer an advantage, signalling professionalism and respect for tradition.

Alternatively, Malaysians could have always ditched the suit altogether rather than crippling the ‘modern armour’ of the gentlemen by removing only the neckties from everyday wear.

Instead of the suit, Malaysians should start wearing the national dress attire (full set of baju kebangsaan alongside the songkok, complete set of buttons, samping, and formal shoes) to formal events including the workplace. Especially within the halls of power, encouraging the male MPs to wear baju kebangsaan to parliamentary sessions could make this attire more acceptable in professional settings. If still, the baju kebangsaan is deemed too cumbersome, then perhaps wearing a long-sleeved baju batik Malaysia on a day-to-day basis should be allowed and encouraged. These alternatives to lounge suits are widely recognised to be smart, elegant, and comfortable, all the while celebrating Malaysian arts and craftsmanship through intricate samping songket or batik designs.

I agree with a line in the article by Amir, “This casual attitude towards neckwear signifies a departure from tradition, yet it also underscores the necktie's role as a personal choice rather than a compulsory item.” As such, I would argue that now is the perfect time for men to (re)introduce neckties, at least for formal or business occasions. Wearing a necktie today is not about conforming to outdated norms; it’s a deliberate choice, a way for a man to express his individuality, and he can call himself a fashion rebel of some sort (whether a necktie is a ‘fashion’ item or not is a different issue altogether). From the myriads of patterns, fabrics, and knots, choosing and wearing a necktie is the easiest way for a man to showcase their creativity and personal style. In the end, the most important thing is to be the best version of yourself. One should not chastise another for his choice of menswear. In this day and age, self-expression in menswear deserves to be celebrated. Wearing a simple piece of art such as a necktie is a respectable way to stand out from the tie-less crowd. After all, a gentleman should not be in the business of following trends blindly.

In conclusion, while the decline of neckties may signal a shift in workplace attire, it also presents an opportunity for men to redefine what this accessory means in a modern context.

By choosing to wear a necktie, a man can make a statement about his individuality and respect for tradition, standing out in a sea of casual attire. Ultimately, whether through a necktie or alternative forms of dress, the true essence of a gentleman lies in his ability to express himself with confidence and style, without idly following trends.

References:

1) ‘Necktie: A gentleman’s timeless accessory’.

https://gentlemanscodes.com/style/necktie-a-gentleman-s-timeless-accessory

2) ‘JPMorgan Chase Embraces Business Casual’.

https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/04/business/dealbook/jpmorgan-chase-embraces-

business-casual.html

3) ‘The Tie Is Dead. (Long Live the Tie)’.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304106704579135772899428460

4) ‘The Psychology of Wearing Neckties: How Ties Affect Self-Perception, Status, and

More’. https://edruiz.com/the-psychology-of-wearing-neckties-how-ties-affect-self-perception-status-and-more/