All Tied Up

All Tied Up

I remember waking up for school every weekday  morning. I always got out of bed ten minutes later than I should have, after ignoring either an alarm or an irritated parent by covering my head with a pillow like an oblivious ostrich-boy hybrid. I remember the shower being uncomfortably wet,  breakfast was cold and porridgey, and getting dressed was an inconvenience. Worst of all was the bit about having to sleepily contend with getting my tie on. I remember looking forward to never having to deal with those cursed fashion nooses. That's until recently, that is. I've noticed a disturbing trend, you see...Ready your necks, gentleman, it seems the age of the necktie has returned!

According to Malanee Hutton of Never Say Tie, an online retailer almost exclusively focused on all things necktie related, ties are now being viewed as an essential piece of any stylish man's wardrobe, and they've most definitely made a comeback. As with most South African fashion trends, it all started overseas, where trendy knitted ties which had quirky colours and patterns are very popular. The SA tie market has been growing, and as a consumer, you'll be spoilt for choice. Look out for those same knitted ties, which range from bright polka dots to preppy stripes to thick solid classic knits. Before you start shopping, if you're anything like me, you're probably going to need a crash course in tying that knot:

The Windsor

The Windsor Knot is a classic knot that is defined by its symmetrical triangular shape. It's suitable for extra length ties, a spread collar shirt.

The Half Windsor

The Half Windsor Knot is a smaller version of the Windsor knot , also triangular in shape. This style is best suited for cotton , silk , polyester ties. The most versatile of the knots, since it can be worn with any type of dress shirt.

Four in Hand

A Four in Hand Knot is the most commonly tied knot. It's longer in shape and looks best with narrow collars or button down collared shirts. The perfect knot for a knit tie due to their chunky nature.

Don't stop there with research. What about tie care, you ask? Well, I've got you covered, consider the following dos and don'ts:

Do dry clean only

Don't use stain remover

Do buy a tie hanger to avoid wrinkles or creases in your ties as this makes them look aged

Don't leave your tie knotted when in storage. Untie your tie completely, preferably in a loosely rolled up state

What next? Keep your eyes on what's popular - patterns, prints, textures, fabrics all matter. Florals are going to be big (just when you got over pink). Don't stop at just the normal run-of-the-mill tie either, check out bow ties (like these fashionable few).

It's time we get rid of the stigma of having to contend with those uncomfortable school ties, and grab the necktie bull by its horns. Before getting overshadowed by the forward thinking few, let's all channel the Harvey Specters and Don Drapers within, and man up by suiting up. At the very least, let's be our own personal Bill Nyes! In the immortal words of PG Wodehouse:

“'What do ties matter, Jeeves, at a time like this?'

There is no time, sir, at which ties do not matter”