Neckties: Buying and Wearing Them Is Usually Unnecessary, a Waste of Money, and Potentially Dangerous

It remains common for many persons to wear neckties to church (and to business functions, etc.). Why does a man (or anyone) wear a necktie? Do neckties serve any useful purpose?

A colorful tie can be attractive, maybe even look elegant. However, wearing clothing just for appearance seems a waste, especially in an age when conservation and being environmentally friendly are emphasized. Wearing ties seems pretentious and worldly—not what God or Christ or commonsense would advocate.

Perhaps wearing neckties originated from scarves worn in winter around the face to help protect people from cold and/or windy weather. Nicely tied, stylish scarves worn when weather conditions warranted them may have been the precursor of the necktie.

But the ties commonly worn now, tied the way they are tied, serve no useful purpose that I comprehend. Although I have neither worn nor bought a tie in a few decades, I still own some. The picture below shows most of the ties I still own.  

Although I personally have not worn a tie in decades, the wearing of neckties in public still remains a common practice in the United States and many other countries among persons in leadership positions in business, government, and religion. Certain formal parties and some restaurants also require a tie. In fact, so-called “black tie affairs” may require a black tie or more specifically a black bow tie, a tuxedo, and/or other formal apparel. Indeed, ties are traditional in some circles.

I think it is time to end the tradition of wearing ties.

Neckties cost money to purchase, take time to tie, may feel uncomfortable around one’s neck, and are a potential safety hazard if they flap around loosely and get caught in machinery.

In contrast to ties, much of the clothing we wear serves a useful purpose. Shoes protect our feet. Undergarments, socks, pants, shirts, hats, and gloves provide us warmth, protect us from sunburn, and help guard our skin from injuries that might otherwise result as we contact various objects. But I submit that ties need to be either recycled into something more useful or discarded.

Personally, I may never wear a tie again unless I am in a situation where someone else requests it, such as for a job where wearing one is mandatory. Do you agree with me that wearing a tie is unnecessary, potentially unsafe, and a waste of time and money?

If we love and care for everyone regardless of circumstances, neither we nor they need to display a necktie as a status symbol or for any other reason that I can think of.

In fact, try to avoid focusing on ties others wear. Instead, focus your eyes on their faces, smile at them, and establish eye contact. Our actions, words, and our other apparel can suitably convey information about us to one another.

If you are required to wear a tie at work, please try to get the decision maker(s) for your workplace to read this two page chapter and to change the policy requiring employees to wear ties. I think it would be great for everyone to avoid spending money buying ties and time tying them. Dedicate that money and time toward more productive and more enjoyable living. Will you do it?

NOTE: This piece is adapted/reprinted from a chapter in my book True Christianity: It May Not Be What You Think (second edition, copyright 2015). That chapter was adapted/reprinted from articles I published earlier online.