Neckties and Workplace Dress Codes

**Dylan MacVillain** · 11th-October-2011

I have hated having things wrapped around my neck ever since I was born with the umbilical cord around my tender neck. I don't wear scarves in winter, and I don't wear neckties unless I am forced to. Ties are an out-moded fashionn accessory that in no way serve any professional purpose.

At my job, men must wear trousers, button-down shirts (short or long-sleeved), and either a tie or a jacket. Women must wear slacks or a blouse. They are not required to wear neck attire or a jacket. They are not required to wear the equivalent of a jacket and/or tie for a man, i.e. a dress or skirt. Granted, many women do wear dresses, skirts, jackets, and fancy scarves. But that is their choice!! Women may not wear open-toed shoes, but neither can men. I have seen women at work wearing jeans and a fishnet shirt, those form-fitting stretchy pants (under a dress or long shirt?), and "dressy" shorts (very short). They looked ready to go clubbing not work in a professional office. Why is there this disparity between profession dress codes for men and women? How are a blouse and slacks for women adequately professional while a button-down shirt and trousers for men are not? It makes no sense?

What's more, the ladies are always complaing about being cold due to the AC and happy when it is off while we men are sweating. I don't wear ties as they are non-functional, colored-nooses that restrict my breathing, collect dirt and bacteria, dangle around aimlessly, easily fall into food, could get caught the in copier or other machinery, or be used as weapon against me. Instead, I wear a jacket, which I don't mind except for three reasons: 1) I get hot easily, 2) I have to wear one if I don't want to wear a tie, and 3) women don't have to choose between sweating and being strangled.

Why are women not demanding equality on this issue?

Here are some links with some more ideas about the evils of neckties:
I hate wearing ties: The Style Guy: GQ
...I consider wearing a tie to be synonymous with (and about as desirable as) wearing a noose, or maybe even a dog collar with a leash...

8 Reasons I Hate Wearing a Necktie to Work Everyday - Jobacle ...

Why Mens Neckties Blow

**Marx** · 11th-October-2011

I had similar at work once when I was with my previous employer. Despite their claims that we had to wear a tie while the women did not, it turned out there was no policy as such to enforce it - as soon as I discovered this I began 'forgetting' my tie regularly, especially during the summer months. I had previously pointed out to my employer that this was discrimination and despite most colleagues agreeing with me, it was swept under the carpet.

**Nikonian** · 11th-October-2011

The only purpose I found for ties is for a female or abusive model to choke a businessman in a photoshoot... Ties are useless and unlike women apparel men have few choices in clothing in general. Go to any venue and look at what the men are wearing in contrast to the women. The outfits are either very utilitarian on useless while women can get away with much more expressions to choose from. This isn't limited to the workplace... As a graphic designer I'm a bit lucky as I can tell people what to do and dress more casual (living on the west cost probably helps this too) so I can get away with a nice pair of jeans and a polo shirt...

**RobYork** · 11th-October-2011

Like you, I hate wearing a tie, as I hate having anything tight around my neck, so if I have to wear a tie, I wear it very loose.

**KellyMac** · 11th-October-2011

The dress code in my office is very casual - pretty much if it's clean, in good repair, doesn't have a slogan on it, or show too much skin, it's good. I would certainly never want to wear a necktie - I've tried them on before and they are very uncomfortable. Don't even really like a turtleneck sweater.

I think men's and women's fashions are pretty uncomfortable all told. I don't know how many times I've been reduced to hobbling by painful high-heels. As far as people being too cold, that's never been a problem for me! I rarely even wear a coat outdoors. My problem is the opposite - if they try to take my fan away from me when we move into the new building, we're gonna have a problem. "Hot flash" is only slightly milder than spontaneous human combustion...

**Dylan MacVillain** · 12th-October-2011

Quote from KellyMac

...Don't even really like a turtleneck sweater.

I think men's and women's fashions are pretty uncomfortable all told. I don't know how many times I've been reduced to hobbling by painful high-heels....

Yeah, I forgot to mention that I cannot wear turtlenecks either. And I don't understand high-heels. They don't do much for a woman's appearance, other than add a little useless height. They just make a woman vulnerable.

**Transhuman** · 13th-October-2011

In my workplace men can wear open-collared shirts, long or short sleeved depending upon the season; ties are always optional. The in-joke is if you are wearing a tie you must have gone for a job interview. Some of the managers like to wear ties but they are not required to.

Unfortunately the air con is never really cool enough and some men have desk fans to cool down during summer. it is often cooler outside with natural breezes than stuck in a sealed box with inadequate air con.

**Dylan MacVillain** · 13th-October-2011

Quote from Transhuman

In my workplace men can wear open-collared shirts, long or short sleeved depending upon the season; ties are always optional. The in-joke is if you are wearing a tie you must have gone for a job interview. Some of the managers like to wear ties but they are not required to.

Unfortunately the air con is never really cool enough and some men have desk fans to cool down during summer. it is often cooler outside with natural breezes than stuck in a sealed box with inadequate air con.

"Air con"? You must be in Asia!!!