The recent gathering of President Biden, along with former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, in New York City has sparked a debate about the significance of neckties in today’s society. The trio appeared tieless for the taping of the “SmartLess” podcast, hosted by comedians Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, leading many to question the future of formal attire.
While some see the lack of ties as a sign of the times, with casual wear becoming more prevalent, others argue that the tie is a symbol of respect and professionalism that should not be abandoned. Fashion experts point to the recent resurgence of ties on runways and in collections by top designers as evidence that the accessory is far from obsolete.
For Colm Dillane, founder of the streetwear label KidSuper, ties hold symbolic value beyond their functionality. He believes that wearing a tie signifies taking a situation seriously and showing respect for the occasion. In his view, the tieless look adopted by the politicians at the event may have appeared more disheveled than relaxed.
As the debate over the future of neckties continues, one thing is clear: the choice to wear or not wear a tie carries meaning and can influence how one is perceived in various settings. Whether ties will remain a staple of formal attire or continue to decline in popularity remains to be seen, but for now, the discussion sparked by the tieless trio in New York City shows that the accessory still holds significance in the world of fashion and beyond.
