make custom gifts at Zazzle
 
Even though – and perhaps because ties are considered an essential part of the dress code, at some point the concept of novelty ties appeared.

 

What are novelty ties?

Loosely defined, Novelty ties are ties whose primary value is decorative, comic or can serve as a sort of a souvenir. Consequently, when one searches across shops or on the internet, there are endless variations of novelty ties, most of which will not be acceptable in any workplace, i.e. ties with Simpsons characters.

 

Why do people wear novelty ties?

This can be attributed to two reasons. First, as sort of a way to ‘rebel’ against traditional workplaces by making a formal piece of clothing comical and funny. Although not all novelty ties are in fact funny, many of them are.

 
Second, because of the huge variety of novelty ties, this truly allows a person to express his personal style in endless ways. As such, they are not only fun to wear, but also enable people to connect. For example, wearing a novelty tie can serve as a fantastic ice breaker in a social event. Some times in particular are bound to elicit responses and draw smiles, and that’s always a good thing when meeting new people.

 

When should novelty ties be worn?

Clearly they should not be worn in a place that is traditional or conservative. Nor is it recommended to wear one to a job interview – unless that is particularly appropriate for the job one interviews for. However, social events where the general atmosphere is casual and friendly are the perfect environment for wearing this unique article of clothing. Our advice: wear a good novelty tie for such an event and you’ll be the center of attention!

 

 
create & buy custom products at Zazzle
 
It is believed that tie (more specifically, necktie) usage began sometime in the 17th century during the time of the Thirty Years’ War. Strangely enough, apparently the first people to have used this rather weird piece of clothing were Croatian mercenaries. Very quickly after the introduction of neckties, they became very popular and were worn both by men and women of the era.

 
In the following centuries neckties have evolved into a variety of types: the Cravat, the Four-in-hand, the Six-and seven-fold as well as the Clip-on tie. Not to mention other modern types of tie such as the ascot tie, the bow tie, and the Bolo tie. Although the length and width and even shape of the tie changed, the general concept remained the same.

 
Appropriately, dozens of ways of tying neckties have also appeared, there are almost a 100 ways – if not more – methods of tying ties, including the Pratt Knot, the half-Windsor knot, the Windsor knot, the Simple Double and many additional others.

 
The modern usage of neckties, specifically, as a part of formal attire began in late 19th century England in Oxford. Quickly this spread among other universities, first in England, and then the rest of the world.

 
Nowadays, many workplaces and universities, as well as some armies, consider wearing a necktie an essential part of their dress code. Normally this is only limited only to men.

 
Fortunately for us all, neckties are a pleasant addition to a man’s repertoire of clothing, and can make a well dressed fellow into a truly elegant looking, charming, man.