My opinion on ties
I often get asked by people if I wear ties because I have to and I find it a bit sad that a lot of people's first thought of them is as a symbol of servitude.
In my opinion, one should rather consider neckties for what they are – a scarf – and see them as an indispensable addition to a suit. Not (only) because of social constraints but because neckties provide vertical structure as well as colours, textures & patterns that can bring balance to the whole outfit.
A tie’s fluid movement and the asymmetry from the knot and the blades can also add some life to an attire.
Friends often ask me if I know all the (crazy) knots that are out there: the Eldredge, the Van Wijk, the Trinity, the Murrel, the Balthus, etc.
Similarly, I’m asked about my opinion on the formality of each knot. Is the Double Windsor more formal than the Windsor? And where does the Half Windsor fit into that?
To all these questions, I answer with three words: Less is more Four in Hand (or FIH).
While these crazy knots can seem very impressive, they seldom look good in my opinion and tend to be bulky. Also, they are quite complicated and can be hard on the fabric of the tie.
I find a lot of beauty in the simplicity of the Four in Hand.