Do you think it's still necessary for boys to learn how to tie ties?

[slo]

For Me…..if I had sons, they would know how to tie a tie. I believe everyone should learn formal etiquette and attire, but I’m also old school when it comes to that kinda stuff. In my opinion, you don’t have to be a formal person to know how to look and conduct yourself in a formal setting. Formal settings happen all the time - weddings, funerals, work dinners and etc. Just because life isn’t very formal for you now, doesn’t mean it will be that way for your boys later in their lives.

 

[disykat]

When they were younger, they got by with slacks, a white shirt, and an occasional clip-on tie, but both wanted suits by 8/9th grade. There were the odd events to dress up and they were old enough that they wanted suits - dances, game or event day at school, special things at church, etc. They learned when they got their first suits. My boys usually had black because they were musicians and often needed black for performances. One day my oldest wore his suit to school because he had a debate tournament that afternoon (game day suits to school thing.) He totally forgot it was the Friday before Halloween and some kids would be dressing up. It was afternoon before he figured out why everyone was saying "Bond, James Bond" to him. They thought he was dressed for Halloween and here he thought he just looked cool!

We had an exchange going between a bunch of friends since they all changed sizes so often.

 

[goofyernmost]

I only had one job in my whole career that required a tie, but even without that I have had a few semi-casual events that even though not required is kind of what is expected. And for gods sake make it a Windsor Knot. It's only one additional movement and looks soooo much better and in my mind more professional. There are more half Windsor's but to me they always look like it's leaning to one side Below is a good Windsor Knot. It fills the space so much better.

 

[Southernmiss]

Yes. 3 sons (in their 20s and 30s) all learned to tie ties from their dad and "The Dangerous Book for Boys".

2 also have worn bow ties.

None of the 3 need to wear one daily, but do have occasions to wear ties.

 

[georgina]

I would be surprised if my 34 yo DS knows how to tie a tie. I think he still has a suit he got years ago for a family funeral. He is not in a job where it would ever be required, I think he did his interview for it over Zoom, and he has been working from home for 10 years.

 

[kyton]

My 55yo husband doesn’t even know how to tie a tie! So therefore neither do our 19yo & 16yo sons. I on the other hand am a pro at tying ties LOL so every morning I tie my youngest kiddo’s ready for school. It’s part of his winter school uniform so is mandatory - it’s not a huge deal as it’s the last thing we do before he walks out the door. Mum ties it on him, then he gives her a hug and a love you before riding his bike to school.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Mum ties it on him, then he gives her a hug and a love you before riding his bike to school.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Our sons are in their late 20s and both know how to tie a tie. For certain, I know ds29 learned on a Disney cruise. Back then, formal night on a 7-nt cruise was truly formal. Some men wore tuxes but they weren't required. I have a picture of dh standing behind ds, facing the mirror, and showing him what to do. I don't recall what age our younger son graduated from a zipper tie. They always had formal wear between cruising and funerals so they know what to do. Cruising is no longer that formal but unfortunately, funerals keep happening so they get a refresher now and then.
Ds29 bought a new suit last year for an interview but ds26 probably has outgrown the one we got him for my mom's funeral in 2019.

I think it's a skill all young men should learn.

 

[pezgirlroy]

I have two sons (14 and 11) and we are not a formal family at all and rarely attend formal events. We got invited to a wedding and the dress code was formal. My husband said this would be a good chance for them experience a formal event, and they made a day of shopping for dress shirts that fit, getting hair trims, and he had them each pick out a tie that they liked. He helped them figure out how to tie the ties, and went over some basic formal etiquette (shirts always tucked, blazer unbuttoned if sitting down, ties neat and snug). Neither liked wearing ties but they both tolerated it and the 14 year said he liked the look. However, we were a little disappointed that the "formal wedding", about 1/3 were not wearing ties.

Do you think tying ties is still an essential skill for boys to learn? Or are they fading away?

Absolutely think it is still an essential skill. There is always a time when it is nice to dress up.

 

[Miffy]

No, it's not necessary. And if someone needs to tie a tie at some point, there's always the internet if there's no one around to help.

 

[Mle8308]

I think it's important to learn, whether it be via the internet or a person. I also think women should learn, it's nice to be able to help - and some families don't have a male figure present.

 

[China Expat]

YES!!!

 

[MillauFr]

There’s still a need for this. If anything, some high end Disney restaurants have not so casual dress codes if you want in…

Only 1 though.

 

[MillauFr]

It is like cursive writing. Fading away. Not needed in the Pacific Northwest.

 

[MillauFr]

If I had a choice between going to an event that required a tie and root canal I would choose the later.

 

[hardcorestitch]

If I had a choice between going to an event that required a tie and root canal I would choose the later.

Nooooooo anything but a root canal!

 

[MillauFr]

Nooooooo anything but a root canal!

Ok wearing a tie and listening to Baby Shark 1,000 times a day.....

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

It is like cursive writing. Fading away. Not needed in the Pacific Northwest.

Hmmm... at some point Americans won't be able to read the Constitution if no one can read cursive writing.

 

[Starport Seven-Five]

No, it's not necessary. And if someone needs to tie a tie at some point, there's always the internet if there's no one around to help.

How I learned 20 years ago. My dad was blue collar and I'm pretty sure he still doesn't know how to tie one.

Pretty sure the last time I wore a tie was in an interview 10 years ago though so it's not a very valuable life skill. Post Covid are down to jeans and t-shirts... maybe a polo if you're feeling fancy.

 

[tvguy]

If I had a choice between going to an event that required a tie and root canal I would choose the later.

I've had three root canals. They were more pleasant than many of the times I had to wear a tie (funerals). But people should know how to tie a tie.