Politicians and Ties

[Drewmidorn]

Now I don't want to descend into a political debate... but I'm watching the pre-election debates between the three party leaders and none of them knows how to tie a decent tie. Every single one of them has an uneven knot! Now I'm not a sartorial dandy as those of you who have met me will substantiate, but I can do a decent half windsor which is symmetrical!

Its a national disgrace!

[michael69]

... and no dimple! shocking (Cameron has 2 side ones, should be one in the middle)

[Robusto]

There were scratches on the flats behind them.
Cheap!

[rollzst]

Now I don't want to descend into a political debate... but I'm watching the pre-election debates between the three party leaders and none of them knows how to tie a decent tie. Every single one of them has an uneven knot! Now I'm not a sartorial dandy as those of you who have met me will substantiate, but I can do a decent half windsor which is symmetrical!

Its a national disgrace!

and they also don't know how to pick a decent tie either! they always seem to wear the same type of ties, usually some hideous brightly coloured thing!

[eggopp]

and since when has a shiny gold tie look yellow or a pink tie look red?

[monkey66]

I've noticed this tie thing for a while. They nearly all wear flat colours and very rarely have a decent knot (they should try a half-windsor with a nice centre-pinch). I have to assume this is an intentional style/spin/image decision as I find it hard to believe they do not know how to.

For a reference look at Prince Charles who always has a perfect knot.

NB - would you get this discussion on a US forum

[michael69]

I've noticed this tie thing for a while. They nearly all wear flat colours and very rarely have a decent knot (they should try a half-windsor with a nice centre-pinch). I have to assume this is an intentional style/spin/image decision as I find it hard to believe they do not know how to.

For a reference look at Prince Charles who always has a perfect knot.

NB - would you get this discussion on a US forum

Agreed about Prince Charles.....

They wouldn't need to go crazy on the tie choice; a classic polka dot in sombre shade would be much more classy (Winston Churchill favoured these.... go figure!)

Re the US; yes, "style forum" and "ask andy" would show many many disparaging opinions about our politicians' dress codes!

[Burner]

Re: Politicians and Ties

Charlie always has a nice tie but you can bet your bottom or dollar that he didn't tie it!

[Habana-Habanos]

That is so true..

[rokkitsci]

We're not heathen, y'know

I've noticed this tie thing for a while. They nearly all wear flat colours and very rarely have a decent knot (they should try a half-windsor with a nice centre-pinch). I have to assume this is an intentional style/spin/image decision as I find it hard to believe they do not know how to.

For a reference look at Prince Charles who always has a perfect knot.

NB - would you get this discussion on a US forum

Matterofact, I'm a member in good standing of the usenet group alt.sartorial.neckties.US.nolimeys and we frequently critique cravats, especially those worn by migrant workers who harvest kumquats during the off-season. Whaddya think, we're iggorent?

[tippexx]

I've noticed this tie thing for a while. They nearly all wear flat colours and very rarely have a decent knot (they should try a half-windsor with a nice centre-pinch). I have to assume this is an intentional style/spin/image decision as I find it hard to believe they do not know how to.

For a reference look at Prince Charles who always has a perfect knot.

NB - would you get this discussion on a US forum

Their ties look awful because they wear uninteresting standard collar shirts and mono-colour, flat textured, single breasted suits. The kind of stuff your wife would buy you .... if you let her!

Charles dresses for occassion, say what you like about him, but satorially he's an English gentleman and wherever he is what he wears is correct. He isn't afraid of brown shoes, tweed suits or patterned ties. The three stooges on the other hand dress for positive public opinion in what is perceived to be the dress code most likely to promote confidence or win votes.

Personally, I think they look flat, unadventurous, boring and little better than Saville Row tailored versions of any un-pressed, shiny-arse trousered, minor bureaucrat, you'll see tripping out of Starbucks on their lunch hour. Although in fairness to minor bureaucrats even they don't look quite as un-kept and disheveled as Gordon Brown.

[Deano]

I wish someone would teach me how to tie a tie properly! Mine's always wonky.

[Pandyboy]

Mabey its because they couldn't claim for tie knot skills lesson on their new expenses forms.

[monkey66]

You bring the D'oro's and I'll teach you the art of the half and full windsor ...but seriously a little on-line research (then a little practice) will bring you the knowledge you seek Deano.

I wish someone would teach me how to tie a tie properly! Mine's always wonky.

[nicwing]

I think I could find a knot that would suit the vast majority of the political classes: