The Skinny Tie Statement

“They may be challenging to wear, but they have a distinctive look that makes them a favorite. A tiny bit geek, a tiny bit chic, skinny ties have an attitude that’s all their own.” -Karan Upadhya
The skinny tie trend has been in and out of the fashion world for decades. This trend makes a statement for not only today’s youth fashion but also previous years; it depicts a man’s personality and taste through a piece of cloth for their specific time period.
It began in the early 20’s and reappeared in the 50’s. The dark skinny ties truly reflected the 50’s time period. American’s reactions to the Cold War, The Korean War and recession were depicted through the skinny tie. It made a statement; the skinny tie represented a solemn attitude in men’s fashion. The ties were there to give a conservative look to represent a more serious look through dark colors and simplicity rather than bright colors. The look slowly influenced not only conservative men but also college students. Looking through UMBC’s yearbook, Skipjack 1968, I noticed not only faculty wearing the skinny tie but also students.
Today’s youth has been truly influenced by this trend also. Its reappearance had influenced today’s punk culture and was often seen worn on punk rock bands. A statement is made through punk music followers; it depicts a symbol of being different from the ordinary and taking something as formal as a tie and twisting it into a statement of being different. Slowly this trend has become something chic in the fashion industry. Men who have been influenced by this trend now show a symbol of confidence with showing off their bodies. The skinny tie gives a slimming look to a suit, which illustrates that these men are comfortable in their own skin.
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