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Suit and Tie: Why Do We Associate Them with Authority and Experience?

Discussion in 'General Discussions' started by rogue49, Jun 28, 2014.

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  1. omega

    omega Very Tilted

    Because in four years saville row had only completed 48 uniforms. They were fantastic uniforms, though.
     
    omega, Jul 24, 2014
    #61
  2. Bodkin van Horn

    Bodkin van Horn One of the Four Horsewomyn of the Fempocalypse

    Location:
    Inside The Nucleus of Feminism
    I pretty much associate suits and ties only with being shown a few things, about love.
     
    Bodkin van Horn, Jul 24, 2014
    #62
  3. genuinemommy

    genuinemommy Moderator Staff Member

    I'm not sure if this is even a valid contribution to this topic, I've been hmming over whether or not I want to post something along these lines for a while.

    I have a very hard time associating a suit and tie with authority. Unless it's a high-quality tailored suit. :sigh: That's just beauty.
    But if the suit doesn't fit quite right or is rumpled in any way... yeah.
    Usually I associate a suit and tie with
    1) Desperation - salesperson.
    2) Ego - congressman.
    3) Farce - someone who dresses more casual and doesn't know how to wear a suit.
    4) Dysfunction - crooked tie, un-tucked shirt, askew collar.
    5) Hopeful/anxious - going to give a presentation or pitch.
    6) Old Fashioned - people like my dad.

    My father wears a long-sleeve dress shirt with black slacks every single day (unless we're camping). Some are patterned and colorful, some are plain. He keeps a suit coat and tie with him, just in case. His hair is always perfectly combed and plastered in place with hair spray. His nails are perfectly trimmed and cuticles manicured better than my mother's. He cares about his appearance and wants to be sure that he isn't seen as a slob.

    Oh, and if you're going to wear a suit, never wear a plain white shirt. Please, make it a little exciting. Here's why:
    Frazzled black suit with a white shirt and a cheap tie = Mormon Missionary. When I see two men walking together wearing a white shirt and a dark suit, I check for the black badge. I can't help it.
    [​IMG]
    Nice but relatively inexpensive black suit with a white shirt and tie = Mormon High Priest.

    Yeah...
     
    Last edited: Jul 25, 2014
    genuinemommy, Jul 25, 2014
    #63
  4. Charlatan

    Charlatan sous les pavés, la plage

    Location:
    Temasek

    I agree.

    Interestingly, because so few people wear suits these days, as opposed to the not so distant past, many have no idea how a suit should fit. As a result, they see suit, ill-fitting or otherwise, and think it looks sharp.

    I admit to being guilty of this when I was a lot younger. Unlike women's fashion, men's fashion tends to be a lot more about nuance and good tailoring. As soon as you know what to look for, it's easy to spot an ill-fitting suit.
     
    Charlatan, Jul 25, 2014
    #64
    • Like Like x 1
  5. genuinemommy

    genuinemommy Moderator Staff Member

    genuinemommy, Jul 25, 2014
    #65
  6. Shadowex3

    Shadowex3 Very Tilted

    They're "not wrong" on some points but the Art of Manliness has a guest article written by suitmaker Antonio Centeno that's a lot better and covers more important issues of fit that this misses.
     
    Shadowex3, Jul 25, 2014
    #66
    • Like Like x 2
  7. genuinemommy

    genuinemommy Moderator Staff Member

    Very thorough, thank you for sharing.
     
    genuinemommy, Jul 26, 2014
    #67
  8. snowy

    snowy so kawaii Staff Member

    My dad wore a perfectly tailored suit to work everyday for the first thirteen years of my life. I think it left an impression.

    I have fond memories of doing my school shopping while Dad got his suits done at Nordstrom.
     
    snowy, Jul 26, 2014
    #68
    • Like Like x 1
  9. rogue49

    rogue49 Tech Kung Fu Artist Staff Member

    Location:
    Baltimore/DC
    You don't have to spend a ton on a good suit...the key is the cut & fit.
    Noting the material and sewing for some quality and durability.

    I disagree with the negative on the white shirt...a good white shirt with a good collar is invaluable.
    But you have to wear the right suit and/or pant along with it. (shoe, belt & tie included)
    Especially in a conservative situation.
    I've found a good white shirt can really make a statement...and get results, if not complementing looks.

    But good other patterns, shades and colors are nice too, when known and more relaxed...just not in a "can't lose" situation.
     
    Last edited: Jul 26, 2014
    rogue49, Jul 26, 2014
    #69
    • Like Like x 2
  10. Street Pattern

    Street Pattern Very Tilted

    Location:
    The American Midwest
    Me, too.

    According to John Molloy, who measured every possible dimension of the way people react to men's clothes, a white shirt (with a suit) is taken as a sign of honesty.

    A colored or patterned shirt looks more interesting, but it may also undermine strangers' trust in what you're saying.

    For years, all IBM salesmen were required to wear white shirts.
     
    Last edited: Jul 26, 2014
    Street Pattern, Jul 26, 2014
    #70
  11. Shadowex3

    Shadowex3 Very Tilted

    The best explanation I ever read was that for women seeing a man in a well tailored suit is the equivalent of what seeing women in lingerie does for men.
     
    Shadowex3, Jul 26, 2014
    #71
    • Like Like x 1
  12. rogue49

    rogue49 Tech Kung Fu Artist Staff Member

    Location:
    Baltimore/DC
    Of the young mormons @genuinemommy posted above,
    I'd say only the gentleman in the light green tie is doing it right...or at least the best, for how to wear a suit and the fit.
     
    rogue49, Jul 27, 2014
    #72
  13. Shadowex3

    Shadowex3 Very Tilted

    His suit's shoulders are too wide, his collar is too narrow, and his tie knot too large. Guy on the far right looks like he has the best fitting suit but his lapels are too narrow and the button stance too high for a man his size.

    JGL is my go-to example for a very modern suit that fits well, even if it is slim-fit to the point of trendiness.
    [​IMG]

    And then of course there are Princes Harry and William who look exactly as well dressed as you'd expect from people that are literally royalty, although admittedly not as good as the Duchess.
    [​IMG]
     
    Shadowex3, Jul 28, 2014
    #73
  14. rogue49

    rogue49 Tech Kung Fu Artist Staff Member

    Location:
    Baltimore/DC
    JGL's is too thin looking and not substantial enough.

    Harry's is perfect...great suit. :cool:
     
    rogue49, Jul 28, 2014
    #74
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