Is a tie appropriate with a polo shirt?

[Nighthawk]

Now kiddies- let's all behave.

[EagleJCS]

As a former Men's Accessories retailer (late 1980's), I would have to say no to the tie with a polo shirt. The tie, when tied properly, requires a stiffer collar to help support it around the neck. A polo shirt, with its soft collar, would allow the tie to slide down onto the shoulders, causing the tie to drape poorly and possibly compromise the knot. Also, one or both of the collars could slip under the edge of the tie, further compromising the look of the tie.

As I recall, those fellows from the early 1980's starched the heck out of their polo shirt collars in order for them to stand up when/if they wore a tie. (The collars were worn sticking up rather than laid down over the tie). More often, a sweater was substituted for the tie, tying the arms of the sweater over one's shoulders. Still, the polo collar was worn sticking up rather than folded over. It was very much a 'prep' or 'yuppie' look.

[Nighthawk]

As a former Men's Accessories retailer (late 1980's), I would have to say no to the tie with a polo shirt. The tie, when tied properly, requires a stiffer collar to help support it around the neck. A polo shirt, with its soft collar, would allow the tie to slide down onto the shoulders, causing the tie to drape poorly and possibly compromise the knot. Also, one or both of the collars could slip under the edge of the tie, further compromising the look of the tie.

As I recall, those fellows from the early 1980's starched the heck out of their polo shirt collars in order for them to stand up when/if they wore a tie. (The collars were worn sticking up rather than laid down over the tie). More often, a sweater was substituted for the tie, tying the arms of the sweater over one's shoulders. Still, the polo collar was worn sticking up rather than folded over. It was very much a 'prep' or 'yuppie' look.

Thanks for the advice, and the history lesson. If I ever take on that look, I would hope my friends would kick some sense into my rear end.

[Rollo]

NO, of course !

[Caddy One]

Negative.................

[McMurdo]

Please go back and read my post carefully.

I never accused you or anyone else here of wearing a tie and a polo shirt. I have no idea of what you have worn. I never said "you guys." I said "I seem to remember guys wearing skinny ties, especially woven ones, with polo shirts in the '80's."

As to the rest of your post, I really don't know what you are talking about.

OK then, I must have misread, as to the rest of my post I was and still am saying that Nighthawk was looking for opinions on whether or not it is appropriate to wear a polo shirt with a tie, your original post was, the emphasis here is mine:

Everything we wear is a fashion statement.

I find it ironic that so many people here go on at length that there are no tartan police, that a person can wear any tartan he choses regardless of whether he has no connection to it other than liking the groovy colors, but the wearing of a tie with a polo shirt is so vehemently condemned. I don't think I have ever done that, but can see myself doing so in the right situation. In fact, I may have become sufficiently inspired to wear one to our next kilt night here on Saturday.

Now you never addressed the question of whether it is appropriate to wear a tie with a polo shirt, your chief reason for posting seems to be to fly in the face of convention, to be a rebel.

Next you go to tell me and everyone else that you did indeed read it correctly, and in the process take a swipe at many here.

Thanks for your concern with my literacy, but I read it correctly the first time.

I seem to remember guys wearing skinny ties, especially woven ones, with polo shirts in the '80's. And lots of big hair. Of course, that was the 1980's, a decade pilloried for it fashion excesses, not the 1880's or 1780's, decades whose fashions many here would like to emulate.

So my dear Gilmore, the rest of my post was simply to say that I have noticed if you get called on something your modus operandi seems to be defection, all I was saying was to stick with the topic hand namely is a tie appropriate to wear with a polo shirt, now really given the question you must see that wearing a polo and tie together has never been appropriate, save possibly a few years in the 1980's.

That's all I have to say on the matter I believe I've been crystal clear.

[Hamish]

I have only just come across this thread and so, my apologies for being late.

To answer your original question: Absolutely not! .....and that is all I have to say on the matter.

Take care,
Ham.

[haneyc32]

Nighthawk,
The reason God gives you a wife is so these things don't EVER happen. What a guy.
Poor fashion impaired darlin. But good for you for trying. you keep it up.

[Nighthawk]

Nighthawk,
The reason God gives you a wife is so these things don't EVER happen. What a guy.
Poor fashion impaired darlin. But good for you for trying. you keep it up.

Who say's I tried?!?! I posed the question so I wouldn't do something stupid! I wore the polo sans tie.

Oh, and

[Mair of the Tribe of Mar]

Nope!!