Is the tie dead? Fashion connoisseurs hope not as House of Lords relaxes rules
Switch to ‘business attire’ is a sign of the times, but formal neckwear still has its place, say some of Savile Row’s finest-dressed
TL;DR
- The House of Lords has relaxed its dress code, no longer requiring men to wear ties and instead permitting 'business attire'.
- Some style commentators, like Peter York, express concern that this change will lead to a dumbing down of dress standards.
- Fashion professionals on Savile Row have mixed views, with some believing ties are in a 'down moment' but could make a comeback, especially with younger, sustainability-conscious consumers.
- Tailors on Savile Row report an increase in neckwear sales, suggesting that when not mandatory, wearing a tie can become a preferred choice.
- The relaxation of dress codes is seen by some as symptomatic of post-Covid work-from-home trends and a broader societal shift away from traditional formalwear.