Comments on: Comfort is King

By: Mattdude

Mattdude — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 03:45:37 +0000

Mandarin Collar:
http://www.tuxedojunction.com/content_files/products/Mandarin%20d%20defstnd%20111.jpg

By: Mattdude

Mattdude — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 03:45:09 +0000

Yes!! That’s the ticket yo. I didn’t notice your link at first and did a little searching. Turns out that thing is actually called a “Mandarin” collar!

-Matt

By: Voidious

Voidious — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 03:44:40 +0000

Er, button cover…

http://www.mrtuxformalwear.com/s2.jpg

By: Voidious

Voidious — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 03:44:10 +0000

Can you say “button tie”? ;)

By: Mattdude

Mattdude — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 03:43:34 +0000

The other major component of this, in my opinion, is a trend toward practicality, and away from useless frill (like a tie). Look at all the extraneous fins on old automobiles, or the grotesque appendages on some of that 80′s clothing. Maybe I’m wrong, but it seems like over time extraneous decoration gets eliminated in favor of something more “sleek”.

-Matt

By: Mattdude

Mattdude — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 03:43:16 +0000

Y’know, it’s a pretty good point that the very fact that you’re uncomfortable is a demonstration of respect. In that case there may be a limit to just how comfy we’re willing to get.

I guess part of my thinking is that we’ll move away from the need for overt demonstrations of respect. This assumes we’re moving toward a more egalitarian society with less rigid social hierarchies. Then again, such equality adds even more value to a display of respect.

-Matt

By: Voidious

Voidious — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 03:42:50 +0000

I think you’re right about this, in general, Mattdude. Work clothing has clearly been moving towards a more casual style, and will probably continue to do so.

However, I don’t think suits and ties are pointless, and I don’t think they’ll disappear completely. What greater sign of respect than putting your appearance over your comfort? I think it’s a solid, respectable tradition to dress formally for business meetings. (Sounds funny coming from me, but that is how I feel about it. ;) )

– Voidious

By: gary

gary — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 03:42:26 +0000

Yea, i agree. Eventually the tie will become obselete. As will cars and biological interfaces. :P

By: Mattdude

Mattdude — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 03:42:02 +0000

Don’t get me wrong–I think there will always be a need for formal wear, at least until and if we attain some kind of Utopia where social hierarchy has been eliminated. I’m also imagining this revolution taking place over a very long timeframe–perhaps hundreds of years.

The necktie is deeply rooted in European culture, and hence our own. As the world becomes more interconnected, it’s not crazy to think that other cultural trends will integrate with our own. Combine that with the natural tendency toward more casual and comfortable clothing, and I think my prediction is pretty sound. I guess time will tell.

-Matt

By: gary

gary — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 03:41:34 +0000

Your driving the wrong way down a one way street there my friend….IMHO