The tie is making a comeback: is the tie back in?

The tie is making a comeback: is the tie back in?

The tie, once an essential accessory for formal occasions, seems to be undergoing a transformation. During the Corona pandemic, clothing style in Germany experienced fundamental changes. Many people wore shirts on top and sweatpants on the bottom during virtual meetings, which had a dramatic impact on imported ties and bow ties. Loud rnd.de, the number of imported ties fell from around 8.6 million in 2019 to just 3.3 million in 2021. Tanja Croonen from the fashion association “German Fashion” sees the overall economic situation and the relaxed clothing regulations as the reasons for this decline. The import figures also speak for themselves: while 14.4 million ties were imported in 2014, in 2023 there were only just under 4.8 million.

The shift from formal to casual clothing is evident. In many professions such as insurance brokers and banks, ties are increasingly perceived as annoying. Back in 2016, Sparkasse Nürnberg exchanged its fixed dress code for a flexible “guideline” that allows outfits such as chinos and sneakers. Even management consultancies like Boston Consulting have abolished the traditional Casual Friday; “Casual” is now part of the everyday work look, but not without representative demands br.de reported.

Renaissance of the tie?

However, despite the general trend towards informal clothing, the tie remains relevant in certain circles. Barbara Pauen, head of the tie manufacturer “Ascot”, reports continued interest in ties, especially at festivities. Young people are also increasingly interested in ties as a fashion distinguishing feature. However, Pauen does not believe that the tie will ever return to the mainstream, but will increasingly position itself in niches.

The tie has a long and eventful history of over 400 years. Its origins lie with Croatian soldiers in the 17th century, and it was Louis XIV of France who popularized it in Europe. While ties are hinting at a comeback in the fashion industry, particularly through colorful and printed designs for women, they are still heavily influenced by current business culture.

Economic challenges

The economic situation of tie manufacturers is critical as many companies have disappeared from the market due to reduced demand. For example, the tie manufacturer Winklhofer in Pocking was only able to survive by selling women's fashion. From 2014 to 2023, exports of ties have fallen by 60 percent, illustrating the extent of the crisis.

Historian Adelheid Rasche, however, believes that the tie will continue to exist in certain traditional circles, especially among conservative politicians such as Joachim Herrmann and Albert Füracker, who continue to support this accessory. Even if the tie is becoming less important in everyday situations, Rasche says it could potentially make a comeback among the younger generation.