All Tied Up

In Washington, there is an association for just about everything. People and companies join these associations for a number of reasons, from harnessing the power of collective advocacy on Capitol Hill to sharing best practices. 

Most associations have a long shelf life, but occasionally some fall by the wayside.  This past week, a sad page in history was written with the closing down of the Men’s Dress Furnishings Association.*   According to the Wall Street Journal, the number of association members shrunk from 120 in the 1980’s “power tie” heyday to just 25.   

 

The number of men who wore ties every day to work dropped from 10 % in 2002, according to Gallup, to 6 percent last year.

 

I read of this development with a sad heart. I’ve always found ties to be a nice way for men to demonstrate their style, creativity and mood.  My husband must own well over 100 styles himself, and I think they are (almost) all very nice.

 

But for a woman who gave up panty hose probably five years ago, I can’t blame men for ditching the noose around their neck.  Please – just don’t give up the button downs for pullovers.  

 

(* Note:  The Men's Furnishings Association’s Websitedoesn’t say anything about the closing of the association, and it’s a pretty cool site that allows you to test your tie-shirt combo prowess.)