Neckties are a $1 billion annual business in the United States, and necktie specialty shops have reported recent sales jumps in the double digits.

It has been said that neckties are just fancy

choke collars to impose conformity, invite

enslavement, and remind the wearer that his

superiors have him by the neck.

The debate between proponents and opponents of

the wearing of neckties in the corporate world

rages on, generally centered on issues of

conformity, expectation, and expression.

I recently poled several offices of large

corporate companies and found to my surprise that

the necktie is still the number one fashion

accessory for men of all ages.

Contrary to what I had been led to believe by the

fashion pundits after speaking to a number of

younger men, while some still held an abhorrence

for the neck tie in the work place to my surprise

there is an upsurge in interest among young

consumers whose penchant for pairing non-

traditional elements to create distinctly

personal looks has been answered by modern

captivating, vibrant neckwear.

Neckties are a $1 billion annual business in the

United States, and necktie specialty shops have

reported recent sales jumps in the double digits,

says Jerry Andersen, executive president of the

Men's Dress Furnishings Association, a New York

trade group.

European trends mirror these sort of figures as

do many Asian countries.

To really appreciate just how these trends are

tracking just enter the keyword neckties in

Google to be confronted by a huge selection of

websites selling ties.

Ties are still rated amongst the top 5 selling

men's gift.

Today much of the market growth is driven by the

high end of the market with consumers demanding

fashionable colors, styles and quality not found

in your printed polyester tie. Pure silk double

four fold and seven fold ties are fast gaining

ground as the ties of choice as are custom ties

made to order.

Many may denigrate the tie as uncomfortable and

pointless, yet they somehow they convey a power

status and the personality and character of the

wearer.

Neckties, as an optional but vital component of a

man's wardrobe, will never disappear.