Perhaps a majority of the world's best dressed men prefer the large blade of their necktie to emerge undimpled from the knot, like the late Gianni Agnelli in the photograph.
The undimpled necktie was yet another of the style trends spread by observers of the late Duke of Windsor, who never dimpled his. It's a bit more difficult to achieve, and one that is helped by a thick lining in the tie itself.
Do you dimple?
Monday, February 11, 2008
To Dimple or Not To Dimple, That Is The Question
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20 comments:
I believe, as you wrote, that the thickness of the tie would dictate this. I have some much older three fold ties I've inherited that I put a dimple in. Many of my seven fold ties, I do not, as the look is easier to achieve with the extra heft. I do prefer to be dimple-less.
I would say that the dimpled tie looks better; if I might be permitted to digress, the less-well-dressed frequently sport an undimpled tie. When I see a man with a dimple, I know he has taken care with his knotting; something the majority of men do not these days.
But should one dimple with a knitted tie? I don't, but I do with any other silk tie. Anyone else? Will, do you dimple?
When I lived in the U.S., I almost always dimpled. Now that I live in London, I rarely do. When in Rome and all that.
This is one area (perhaps the only area) where I am in disagreement with the late Duke. I think a dimpled tie looks better.
Sorry, but a dimple is a must. Everything said and unsaid goes into the dimple. Without one the man is unfinished, badly shaven, unshowered, unkempt, insignificant.
When I first sported ties, I thought a dimple was a mistake, so I went dimple-less. Now I can literally spend 20 to 30 minutes trying to get the dimple right. Don't go without a dimple...!
In fact, the double dimple knot is extremely tasteful if you can pull it off... if you have the right tie and the right collar..
I never dimple and have never had a problem achieving this, even with really thin cloth. I am amazed that anyone would even give thought to such a thing.
But nice photo of Agnelli, Will.
I always think that the dimple helps the tie to stand out from the shirt front a bit more. A delusion, I'm sure, but one that I'm used to. Dimple-less ties remind me of those who wear ties infrequently, and always with a full Windsor.
If the DOW did not dimple then can a dimple on my full windsor be considered some sort of historically enigmatic faux pa? Might I be risking throwing the sartorial universe into chaos?
I dimple my ties, but I don't think it is incorrect to be dimple-less. What is your opinion on Luciano Barbera's ties? He appears to have a double-dimple in many of his photographs (not all).
Only at ASW would these matters be taken so seriously! And I mean that as a compliment. I don't give necktie dimples much thought. However, the presence of a dimple, IMVHO, sometimes makes the wearer look as if he's trying too hard. It's too studied. Rather than focusing on the dimple, I would prefer to look at the fabric and pattern of the necktie instead.
The dimple has a definite optical function: it serves to focus the observer's attention downward towards the body of the tie, rather than upward towards the wearer's chin or adam's apple. It thus adds to the overall appeal/impact of the necktie.
I always dimple my ties, except when the material won't allow it (like some stubborn knits).
One of my biggest complaints (being a resident of Massachusetts) is that our junior senator, John Kerry, has no clue (a) how to dimple and (b) which knot he should use. As it stands, he always uses a very rounded four-in-hand knot with no dimple, making his already long face look even more elongated. (Click the link to see what I'm talking about).
On the other hand, he does get points for wearing Vineyard Vines ties (a local company), which I think are whimsical and sharp.
I would always dimple, and for the reason that "easy and elegant life" mentioned earlier. It creates greater tension in the knot and helps the tie stand further away from the shirt. It seems to work.
Also, a little tip: if you generally dimple, try folding the tie hard at around the point it passes through the knot. The outside will not be visibly changed but it does distort the lining, making a clean dimple almost inevitable.
I cast my vote vehemently (if such is possible among gentlemen)on the side of the dimplers.
Signor Agnelli's photo, this one at least, shows that being rich and handsome goes a long way in appearance. His tie is not only undimpled but looks sloppily tied; and the watch!!!!
But Trad, what of the What's the word? "Scorchetta" effect. I would think that you, of all people, would appreciate it's double entendre.
Do I dimple? Of course.
Agnelli's clothes are beautiful. His taste is less so.
I agree with "initiascg," above. A dimple is a must. You have to spend some time doing the dimple correctly, and actually make an effort. I do not understand the comments here implying that somehow a dimpleless tie is difficult to achieve. Throw on any tie quickly and thoughtlessly and it's natural tendency is not to form a dimple. It's the look that values quick fixes and instant gratification. Agnelli notwithstanding, the dimpleless knot is pure unadulterated McFashion, the look of having done nothing and having given it no thought to boot.
I must say that each time I see a gent with a "perfect" dimple; I cringe. Sometimes the dimple comes off as forced or contrived and I much rather prefer not to dimple. Its a cleaner and more subtle look that suits me just fine. Also, many of my friends believe that you must dimple and therefore do so with less of an eye for fashion and more of an adherence to the rules of dress; its uninspired.
I try and try and try to dimple but, alas, it seems a lost cause most of the time.
I have to cast my vote on the side of the dimple, but my geographical location may be the reason. Living in Sydney, we have so many young British expats, and Aussie's that think they are, that only wear a knot the size of a ham. And to effect this they wear a loose, folded knot, rather than a tightly knotted one. I much prefer the crisp, sharp and dimpled knot, slightly askew, and sitting proud from the collar.
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