To all you GQ wannabes (or the men who are simply forced to wear formalwear to work) – loosen up. 

Literally. 

A recent study from Cornell University stated that men who wear tight collared shirts and neckties experienced blurred vision, headaches and increased muscle tension in the back and shoulders.  

Yikes. 

Another not so appealing factor of your neck accessory is – neckties don't get cleaned as often as other articles of your clothing, thereby posing greater risk for gathering bacteria and other transmitted infections. 

So who's in favor of “loosening up”? 

Many believe that today's “dot-com” industry has evoked a more laid-back style and has taken business casual to a new level.  The standard suit and tie has been replaced with crew-neck sweaters, tailored slacks, and loafers.  Those in favor of the more casual look believe traditional business attire is stuffy, stressful, and unapproachable.  They believe that informal dress fosters creativity, originality, and moreover – a more enjoyable work environment.

However, Loyd Boston, New York-based author of Men of Color:  Fashion, History, Fundamentals and a fashion analyst for the NBC Today Show reminds us:  "Dress depends on the line of work you're in and the image you want to project. It's something that men have to be mindful of. Regardless of how casual we become, clothing marks a certain station you're in.” 

Furthermore, we do find that individuals in higher ranking positions tend to dress with more authority i.e. conservative business wear in the majority of today's corporations.   According to Hosea Belcher, senior vice president of marketing for Artisan Home Entertainment in Los Angeles states, “those who want to follow in the footsteps of their bosses and supervisors up the corporate ladder should first follow with the neckties.” 

Point taken.

So the question remains:  To tie or not to tie? The necktie that is…

Whichever you choose, just don't tie it too tight.