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Go knotty like Imran Khan and wear a tie right!
Like it or not, there's something sacrosanct about the tie. You wear it on special occasions -- weddings, birthdays, parties -- and on important days for job interviews, to lunch with the boss etc. In fact, the tie can become an individualistic style statement, an extension of your personality -- just ask Imran Khan! And you too can look like a young Bollywood star if you follow our recommendations when it comes to wearing one!
Rule Number One: Never leave those knots unopened
Okay, so knotting a tie is not the most exciting thing to do in the morning. And yes we know you didn't untie the knot for MONTHS back in school. But grow up -- treat your tie with some respect! Amar Lodaya, who rents out ties for a living in Mumbai says, "Undo the knot at the end of each day because the creases on the tie do not go away even if you dry clean it."
Rule Number Two: Do not wash!
Finally, an article of clothing that needn't be washed! That should come as a relief to most men reading this. If you however happen to look up the dictionary, you're sure to come across something called 'hygiene'. So get the damn thing dry-cleaned once in a while. It's good for you.
Rule Number Three: Never flip it over your shoulder while eating
This is where we remind you (yet again) that you're not in school anymore. Flipping your tie over your shoulder while eating might've been pretty cool back then. But hey, the latest news is that it doesn't necessarily work when you're all grown up (assuming that you are). So keep the tie where it's supposed to be -- hanging decently from your neck!
Rule Number Four: Identify the occasion
Sample this -- how would you like your date to turn up in a nightgown instead of an evening gown for dinner? Get the picture? So don't wear that Mickey Mouse tie to a meeting, even if you're working for the coolest organisation in the world. You may as well stroll in wearing a pair of shorts and break into a rendition of Surfin' USA.
Rule Number Five: Watch that belt!
According to Amar Lodaya, the belt is crucial when it comes to picking a tie. "Of course, the tie needs to go with your trousers," he says, but adds that the wrong belt can play truant.
Rule Number Six: Never select shirts on the basis of one tie
We know you like that beautiful black satin tie. But that isn't the only article of clothing in your wardrobe, you know. So here's the thing: the next time you step out to buy a shirt or trousers, think of the other ties hanging on your shelf. If you think we're making this up, ask Lodaya's partner Lucy Mehra, who tells us she's come across many men who buy their shirts only on the basis of the one tie they like. "It shouldn't work that way," she says.
Rule Number Seven: Never chuck it around
You've had a long, tiring day and your boss has been breathing down your neck through the week. You return home dead tired and vent all your frustration on the one thing that's been hanging around you through it all, literally. Says Mehra, "Take care of the tie. The threads are sensitive and they are bound to give way sooner rather than later."
Rule Number Eight: Keep the one for nocturnal activities separate
Sure, we know you were waiting for this one. Heck, ties are kinky and we bet you're thinking of a zillion things you'd want to do (or have done) with a tie. But c'mon, give it a break. You can't walk to work the next morning wearing that thing. Really, take our word for it... you just can't!
Rule Number Nine: Not with half-sleeved shirts
You might've looked cute wearing a tie over a half-sleeved shirt back when you were a kid. But that was probably some two decades ago. So the next time you check yourself out in the mirror, think of yourself as a grown man heading to work rather than some brat going to school. Ties on half-sleeves are a big no-no. Unless, of course, it's your company's uniform. In which case we'd probably recommend you move on.
Rule Number 10: Not over tees either!
All right, your favourite actor has walked the ramp wearing just that. However, until you can come up with at least seven occasions where you think wearing a tie over a tee will be considered cool, we'd suggest you stay away from this sartorial blunder.