Could choosing a red or blue tie give you an advantage? The
necktie has long been ubiquitous in high-stakes arenas such as business and
politics, and in these fields, participants are willing to do almost anything
to get ahead of the competition. One perfectly ethical and easy way of doing
this is to understand the messages that your competitors’ and your own neckties
may be sending. What does a navy blue necktie indicate? What impression does a
red tie leave? These subtle and often subconscious signals can contribute to
the overall impression being made by one’s company or campaign.
The field of color psychology is by no means an exact
science, but it has at least some credence in the marketing world. Color Wheel
Pro software offers help in designing color schemes for logos and other
materials that will have a desired psychological effect. Whether for biological
or cultural reasons, humans tend to associate certain colors with certain
emotions or ideas. What does this have to do with neckwear? In men’s
professional fashion, when suits tend to be black, grey, or dark blue, one of
the only places where color appears is the neck tie. Two of the most popular
choices are red and blue ties, so these color choices will be analyzed most
thoroughly.
Blue neckwear comes with many positive connotations. A
University of Maryland study revealed that both men and women overwhelmingly
named blue their favorite color, Natalie Wolchover reports on Live Science. Color
psychology suggests that a blue neck tie may conjure connections with peace,
tranquility, loyalty, and intelligence. Variations in the shade of blue shift
the image conveyed, according to Color Wheel Pro. While a darker blue tie might
project knowledge, power, and seriousness, a lighter blue might indicate a
softer, more understanding image associated with health and healing. Roy Britt
reports that scientific testing revealed that blue promoted creative thinking
much more than red.
Multiple articles have been written analyzing the tie color
choices of president and presidential candidates, especially in debates. According
to NBC’s Will Rabbe, blue ties are a distant second when it comes to
presidential debates. This statistic is surprising, considering the popularity
of blue ties outside of debate settings. Red and blue are both associated with
patriotism, so why might red be so popular for debates?
The color red carries many strong associations, including
anger, aggressiveness, passion, love, and urgency. Stop signs, warning lights,
and fire extinguishers are red for a reason. Red may even bring bloodshed to
mind. The same study that showed blue increased creative thinking showed that
red increased attention to detail and memory. It is a motivating color, not one
that generally puts people at ease. In comparison to a blue tie, then, a red
tie would project more power; in fact, red ties are sometimes referred to as
power ties.
Since most people aren’t fighting for the presidency, there
is a place for both red and blue neckwear in the typical wardrobe. Some
situations may call for the more aggressive, strong image of a red tie, while
other situations would be better met by the more open and peaceful, yet still
intelligent and serious, impression of a blue tie. Of course, the color of
one’s tie won’t make or break a presentation or a speech, but it wouldn’t hurt
to try to gain a psychological edge.
For all your blue ties
needs head to tiecoon.com/neckties/tiecolor/blueties
and create your own style. You can also choose from a plethora of other colors
and patterns or design your own.
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