Main content

Why do we wear ties?

Why do we do the things we do? Mike Williams searches for the extraordinary and hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions. This week, why do we wear ties?

Why do we do the things we do?

Mike Williams searches for the extraordinary and hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions.

This week he looks at the paradox at the heart of the human condition - the desire to belong and to conform, but also to hold tight to our individuality.

And we see a symbol of this paradox everyday in an apparently useless piece of clothing about 150 centimetres long - the necktie.

Why do we wear ties?

(Image: Former astronaut Buzz Aldrin wearing a tie with space designs. Credit: REUTERS/Evan Vucci/Pool)

Available now

18 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Fri 21 Sep 201218:32GMT
  • Sat 22 Sep 201203:32GMT
  • Sat 22 Sep 201208:32GMT
  • Mon 24 Sep 201201:32GMT
  • Mon 24 Sep 201210:32GMT
  • Fri 4 Sep 201511:04GMT
  • Sat 27 Mar 202121:45GMT
  • Mon 28 Jun 202113:45GMT

Featured in...

Get the podcast

Get the podcast

Subscribe or download individual episodes for free

Why do we look the way we do?

Why do we look the way we do?

Tattoos, trainers, jeans, hair, ties ... why?

Podcast