Those who wear a shirt and tie every day

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TFin04

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Do you wear a standard tie or clip on? I work at a bank and must dress in a shirt and tie every day. I'm in contact with the public all day long, including some not so nice people (Our branch was robbed about a month ago, two guys jumped the counter and emptied out the cash boxes). I happened to be behind the teller line at that time making copies (I'm usually at my desk), and the perps were withing arms reach at different times.

I've since begun thinking about my ties. I like nice ties and take pride in making sure the knot is just perfect every day. I realize now that they could have easily grabbed the tie and had a hold around my neck that would take quite a fight to get out of.

Does anybody wear a clip on for this reason? Clip ons seem so cheesey to me, but they could definitely be a good thing in a struggle.

I've thought about cutting my ties right where it would sit on the back of my neck then sewing them back together with just enough thread to hold the tie, but would break if grabbed. My shirt collar would hide the stitching and it would create a "break free" design.

Thoughts?
 
Quote:
"I've thought about cutting my ties right where it would sit on the back of my neck then sewing them back together with just enough thread to hold the tie, but would break if grabbed."

--- at first thought this sounds very mall ninja. Trauma plates, multiple rounds to the back, etc.

--- however, as a tie wearer myself I must admit I have had these same concerns and thoughts as well. In the general interest of being prepared, especially given your circumstances at the bank, I think this is a good idea.

--- I'd stick with the needle and thread idea. I think velcro may be too cumbersome and bulky for a daily/practicle use.

Just my 2c.

IdahoFarmer
 
Mall ninja or not, I just had two very large armed guys demanding cash from me when I was in an enclosed space (teller area is about 50 sq/ft total, with one door to enter and a 4 foot high counter) with no real exits. That was enough of a wake up call.

I have a couple ties I never wear anymore to use as dummies, I'll try velcro and thread and see what works.

Thanks for the input.
 
Only at first thought was this mall ninja-ish. When really thinking about it though, especially given your circumstances, I think it is a very good idea.

Please post again and let us know how it worked out.

IdahoFarmer
 
I think that when cops have to wear ties on duty they usually wear one with velcro in the back for the same reason. They are sold a number of places online:
5.11 brand
Galls

Google "breakaway tie" for more.
 
you could also tie them just right, cut it off at the back of your neck, and drop a bunch of superglue into the knot to keep it together. then slip in some kinda thing like spring steel [like that thin steel trapping for lumber] or plastic inside the tie, and glue it in with maybe a 3" gap in the back to get it on and off easily.

practice with a few cheap goodwill ties first.;)

~tmm
 
Doc that sounds like a good idea. Maybe have the velcro at about '2 oclock' if 12 oclock was my adams apple. It would be covered under the collar but wouldn't creat a bulge.

Good ideas guys, keep 'em coming.
 
How about trying not wearing a tie and seeing how that works? I often wear a suit and nice shirt without a tie (not for work, that's my typical synagogue attire). Maybe your supervisor would be OK with this as it would be somewhat "professional casual"? Another option if it bothers you, a lot of banks now allow business casual or even have some kind of casual button up or polo shirt "uniform" with the bank's name and logo on it, maybe you can look for one of the banks that have moved away from suits and ties.

If those aren't an option it sounds like you have a decent plan. Let me know how it works. I used to like to wear a tie to work occasionally even when it wasn't needed (and I also spent time in business management and in banking where it was required at some employers). I got out of the practice when I worked for a psychiatric hospital where ties were banned since it could give a patient leverage in a "code green" (hands on situation). I am now a teacher and I plan to go back to that psychiatric hospital during the summers as a summer job so if the velcro on your tie works out I may consider doing something similar myself so I can wear a tie if the mood hits or if I am going somewhere more formal after work (of course, a tie in the MD summer heat and humidity isn't something you really will want to wear unless it is absolutely necessary).
 
For your work environment, I'd go w/ a std tie....I just have not seen a clip on tie that when worn still looked like a clip on
 
The current breakaway ties on the market are pretty cheesy fabric.

Perhaps there's a cottage industry of "tactical tailors" who will convert your high-quality tie into a good breakaway tie?


In all seriousness, if I were involved in a line of work where this actually matters, I could imagine paying someone $20-30 to convert a $50 tie to breakaway.

As it is, I don't wear ties. I understand that Iranians are the same way.

-MV
 
hirundo82 wrote:

I think that when cops have to wear ties on duty they usually wear one with velcro in the back for the same reason.
Click to expand...

well, seeing most police agencies are cheap, they are going for the cheapies....as in...clip on ties. ive yet to see a LE agency purchase velcro backed breakway ties. most LE uniform ties are solid colors anyway so they generally made of cheap material (polyester) and are basically disposable almost (if you get a stain on it, or if you happen to lose it in a foot chase, struggle, or if you left it clipped on your shotgun the second you left lineup and opened your collar, etc)

i wouldn't look to the cops for a fashion statement. why wear a nice $50 shirt or $500 suit with a crappy looking tie? the 5.11 ties are passable for white collar stuff but they too aren't the most cutting-edge and contemporary.

taliv wrote:

they'll let go of the tie when you start shooting
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sure, but im thinking the bank policy is prohibiting this person from carrying a gun, if they value their employment. most major employers, and especially almost all white collar employers, won't allow you to carry a firearm on the job. heck, some won't even allow you to keep it in your car in their parking lot, even with a valid carry permit.
 
Heh.

I know some manufacturing engineers who wore clip-ons for a similar reason; fear of getting caught in machinery. I always just tucked my tie into my shirt when I went into the shop.

I guess you have to ask yourself, in order to avoid a minute risk of getting choked, am I willing to look like a nerd every workday for the rest of my life? Might as well get a kevlar pocket protector, too. You might get shot right in the shirt pocket, then you'll have the last laugh. Oh, and steel-toe dress shoes. You never know, you might drop a really heavy file or something.

Anyhow, here are some breakaway ties:

http://www.interstatesupply.com/cgi-bin/iss.pl?stock_order=1&id_field=529

http://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Force-Police-Issue-Neckties/dp/B000CPPZZI

Or maybe just get this:

http://www.snorgtees.com/necktietshirt-p-290.html
 
I wear a shirt and tie every day; go with the regular tie. While wearing a standard tie, you stand a .0000000001% chance each day that someone will grab it in violence; conversely, you stand a 100% chance of looking silly wearing a clip-on. :)

I've had my tie pulled before but it was only by a playful secretary. As another said, they'll let go when you start shooting. Or slicing their arm to ribbons. Or slamming the edge of your hand into their now exposed neck. Etc. etc. And in a bank robbery situation, just give them the cash and go home in one piece.
 
TFin04, it sounds like you have WAY too much time on your hands.
Click to expand...

I'm amazed to see somebody on this forum scold somebody else for taking measures to increase their safety. I spend the majority of my time at work, and after being robbed this is something that will be well worth my time (5 min per tie, maybe a half hour total) should I ever need it.

Think, Comprehend, Post.

How about trying not wearing a tie and seeing how that works? I often wear a suit and nice shirt without a tie (not for work, that's my typical synagogue attire). Maybe your supervisor would be OK with this as it would be somewhat "professional casual"? Another option if it bothers you, a lot of banks now allow business casual or even have some kind of casual button up or polo shirt "uniform" with the bank's name and logo on it, maybe you can look for one of the banks that have moved away from suits and ties.
Click to expand...

I don't usually wear a jacket with my attire, so no tie is kind of out of the question. When I do wear a jacket I end up taking it off as I'm sitting in my chair for most of the day.

I wear a company logo shirt or dress shirt with no tie on Fridays and Saturdays, but other days I need to be in a tie (and I enjoy wearing a tie, so it's no biggie).

I guess you have to ask yourself, in order to avoid a minute risk of getting choked, am I willing to look like a nerd every workday for the rest of my life? Might as well get a kevlar pocket protector, too. You might get shot right in the shirt pocket, then you'll have the last laugh. Oh, and steel-toe dress shoes. You never know, you might drop a really heavy file or something.
Click to expand...

You must have missed the parts about me being robbed recently. This branch has been robbed 3 times in the last 4 years, two of which very quite violent robberies. I'm a financial advisor and my plan is to eventually work for a larger investment company outside of banking, but almost all of those jobs require experience that can only be gained working at a bank. I stand a much lower change of being robbed at Charles Schwab et al, as there is little to no cash on site. Until then, I'll modify my ties.
 
My company provides breakaway ties. I had never worn them before and I went out and spoke with a tailor that says they can be done like that. Of course if you are spending a hundred bucks on a tie you may be hesitant to get it done to your good tie. BUT if it is something you worry about get it done. I would NOT suggest getting it done towards the front of your throat, most times that your tie gets grapped it will be from the front and if the breakaway is in the front it will not break as easily.

I'd also suggest a tie tack and pinning it strait to your shirt instead of using the fancy lil chain that comes with it. It keeps the tie closer to your shirt and makes it a lil harder to get ahold of. Take my word on it lol
 
TFin04,

If you're a financial advisor, then what kind of situation do you envision happening in the bank? You're likely to be well clear of the teller line and the robbers would have absolutely no interest in you. Just keep your head down, let them pull some cash and leave. Not to be rude, but I don't think your ninja tie is going to help you in any conceivable bank robbery situation.
 
I usually wear bow ties. Sorta hard to find nice ones these day but- Harder to grab. You don't drag them through everything. Women like them.
 
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I considered that. but I don't think it would proviede the BG enough pull to make any difference. Someone could test it....
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I am the supervisor for security at a large hospital here. It's been tested. One of my guys when he tied his it was towards the front and we had a drunk lady grab ahold of it and drag him around the ER, he won't happy :D
 
real concern

A long tie in any close quarters encounter is a real concern. As a criminal trial lawyer, I:
  • deal with violent people
  • am in and out of correctional facilities of various levels daily
  • wear suit and tie most days - required for courtroom

So, security during the workday is something I need to be aware of.

The tie thing happens - a few years back a law school classmate of mine was representing a client in custody who went off during a hearing and knocked the deputy in charge of him out. My friend is a big guy and he took the offender down and pinned he. He said it was going very well until the guy started to choke him out with his tie. Fortunately, more deputies arrived, subdued the guy, and now my pal says he has a collection of clip-ons.

No need to be cheesy - a couple of years ago I tore my rotator cuff and, while I was rehabbing it, could not lift my arm for quite some time. My solution was a collection of very high quality bow ties from: http://www.bowtieclub.com/

Sharp, stylish and of no use to a BG in a struggle. They are all I ever wear these days - I only wear long ties now when I referee karate events, as the standard uniform is gray slacks, blue blazer and tie.
 
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