An Exclusive Interview With
 Mr. Gerald Andersen
Executive Director Emeritus
Mens Dress Furnishings Association

All About Shirts & Ties

Recently, we had the privilege of interviewing Mr. Gerald Andersen, former Executive Director of the Men's Dress Furnishings Association to get a very unique perspective on men's fashions.  Mr. Andersen has a 40 year perspective and passion for menswear.  We are honored and grateful to Mr. Andersen and wanted to share his insights with you.

Jerry, thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions for us today.  Our clients are all career professionals and are very interested in dressing well.  Your insight will be invaluable so if you're ready... let's begin

Boardroom Ties
About Shirts
Over the years, what transformation have you seen in dress shirt styles.

Jerry: There have been a host of style changes, obsolescence, and revivals. Collars have gotten longer, and then shorter in response to changing neckwear widths and suit lapel widths. However, I think there was more diversity in collar styles 20 years ago than today. The tab collar and pin collar were mainstream items then but today, they are hard to find. In fabrics, back in the 60’s and 70’s everyone was enamored of permanent press and poly-cotton blends. For a short time, even double knit dress shirts had their day. In the 80’s there was a trend back to natural fibers-cotton in shirts and silk in ties. Today it's hard to find a polyester tie, but in the 70’s they were dominant.  In shirts, I think the biggest development in recent years has been the true permanent press cotton shirts. The products I have tried really perform well and can be worn, wrinkle free, right out of the dryer.

Boardroom Ties
Shirt Collars and Ties
What effect has the transformation in dress shirt styles had on neckties.

Jerry: The relationship between collars and tie widths has always been symbiotic. It is my opinion that, more often than not, changes in tie width have forced changes in dress shirt collars. This was certainly true in 1968 when Ralph Lauren first came out with the wide tie and the shirt industry had to play catch up.

Boardroom Ties
How To Pick a Shirt Collar Style
What effect has the transformation in dress shirt styles had on neckties.

Jerry: I think there is more than one answer to that question since it depends on a guy’s facial type. For example, a straight, long collar shirt does not compliment a long thin face. Someone with this configuration should go with a shorter, more spread collar.  Pick a shirt collar that compliments the shape of your face by holding the shirt up in the mirror and see for yourself what a difference the collar makes for you.

Boardroom Ties
How To Pick Tie Knots
What tie knots do you think go with each collar styles.

Jerry: Straight collars call for smaller knots (the four-in-hand). Spread collars call for wider knots like the Windsor and half-Windsor. Pin and tab collars also call for smaller knots so they can fit between the collar points.  I personally like the four-in-hand knot. I prefer the button-down collar shirts (I can’t keep track of the darn collar stays other types require) and a well dimpled four-in-hand works best. To me, the dimple separates the man who knows how to wear a tie from the one who doesn’t.

Boardroom Ties
Dressing For Business
How important do you think is dressing for business these days and what advice would you give a young man who is in the business world today.

Jerry: I think it is very important to dress well and perhaps, more than ever these days. Obviously, if you are in an environment where everyone is casual, you will stand out like a sore thumb in a suit and tie. It is difficult for guys these days to deal with all the possible scenarios. It was much easier in the Mad Men era when everyone knew how they were expected to look. My advice would be to err on the side of caution and run the risk of overdressing, rather than run the risk of looking unprofessional by being casual. However, whenever you are meeting clients and customers in a business setting, suit and tie is de-rigueur. Dressing up is not only a sign of professionalism, but a sign of respect to others.

Boardroom Ties
How To Pick Your Suit
Looking at today's styles and color trends in suits, what seems to be the most prevalent business style when it comes to suits.

Jerry: You are asking the wrong guy. I am a furnishings fanatic. I always keep my suit basic, natural shoulder, three buttons. I favor navy, charcoal and khaki (in the summer). My fashion statement comes from my furnishings. The suit is my shop window, the necktie is my jewel.

Boardroom Ties
How Many Ties
You may have heard many numbers over the years, but we are going to ask anyway... what are the number of ties a typical man has in his closet.

Jerry: Years ago the number bandied about was 30-40. This may have been true in the day of the one dollar necktie, but doubt it is true today. One thing that has been noted is that men tend to stockpile ties and only a small portion of their collection is active at any given moment. It’s hard to part with that tie you wore when you proposed to your wife or when you got the big promotion. I always tell men they should have two or three ties for each dress shirt. The tie is what makes that shirt look different than the last time you wore it.

Jerry.... Thank you.... we are very appreciative for your time!