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

Last on

Mon 24 Sep 2012 10:32GMT

Broadcasts

  • Fri 21 Sep 2012 18:32GMT
  • Sat 22 Sep 2012 03:32GMT
  • Sat 22 Sep 2012 08:32GMT
  • Mon 24 Sep 2012 01:32GMT
  • Mon 24 Sep 2012 10:32GMT

Featured in...

Get the podcast

Subscribe or download individual episodes for free

Why do we look the way we do?

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

Podcast