To save power, Bangladesh bans suits and ties
By Eoin O'Carroll | 09.05.09
In an inspiring display of sensibility, the prime minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, has ordered male government employees to stop wearing suits, jackets, and neckties.
In addition to eliminating pointless and uncomfortable decorative elements from men’s clothing, the move will help minimize the need for air conditioning. Accompanying the government’s laudable decision was an order not to turn air conditioners in government buildings below 75 degrees F.
According to the BBC, Bangladesh has been suffering from a major energy shortage, with daily blackouts as the state-owned power plants are unable to meet demand. The British news service reports that the plants’ output has not been able to keep up with the country’s economy, which has been growing 6 percent annually for the past five years.
Additionally, the energy sector has been plagued by allegations of corruption, which, if true, could possibly be exacerbated by the low morale that inevitably results from forcing workers to tie useless strips of fabric around their necks every day.
Under the new dress code – which applies even to the highest levels of government – men may also wear their shirts untucked, instead of stuffing the bottom portion into their pants for no good reason other than to conform to some arbitrary display of professionalism.
The BBC reports that the government plans to encourage private businesses to follow its example.
As can be expected, Sheikh Hasina was praised for her compassionate and pragmatic – albeit long overdue – change to the official dress code. Writing in The New Nation, an independent English-language news source in Bangladesh, columnist Maswood Alam Khan suggests that the new attire, in addition to saving energy, might help restore a sense of national pride.
Wearing suits and stuffing our necks with a tie, in spite of ourselves, is a sartorial fashion we have borrowed from the British who were our colonial rulers. Our ancestors enjoyed punishing themselves by mimicking the British style and fashion, which was seen as synonymous with being chic and modern. They wanted in vain to be ‘brown sahibs’! So, as a legacy our office executives-the fashion victims-now find it prestigious to chill their car and office chamber to [64 degrees F.] so that they and their guests can wear pinstripe suits and silk ties wrapped over the designer shirts when the weather outside is extremely hot and humid and when the general people are sweating and panting due to power outage.
Despised by all but the most inveterate masochists, the necktie traces its origins to the uniforms of 16th century Croatian mercenaries in the employ of King Louis XIII of France. In a sartorial choice that has baffled and dismayed people ever since, upper-class Parisians adopted the mercenaries’ knotted scarf, which they called a “cravat” – a mispronunciation of the word “Croat” probably caused by a restricted larynx.
The cravat eventually “evolved” into the modern necktie, which was eventually paired with an outfit consisting of a heavy jacket and flimsy slacks, a design that guarantees that its wearer will be uncomfortable regardless of the ambient temperature.
The predecessor to the modern suit and tie emerged in Britain the early 1800s, with Beau Brummel, an influential fashion arbiter and friend of the Prince Regent, the future George IV. Brummel, who claimed to have spent two hours getting ready each morning, can also be blamed for introducing the expectation that men should have to shave their faces every single day.
==
Speaking of archaic practices, the use of homing pigeons is making a comeback. At least it is in South Africa. Internet speeds are so slow that one business held a race between email and a pigeon. Who won? Click here to find out.
<< Invasive plants — from pest to pesto | MainComments
2. fatcow coupon | 09.06.09
The tie once had a practical use. It was intended to keep the person’s throat and chest warm and protect against the bitter wind. To me, the cravat is a dinosaur and should be put in the museum.
3. Lawrence Hayward | 09.06.09
Given that this story is about Bangladesh, did you have to lead with a big picture of a very, very white person tugging at his tie?!
4. ishmael daro | 09.07.09
Great article. I love how the writer makes no effort to hide his disdain for the tie and male dress in general.
The formal male outfit “consisting of a heavy jacket and flimsy slacks, a design that guarantees that its wearer will be uncomfortable” is indeed long overdue for an update or outright abolition.
5. Kathleen | 09.07.09
I think this is a refreshingly logical choice. However, I did not enjoy the casual and biased tone of the article. I have always admired The Monitor for reporting the facts, without a lot of personal slant to one side or the other. Perhaps the blogs do not conform to this standard.
Thank you for reporting on an interesting story, nonetheless.
6. Hasan Tarique Chowdhury | 09.07.09
A pragmatic idea in Bangladeshi context.
Nabinagar, Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh
9. Larry | 09.08.09
Whether or not it is an energy-saving device, the requirement that working men don uncomfortable attire even in business settings is ridiculous in any country. The days of “Mad Men” are over. Time to start living sensibly.
10. Mike McFadden | 09.08.09
I am appalled with this horrible development. Think of all the soon to be out of work tie designers. Who’s going to support the pinstripe stripers?
When will the insanity end?
11. Mike Nichols | 09.08.09
In some offices men keep their suit jackets on at all times, the air is over cooled, and the women all wear sweaters…. in others, the office is kept at a comfortable temperature, the men take their jackets and ties off, and the women wear sleeveless blouses… Good dress codes can be crafted…. Not wearing a tie does not make one a slob.
12. Kooler | 09.08.09
If temperature is that big a problem, employees should wear speedos and bikinis, maybe even a couple of loin cloths. It sure would liven up the work environment.
13. Olaf Fischer | 09.08.09
Love this article. Learned something new again.
Given that all the clowns who have caused the recent turmoil/crash in our national and global economies are prone to wearing suit and tie proves that the oxygen flow to their brains was severely restricted. This professional attire ought to be relegated to the fashion trash heap of history to join with top hats and tights for men. I’ve given up suits and ties years ago even for weddings and funerals and am better off for it.
14. Mary | 09.08.09
I agree with Kathleen,the article is quite biased against Europeans, and I’m disappointed and surprised that the CSMonitor would publish such a derogatory article. What’s with the restricted larynx comment? Is that a barb against the French?
Ties aren’t native to Asia,so if they want to dump it fine,but it is an attractive part of western attire-keep it. We’ve no reason to dump it because Asians do,but oh, I forgot anti-Western pronouncements are in these days. Mea culpa.
Frankly, I don’t want to see any man’s shirttails.What a slovenly style that would be in the West,but I can see how it would fit traditional Bangladeshi standards.
15. Tony | 09.08.09
I wish we could say this was a trend. Unfortunately, where I work, at Boston based Putnam Investments, the new (former Fidelity) CEO Bob Reynolds banned the casual dress we had for years prior and reimposed the strict suit and tie requirements. I guess that’s to make us look more professional, even if it’s rare for most of us to actually see a client. Oh well, as long as they’re keeping the whole building at 67 degrees we might as well all dress up. On the other hand the women get away with a lot more (er, less) especially during the warmer months, which I’m sure no one minds.
16. inked | 09.08.09
Everyone totally missed the point:
“Bangladesh has been suffering from a major energy shortage, with daily blackouts as the STATE-OWNED POWER PLANTS ARE UNABLE TO MEET DEMAND. The British news service reports that the plants’ output has not been able to keep up with the country’s economy, which has been growing 6 percent annually for the past five years.”
That’s what happens when governments run enterprises that they shouldn’t be running… like automobile companies, health care, education and… well, CSM doesn’t want me to write, “a novel.” I guess they figure CSM readers have short attention spans.
I’ll bet, however, that they wouldn’t be having these problems if the power plants were privatized.
17. Carney | 09.09.09
Neckties are uncomfortable only for those who are too fat for their shirts. If you can button your top button and be comfortable, then you won’t even notice the tie - it’s a mere adornment like a pocket square. All the histrionics and howling about ties come from men who were never taught to dress themselves properly. Just make sure the collar size of the shirt matches your neck’s girth.
As for forcing employees to abandon crisp and proper business attire in favor of a slovenly, sloppy-casual appearance, that will impress no one and improve no one’s professionalism, morale, or productivity. It’s all a sad attempt to distract from Bangladesh’s failure to keep up with its energy needs by focusing ire on those nasty Westerners, far over there. Never us!
18. Ira Solomon | 09.09.09
I’m glad to see that some people have sense. I had to wear suits and ties in my corporate days and I hated it. I could never understand why ties existed and I’ve been enlightened by a previous comment.
Some of you may remember when President Carter required a cut back on air conditioning. Perhaps this administration should do the same with the proviso that suits and ties could no longer be required in the summer.
20. Hal Lillywhite | 09.09.09
Great! I’d like to think that Hasina was motivated by my own blog on British sartorial imperialism
(http://hallillywhite.blogspot.com/search?q=british+imperialism)
However it would be presumptuous of me to believe he even read that blog. In any case I agree with that decision. It is stupid to follow the fashion developed long ago for conditions which prevail in only part of the world.
22. Jim W | 09.09.09
Part of the intent of formal dress is to convey respect to others. Given the lack of respect by many - including their wardrobe - does this mean slang/jive/hip language is also expected to go along with the new “relaxed” work environment. And we can play heavy metal rock or rap music instead of Muzac to go along.
23. Jsmith | 09.09.09
I wonder if the author has a point of view on this? (Yes, this is my sarastic voice.) I just read the article (exerpts) aloud to my coworkers to a hail of laughter.
24. PJ | 09.09.09
I always thought that the person who invented the tie, should have been hung with one.
26. W R Smith | 09.09.09
I once observed dozens of men in Dhaka wearing sarong-typer garments around their waists and just wearing sandals….Often they would squat like girls to urinate and defecate in the gutters along Gulshan Ave near the intersection of Attaturk….behind trees, over sewer grates, etc…Fascinating!! Ostensibly, this was to save water from flushing toilets, etc. Will the prime minister move in the direction as well?
27. Harry E | 09.09.09
I live and sweat in Miami, Fla. I quit wearing coats and ties years ago. My Latin American friends have a great think called a guayavera. My Cuban friends swaer it was invented in Cuba, of course. It is also known as a Hawaiian wedding shirt. It is considered as entirely acceptable wear for men in society, in governemnt offices, etc. The linen shirts are a bit too warm for me. I much prefer cotton.
I won’t wear a coat and tie again except for my children’s wedding and probably for my funeral.
28. Jameel | 09.09.09
To Mary and Kathleen (especially Mary):
The necktie is a ridiculous idea, especially in tropical Asia (where Bangladesh happens to be located). But in the eyes of people like you, simply stating the obvious, that an idea that is stupid is indeed stupid, becomes “anti-European bias” because that idea is European.
Did either of you notice the Irish (i.e. EUROPEAN) name on the writer of the article?
Get over yourselves, all you’re doing is showing that you are in all likelihood racist against non-Europeans.
29. Asrai | 09.09.09
on one hand, dressing for the climate rather than creating an artificial climate makes supreme sense.
on the other hand, people DO behave differently depending on how they dress themselves. clothing IS symbolic of one’s instant activities.
the key will be to invoke the serious professional mental attitude through strict dress codes which can be applied to cool, loose cottons as easily as to worsted and tweeds.
by the by, this author must have been wearing a soiled, torn tee-shirt while crafting this article.
30. Bob Moore | 09.09.09
In some matters at least the leadership comes from Bangladesh. I have detested suits and ties for 60+ years, and have said that I will haunt those responsible if I’m even buried in one.
31. Kitty | 09.09.09
If Bangladesh is having power problems, it is best to drop formal clothing requirements for the duration. However, having been in the workforce (American) for the last 44 years, I have witnessed the dressing down of American business and don’t like it. The envelope has been pushed off the table. There is no place, in my mind, for women in business to go sleeveless. Plus, most folks dress for work as though they’ve either done some gardening or haven’t been home from the night before. I guess I’m old fashioned (as well as old!). America, for the most part, looks as though they have dressed out of my rag bag.
32. Pete | 09.09.09
Dress codes exist for one reason: most people have no idea how to dress properly or appropriately. It is unfortunate but true. The ‘professional’ uniform at least for men is simple and can be successfully adopted by the most sartorially challenged. Although a full suit and tie combination may be over dressing for many circumstances, it never detracts from a man’s presence.
33. Jeff | 09.09.09
Funny article. I like ties, though. When you take them off at night you can flick them at your wife. Too bad about all those Bangladeshi men who have to buy new wardrobes now that their suits are obsolete.
34. Zee | 09.09.09
About time govt. going to tell every one how to dress! how about women dress code?
35. Don | 09.09.09
Way to go! A suit and a tie does not a professional make. I’m quite professional and on an average day, I wear jeans and a dress shirt to work. I don’t tuck it in so I’m sure Mary would be appalled at my appearance. I slightly dress up a bit more when meeting with clients for the first time, but frankly I sell the service. The clothes don’t. Business is good.
36. mike | 09.09.09
not a very objective piece. the writer obviously hates a professional look. why doesn’t everyone wear their underwear to work if its so hot
37. FeFe | 09.09.09
The country’s experience of colonial rule heightened citizen participation in political matters, with new opportunities to express opposition. However, with less than 10% of the population being non-muslim (Hindus, Buddhists and Christians), I wonder if this new dress code order will usher in the final satellite of Arab imperialism the nation refused in 1971.
38. Bob Dobalina | 09.09.09
Maybe it’s just me, but the important information in this article had nothing to do with menswear. The purpose of the ban was to curb energy use, a solution to a problem caused by the GOVERNMENT run energy sector that is unable to keep up with the demand. I see a pattern developing over the past couple of millenniums of recorded history. Is it possible that without the proper motivation that government entities will sit back and wait until it’s a crisis before acting? And instead of meeting the problem with supply-side solutions they coerce the citizens to change their evil ways? Personally I could care less about suits, what’s more concerning is the utter lack of freedom we are comfortable with watching in our own yards and our neighbors yards.
39. Johnny D. | 09.09.09
Why do men get away with complaining about ties, yet women aren’t considered professional unless they are wearing uncomfortable shoes?
40. Matt | 09.09.09
My suits are quite comfortable, and the neckties can’t be felt under a properly-sized shirt. And the suit I’m wearing today was made in Bangladesh!
41. Bob | 09.09.09
I know I’m more comfortable sitting around the house in my boxers, but I hardly think that it’s respectful to meet with clients or superiors in such form. Being dressed is a sign of pride in oneself and a sign of respect of those with whom you transact. If you want to be treated as a professional, and get paid as a professional, look like one; to do otherwise demonstrates that one has no since of dignity or professional purpose.
42. John | 09.09.09
The real story here is that state run anything fails and forces the government to tell you what you can and can not wear as well as what you can turn you thermostat to.
44. Tausif | 09.09.09
@Mary: I can understand your concern, for this article trying to show ties and suits as redundant especially when it is a part of Western Culture. However statements like “I can see how it would fit traditional Bangladeshi standards” are not expected nor appropriate. Before making such statements I request you come to Bangladesh and see what “traditional standards” you are talking about. Bangladesh has developed a lot in the last two decades and is one of the very few countries that has had positive growth in its economy when all around the world including the “west” were going into recession. So maybe this “standard” might not be such a ridiculous thing that you carelessly mention.
I could go on about how the West is responsible for today’s energy and climate problems. But that would be wasted, so lets not go there. My country is trying something to help reduce wastage of energy. If you can’t acknowledge that, then please don’t say something that undermines the initiative or the people of this country.
45. Tausif | 09.09.09
@Mary: I can understand your concern, for this article trying to show ties and suits as redundant especially when it is a part of Western Culture. However statements like “I can see how it would fit traditional Bangladeshi standards” are not expected nor appropriate. Before making such statements I request you come to Bangladesh and see what “traditional standards” you are talking about.
46. Pat | 09.09.09
Wow, this was really poorly written. Many of us believe that casual dressing is not necessarily a positive. For one thing the idea of looking slovenly casual is not conducive to reinforcing a seriousness of purpose. I’m starting to see people wear shorts to work and wrinkled shirts and filthy shoes. I generally don’t take what people this careless about their appearance very seriously. They would certainly not try it in our company. Our standards are way too high. People need to seriously grow up and become professional adults. Our current dress code reflects the deteriorating social mores and dignity in the culture.
48. Quark | 09.09.09
Some things to think about… no comments on the lack of power plants keeping up with the economy? No comments about the corruption not getting fixed? What about the smell of all those sweaty bodies -now that shows professionalism! This article is more about a quick way to show nationalism and not fix their problems, dressed up (pun intended) as a story about fashion. And they want to be thought of as equal to Britain? With widespread power outages? Riiiiiiight….
49. nauttie munkie | 09.09.09
It is incontrovertible that a suit and tie is archaic relic of the British empire. A more modern approach would call for looser, more comfortable garb.
But does anyone else fear that this may be used to further anti-Western sentiment?
50. Todd | 09.09.09
welll no one brought up the real issue. Bangladesh is failing at providing power!
Instead of fixing corruption they decide to take away people’s choice and ban ties and suits.
this is a ridiculous solution and is taking away personal freedoms
51. LeadtheWay | 09.09.09
nauttie munkie says…”But does anyone else fear that this may be used to further anti-Western sentiment?”
WHO CARES?
52. James Davidson | 09.09.09
Just think of all the money to be saved as well. However, there will probably be an unintended consequence to this. Since there is no need to buy expensive suits and ties, people can now spend that money on electronics that will demand more power.
53. Caspar | 09.09.09
“Just make sure the collar size of the shirt matches your neck’s girth.”
Exactly. If necessary, get a half-size larger than you normally wear. And as for ties - they are ties, not tow-straps. There is no need or point in cinching them down into the skin of your neck. That way lies idiocy and auto-erotic asphyxiation.
The fear of suits is one of the silliest superstitions of the modern day.
“A more modern approach would call for looser, more comfortable garb.”
Then try a kilt.
54. karl anglin | 09.09.09
Now everyone who does not like wearing suits and ties
can move to Bangladesh! LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
55. J D | 09.09.09
No doubt written by someone who could never get
a job requiring a suit and tie — paper hats maybe.
Too bad the British Empire is gone — they ran things better than the
mob today.
56. Joe | 09.09.09
Did you ever pay attention to people dressed in suits and ties. 75% of them don’t know how to find a suit that fits properly let alone a shirt that fits… so it’s “uncomfortable”.
Get a grip folks. All the “throw away the suit” crowd are people dressing in pajamas getting on airplanes and coming to work in sandals, shorts, and printed t-shirts.
Buy garments that fit and they’ll be comfortable. And here’s another thing: If you don’t wear a suit at least wear shoes and dress pants. I’ve seen enough of your grungy feet in my workplace.
58. Ray | 09.09.09
And pretty soon the slobs will demand that they be allowed to wear the treadbare outfits that passes for casual in the USA. Please, you can be confortable and properly atired in any weather without causing sartorial assault.
59. Bob | 09.09.09
Dressing for work has a lot more function than just looking “professional”. Dressing well reflects both respect for those you work with, and an acknowledgement that work is a different environment than home. I have always wore a suit and tie to work. At the end of the day, when I take off that outfit, I take work off with it, and can concentrate on being a husband and father. When you mix your work and home attire, you never lose your sense of both a little bit.
Properly fitted suits, shirts and ties are only uncomfortable for those who don’t take care of themselves, and buy them too small. Which, in the case of the U.S., includes probably every adult male over 18 now. Get in shape and get with it; you can’t be children forever.
60. Keir | 09.09.09
You’d think they would have changed the image by now, especially at a time when there’s controversy about advertisement airbrushing minorities out of the frame.
61. Nick Hodgson | 09.09.09
What a brilliant leading by example out of the cage piece of legislation.
The Bangladesh government should win some kind of award for shaking down one of the most ridiculous items of fashion in a hot climate.
The writer is 100% correct in his disdain for a cold climate article of fashion. And one that can be uncomfortable as well . Many time i was forced to wear this ostentatious article of wear to satisfy a conservative dress code to pretend that clothes make the man.
Mahatma Ghandhi in his greatness new how to represent the culture of his climate and history. Without pretending to mirror image the culture of a distand land. And he did it with love and respect which was all that was needed.
Ofcourse in private and in ones personal life if one wants to wear ties and suits and rubber clown noses .. thats totally ones personal right. But this is a great way to ensure comfort and safe much needed energy.
Obama who is not my choice of President has recently mentioned that the idea of taxing the health sapping SODA needs investigating and this is also another brilliant logical plan..
So come on politicians world wide start thinking outside the cage.. And do what matters while avoiding the money donating lobbyists you so faithfully adhore.
62. Lucy Abrams | 09.09.09
The ISLAMIZATION of Bangladesh. Rarely you will see a devout Muslim wearing a such apparel
63. Douglas Goodall | 09.09.09
I know as a self-employed person meeting with clients at their offices, I met with a much more respectful attitude from the decision makers I was trying to close when dressed appropriately, especially in UK. The staff engineers however hated me instantly and were quick to point out that it was talent and not the costume that went in the box. Eventually I came to see that it was as much about how you feel about yourself as what the others may think. When I put on my three piece, I was ready to sign contracts and in a more formal state of mind. I dressed a certain way as a sign of respect to the client. Once I was in the lab, the tie came off and the shirtsleeves got rolled up. There is a time and place for everything. I can’t see a court of law with people’s shirt tails hanging out. Is this article for real or is it a big joke?
64. Denny Crane | 09.09.09
Actually, the tie was invented by women. It’s purpose is to serve as a choke chain so the men would be restrained and more obedient. The women beguile men into wearing these oxygen restricting collars by flattering them about how nice they look with them. Men, whose brains are starved for oxygen, believe that nonsense and gladly wear them so as to lap up more compliments, like puppies wanting to please. But, it was men who forged their own revenge on women by inventing…High Heeled Shoes!
65. Kevin | 09.09.09
When I started my most recent job, they told me I had to wear a tie, tuck in my shirt, etc. On my first day, I had NO tie, but I did tuck in my shirt into my dress pants. Today, I still wear a dress shirt, but it is untucked, still no tie, and I also were jeans and sneakers (black of course).
66. Todd | 09.09.09
Will the Bangladeshi government soon outlaw bathing more that 1x per week because of a water shortage? That would make for an aromatic work environment to say the least.
67. Mr Happy Man | 09.09.09
While I support dress codes, we don’t need to wear things that have no function. Like a tie, and a sports coat. Yes, I am part of the “throw out the tie and sports coat crowd” because fashion is entirely based upon subjective whims. The business casual policy my company instituted years back keeps us looking professional looking, but we don’t look grungy at all.
This idea that the tie makes one look more professional and thus create an attitude that makes someone do a better job is actually a detriment to the job of physicians. Some studies have shown that the tie carries germs, and doctors who wear them as opposed to an open shirt collar actually have sicker patients.
68. hmm | 09.09.09
Muah! Here here… (although.. I love costume, tradition … this is neither their costume nor their tradition, so why follow it). Let alone in such a climate…. and in our environmental status.
69. KPRyan | 09.09.09
But the Tie around the neck is the official Masonic Uniform!
Next you know these Bangladeshi folks will want their country back and no longer in the grips of the World Bank and UN! Tell them if they refuse long sleeved shirts, ties, and woolen herringbone jackets America will send them George Bush AND Bill Clinton to be their leaders for life!
70. Yash | 09.10.09
This is a hilarious piece - it seems as if none of the comment writers got the tongue-in-cheek tone.
Anyway, some suggestions for replacing the suit & tie (in the East, West, and everywhere in between)
- Star Trek/TNG outfits mandatory at the office: Deana Troi! Lt Tasha Yar!! Dr. Crusher!!! 7-of-9!!!!
- Thobes: for the hot/humid climates. To help maintain that mental separation between work and home, and to convey an air of professionalism, men (especially bankers, lawyers, consultants, and the like) should stick to charcoal, navy, or medium-grey pinstripe or chalk stripe thobes for the office
71. Dan | 09.10.09
I think it’s a great trend.
If you personally feel the desire to wear ties and suits, go for it.
If you think you will personally make more money in a tie and suit, more power to you.
I think they are quite uncomfortable and distracting. I get more work done in shorts and a tshirt. At the same time my grandfather wears a suit and tie every single day of his life regardless if it’s work or play because he loves them.
72. Stewart | 09.10.09
Well, good for Bangladesh! There’s nothing “professional” about neckties or suits. Together they are a uniform. From raw recruit to General rank. The civilian version has wider range by far in allowable variations.
One recent study found that doctors’ neckties carried the bacteria of every communicable disease patient the doctor had seen while wearing it.
73. Yasmin | 09.10.09
The focus should be on generating electricity- not individual’s dress code! What will happen to the ladies wearing hijab- wrapped up with clothing from top to bottom? Power generation is a serious issue in the country and the policy makers should start thinking sensibly.
Dhaka,
Bangladesh
74. Walt | 09.10.09
I have always admired the ‘formal’ dress of the Filipino men, it is called a Barong Tagalog (sp) and can be either long or short sleeve. It is made from a very thin (see thru) fabric, normally white but can be of other colors, and is normally with decorative sewing. They are worn untucked and are acceptable on all occasions.
75. Hanson | 09.10.09
Great job CSM … for the comic relief. I got more laughs than a late night monologue. Seriously though, without supply-side free market structures and a first world mentality, Bangladesh will find its efforts to rise out of squalor futile. Governments are equipped to coerce - that’s the social contract, they are not equipped to serve individuals neither responsively nor efficiently. Government-run _____________ (fill in the blank) cannot and will not perform more responsively or more efficiently than free market enterprises. Hey CSM, let me know what comedy venue you’ll be playing next. I’ll purchase tickets to laugh like that again.
76. Roger | 09.10.09
I’ve always thought the suit and tie thing was completely ridiculous. Whenever I see a man in a suit, I think of one of 3 things:
Who died?
Who’s getting married?
What’s he trying to sell me that I don’t want?
Trying to get any kind of useful work done while packaged up like a car salesman simply doesn’t seem logical. If your coworkers are so caught up in fashion that what you wear determines what they think of you, they’re not the kind of coworkers you should be working with.
77. Rob | 09.10.09
Does that tie make you smarter than me? Does that tie mean you can sell more than me or fix more things than me? I’m retired military and all too familiar with dress codes. The military is getting smarter about uniforms and so should Corp. entities. Suits and ties were culture taught back in the day as “the proper attire” for the proffessional person. It could have been taught to be shorts and t-shirts. BS flag has been raised! I could proffessionally do my job writing corporate proposals in shorts…Either way, I hope they make some headway on their power problem.
78. sparkjockey | 09.10.09
What a politically slanted piece of trash. Content may be correct, even desirable. The one liners against traditional office attire became boring after the first three. How could this be posted in the news section? This story belongs in the opinion section.
79. Soulcatcher | 09.10.09
Actually also if you think about it all the energy required for drycleaning is saved too.
80. Cha-am Jamal | 09.10.09
you’d think that a country awash in natural gas and short of electricity would run all their refrigeration compressors - air conditioning and other applications - on natural gas instead of electricity but that is not the case. a simple switch of energy source for compressors could alleviate the power shortage. when i was in dhaka the power went out about 3 or 4 times a day often for hours at a time.
twitter: chaamjamal
81. Jeff Bristol | 09.10.09
What ever happened to dressing formally, but suited to the climate? A linen coat or even (as ridiculous as it may look today) a seersucker fabric (which itself is Indian in derivation, deriving from the Persian words shir and suqar, meaning milk and sugar)in a light color is perfectly comfortable at 75 degrees if an undershirt is worn under a light, unstartched button-up. So many layers may seem a little bizarre in the heat, but long sleeves and loose fabrics with layers is a rule in most hot climates. It works for me in north Florida and I never use air-conditioning except in August.
Just look at the Arab ‘abbayah, the north/west African dra’a/boubou or Afghans in pirahaan o shalwar, all are long, layered articles of clothing. The problem is that coat and tie has come to mean a heavy, dark fabric that is ideally suited to Europe and northern climes but no where else. That being said, if the Bangledeshis want to abandon something not native to their land, fine, but the suit and tie are part of our culture and it is a shame to see them so readily abused with no real sense. Besides, as a sarotiral note, if any piece of clothing you are wearing is uncomfortable, you’re not doing itright. You should either tie the tie less tightly, find a different collar size or have your coats/pants adjusted or maybe just look into buying different (lighter or heavier) fabric next time you buy clothes. A well fitting, good looking ensemble should be perfectly comfortable.
Jeff Bristol
82. JJ | 09.10.09
It’s about time people realize the necktie is totally worthless and should have been dropped years ago. It is possible to look professional without that useless piece of cloth around the neck.
83. Vaag | 09.10.09
Without an expensive suit and tie how is a man suppose to brag and display his wealth, thus proving how much better he is than the average Joe Blow?
85. Jessica | 09.10.09
“the state-owned power plants are unable to meet demand”
When will people learn? Privately-owned power plants regularly increase their generating capacity, in order to maximize their profit. That’s a good thing. Taking profit into consideration makes an enterprise responsive to customer demand. People should be free to own power plants.
86. Asian view | 09.10.09
I recently returned from a trip to Sri Lanka and to my amazement there was a noticeable absence of ceiling fans. All the Hotels I stayed had air conditioning but all the fans have been removed. When I left Sri Lanka as a child the 5 star hotels, especially the ones built by the British had fans in every room and corridor. Without the fans the air conditioners were working over time and yet one felt a sense of “stickiness” as there was no breeze to circulate the air. Furthermore the breeze created by ceiling fans reduce the headache of mosquito attacks.
Common sense should have dictated that fans are the primary instrument for cooling with the air conditioner as a “supplement” to it. If there were fans it would take seconds to circulate the cool air coming from the air conditioners and cut the cost of cooling a space. These nations’ notion that the “old technology” of ceiling fans have to be done away with and replaced by air conditioning is short sighted. My suggestion is bring back the ceiling fans and the cost of cooling will dramatically drop.
87. johnbrown | 09.10.09
What’s next? Shorts at work? Why wear clothes at all if all we do with them is worry about whether or not we are comfortable? Have we learned nothing at all from history? I, for one, am for professionalism in all areas! When we stopped our professionalism in the workplace, every thing in life seems to have cheapened.
88. Lonewolf | 09.10.09
At my first job after college, there was a saying by the engineers. The people at meetings who dressed up the most were the least knowledgeable. I have always despised wearing a suit and tie. I prefer jeans and a t-shirt. I don’t see anything unprofessional about dressing in jeans and a t-shirt if you are clean. And I don’t buy the whole line of “looking” professional, I have known many people who care what someone knows instead of how someone looks.
89. ramisa | 09.10.09
it makes sense not to wear stuffy ties and suit and jacket in Bangladesh. The weather is just not right for that sort of clothes. People wearing ties and suits won’t be in air-conditioned offices all day. as long as there is an alternative and more relaxed dress code, I don’t see why the work place should be overrun with indiscipline and havoc. Seriously, most people in Bangladesh wouldn’t have their hearts torn out if they can’t wear ties and suits.
90. Alex | 09.10.09
“Despised by all but the most inveterate masochist” Really! I don’t wear a tie to work but I don’t know anyone who does and despises it. This is a silly phrase, and a silly article. It is hard to take this seriously and even harder to believe that adults are making these decisions.
91. SNOOPY | 09.10.09
I feel that this is the way the government gets our freedom a little bit at a time. Now they control how many calories we need to eat, smoking, drinking, gun control, and now what to wear the next thing will me a meter to bill us for the breaths we take, is insane, WAKE UP PEOPLE!!! and now national healthcare here in America!!!
92. Kirk Jackson | 09.10.09
This is an asinine article. I wear suits and ties, not due to coercion, but due to personal preference. It is the sign of professionalism world wide. If an organization wants to relax its dress code, it should have the right to do that. However, the ignorant and sophomoric approach of this article demonstrates the lack of professionalism in the periodical in which it appears.
93. adil | 09.10.09
really interesting to see the reaction of the readers. do most of you know where bangladesh is?
94. Ted | 09.10.09
Well, frankly, it seems this decision has everything to do with the government’s incompetence in generating power or encouraging industry to do so. Therefore, the reasons given, while logical, are masking the real problem. People should not have to settle for less and if a person enjoys dressing up, it’s a matter of personal freedom. Furthermore, on the same theory, everyone there should wear loincloths.
95. Rob C. | 09.10.09
Try seersucker, folks. It’s a south asian fabric, looks grea, breathes wonderfully, wears well and hides wrinkles.
I wear a seersucker suit with a straw hat all summer long. Remove the jack and you will be quite comfortable at 75 degrees indoors.
96. AK | 09.10.09
@ WR Smith # 26, your insensitive comments about poverty of Bangladesh is hurtful for a lot of people, not just in Bangladesh but elsewhere, where there are poor people. I may just remind you that it is not the poor who has created the global pollution and environmental mess we are in, try to fix your mess first and then claim the moral upper hand. Those who know history are well aware how the West Europeans reached where they are today, I have no bitterness about it, but when I see what has been done to the world and is still being done by the resource hungry rich of the world and then I see attitudes like yours then I must remind you to look yourself in the mirror and see who you really are and what you have done.
97. Dean Wilkerson | 09.10.09
This guy must have gone to graduate school to come up with such a stupid idea. There’s corruption in the government and he focuses on neck ties. Amazing.
98. Lamont | 09.10.09
Al Gore still wears a suit and tie, and since he is the leading researcher/knowledge holder/leader/advocate/and all around Grand Poobah on climate change/global warming; I will continue to proudly wear a suit and tie. I believe this is an inprudent act undertaken by the Bangladeshis. In theory, sure, it sounds like not wearing a suit and tie could be the answer to solving all the worlds problems. But in practice, they really should check and see what Mr. Gore recommends on this.
99. The Altruist | 09.10.09
” I have no bitterness about it, but when I see what has been done to the world and is still being done by the resource hungry rich of the world and then I see attitudes like yours ”
Indeed!
It is those rich, resource hungry individuals who are fully responsible for all the indignanties and horror heaped upon the noble, valient have nots! If it weren’t for these resource hungry rich and their never ceasing appetite to further technology, industry, science, medicine, etc (yes, the list of horror goes on and on!)we all could be enjoying the quality of life afforded by a third world nation.
How dare these resource obsessed monsters deprive the world of famine,disease and lack of education that the 3rd world is so unselfishly trying to share with the rest of us.
Begone you horrid resource mongers. Leave us to hunter gathering and death from the common cold! Viva la contributions of the 3rd world. Down with rich resource mongers!
100. Professr History | 09.10.09
“Those who know history”
Sahib, an unbiased knowledge of history would do you more service than a professed knowledge of history tainted by a personal attachment to the desire to dislodge third world civilization from any self responsibility in their own development. Certainly colonial powers played a role in the process, but to categorically repress the role played by the people themselves is to categorize past events as something other than history.
101. Christopher J. Ward | 09.10.09
For all of my working life, I was plagued by suits and ties and I hated it, so when the opportunity came I wore a cardigan in the office when it was cooler then shirtsleeves when warmer. The suit and tie has become the uniform of Western business. I’m surprised that Bangladesh has so many people wearing suits, jackets and neckties. Nearby India has more sensible clothing for the heat.
However, suit and tie mark a man in the West by his status and power. The whole fashion industry, which once made women look like fools has done its best with men and continues to do so. Ties are an unnecessary encumbrance and for those of you who wear jackets frequently, if there are buttons on the sleeves you need to be aware of their history. King Friedrich William 1 of Prussia, father of Frederick the Great had buttons put on the sleeves of his soldiers uniform in order to make it difficult to wipe their noses. And I hope you that make sure feel better about wearing them.
102. Carol | 09.10.09
I think the most important information in this story is that Bangledesh’s economy has been growing at 6% annually for the past five years. Faboulous!
103. sadia | 09.11.09
This is ridiculous. It’s really hot there even when you wear non-western clothes. So shall we wear Lungis to work and imitate Rickshawallahs - that’s traditional is it now? It’s really easy to attack ‘white’ colonialists for past enforcements, and yes, brown sahibs everywhere in the colonial world, not only in INdia but also Latin America imitated European fashion. But as a brownie myself, i feel it is all too easy to play the ‘WHITE’ card - the problem lies not in the fashion but in incompetent rule. This is hypocritical and disgusting on so many levels. I can’t believe this is a law…
104. jitu | 09.11.09
Its a innovative idea with nice and dynamic justification. It also revitalise the traditional western thinking. Beside its power cutting vantages it would also make more amiable and affable working environment as the dress code will be more congenial to the common working class.
105. Ben Piccolini | 09.11.09
I wore a tie for 40+ yrs ! I was a teacher. It did help in discipline by meaning “this is business” …..especially at the university where too many profs dressed like slobs. The students felt more important however keeping in shape physically was equally important. This formal dress code was imposed by the administration in public schools. It did not stultify creativity and a relaxed atmosphere was retained .
106. Taz | 09.11.09
The origin of neckwear came long before this article states. Example - http://www.abcneckties.com/necktiehistory.html
I don’t know why people are so emotional about ties and suits. If you don’t like them, go get a job where you don’t need them. If you have to wear them, spend a little time researching them, buy quality, well fitting suits and shirts. You won’t regret it. You will spend more on them, but you will be much more comfortable in the long run.
107. Christopher J. Ward | 09.11.09
I had intended to leave this subject alone but the comments of Taz 106 above interested me and I wondered whether he came from the same part of the world - the South Island of Australia known to some as Tasmania.
I fall into the category of being a crusty that is I’m well past retirement age. A great deal of my work during my professional career involved research and sitting at a desk going through files and eventually using a computer. What I have always resented about the suit and tie brigade is that they force a dress code on others. However, nothing could be worse than Rafferty’s rules, which would allow anybody to dress as they like at work. There have to be standards and only in recent years has “smart casual” become recognized in the Anglo world and it varies from country to country, state to state, town to town and so on.
My particular irritation is that those of us who live in the hot countries of the Southern Hemisphere have not designed or cause to be designed clothing that suits the climate and conditions. We still follow the British model, sometimes almost slavishly. There is absolutely nothing worse than having no air conditioning or being in the open air when wearing a suit and tie, with the thermometer passing the old hundred degrees (Fahrenheit) mark and more importantly, humidity being over 70%. It is impossible to stay neat and tidy under such conditions. Even the best dressed of us can resemble an unmade bed under those conditions and being mobile as part of the job. My grandmother who was very wise had an almost innumerable list of sayings, one of which was of course, “clothes maketh the man.”
Today’s lightweight fabrics are certainly much better than those available when I first started work. A good friend of mine who is retired still wears a collar and tie at home while in retirement. My benchmark is smart casual for everyday life but at least in retirement, I have a decision to make and the choice. Working for an organization which required a certain color of suit, white shirt and tie was far too much of a uniform. And when it comes to wearing uniform, I would far sooner wear my service uniform.
Of all the compulsory elements of clothing demanded by employers, it is the tie that I find most irritating. It’s something like an employer insisting that you shave, especially when you prefer to grow a beard. Certain industries will always require employees to wear a uniform: that is axiomatic and understandable but I would not work for any employer who made similar demands of me. I did not request/require the conventional suit and tie in order to think. I did not need it to show I was senior management and just as one should never judge a book by the cover, there should be something similar when clothing is considered. The main essential for any employee or employer is to be clean, well mannered and dressed appropriately. To wear a suit and tie on the grounds of convention is patently ridiculous. When I was a senior manager, I committed my female staff to wear jeans provided that they were neat and tidy. They were not in the public eye and it helped beat the worst problem of the day which for them was static electricity from plastic chairs. Notwithstanding the fact that I had carpet which had allegedly been treated so as to be static free, I can recall many days when I got quite a shock from the chair. And no, my chair had not been connected to the electric circuits by my staff.
As I recall, Jimmy Carter, who doesn’t enjoy the best press told people to turn down their air con in the office to 68F and that produced a rush to cardigans. What we badly need is enlightened management and if the Prime Minister of Bangladesh is serious in this matter, then common sense dictates the change be made. I felt very sorry when visiting India for a certain rank within the Indian bureaucracy that wore closing more consistent with London than Delhi. There was a neo-conformism which was totally irrelevant. It has largely died out with generational change but the whole exercise sparked by this blog represents an insight on whether we live to work or work to live. To my eternal shame, there are days when I don’t get dressed and others when I wear a tracksuit. That is the price of being totally and permanently incapacitated and unable to dress myself as I wish. When I do venture out, I tried to look as clean and respectable as possible but those are my personal values and I would not seek to impose them on others.
108. NinaNintius | 09.18.09
Loved this article! I have recently started reminding people that clothes DO NOT in fact make the man.
If you put a saint in rags…a saint he still is.
Meanwhile a jerk in a suit is just that…a jerk in a suit.
The ideal of suiting up to present an air of being better or more qualified has annoyed me for years being a fan of casual yet clean attire. The article doesn’t suggest wearing athletic gear or jammies…just to take off the noose and corresponding straight jacket.
There are plenty of ways to appear neat without being stuffy.
109. Umar | 10.13.09
The fact of the matter is that in previous decades, men and women both dressed far more respectably, elegantly, and appropriately - resulting in an image that was professional and stylish.
Today the average person dresses like a slob, wearing jeans and a tshirt and expect people to treat them with the same respect and professionalism awarded to one dressed in a coat and tie or a dress.
People could argue that judging someone based on how they dress is ridiculous, but in response I say yes that is true, but no on only judges someone based on how they are dressed. However, how you are dressed creates a strong impression, and if you are dressed like a slob, you give the impression that you are one.
A coat and tie make a man look at his best, and same with a professional dress for a woman, and no matter how the article writer wants to dream about the world, this is the truth.
I for one am glad that the corporate workplace is again becoming more formal, in this day and age no one has any clue as how to dress elegantly, and mandatory coat and tie requirements circumvent that.
110. Matthew | 11.11.09
Interesting.
I wonder why they wouldn’t just allow men to have to option to wear suits and ties or not? I very much enjoy wearing a suit and tie, it gives a feeling of confidence, and if I was not permitted to wear them at work, because they think it raises the cost for air conditioning, I would be quite upset.
111. fatcow | 11.19.09
Since their economy has already been growing at 6% for the past five years i think this might increase their growth rate.
Trackbacks/Pingbacks
10. Whiplash, In Case You Missed the Energy Efficiency News from September 7 - 11, 2009 | Energy Circle | 09.14.09
Leave a Comment
We do not publish all comments, and we do not publish comments immediately. The comments feature is a forum to discuss the ideas in our stories. Constructive debate - even pointed disagreement - is welcome, but personal attacks on other commenters are not, and will not be published.
Tip: Do not write a novel. Keep it short. We will not publish lengthy comments. Come up with your own statements. This is not a place to cut and paste an email you received. If we recognize it as such, we won't post it.
Please do not post any comments that are commercial in nature or that violate copyrights.
Finally, we will not publish any comments that we regard as obscene, defamatory, or intended to incite violence.
1. Joyce | 09.06.09
I think that is a great idea. the corporate world started to be less formal back in the early 90’s. But many people still cling on to the belief that suits and ties equate to professionalism, which I don’t believe is entirely true.