A tie is mostly for looks. And it have been a fashion item for as long as we can tell. It did have its origin in the cravat which is a larger piece of cloth but worn in much the same way as a tie. Again we do not know exactly what purpose this was serving initially before being turned into a fashion item. But it could have served similar purpose to scarfs. That is to keep warm during cold days, keep cold in hot days after being soaked in water, keeping the wind and dust of ones face in windy days, protect the shirt from dirt and even clean things with it and generally a utility item with lots of uses. The tie came around in the late 1800s when people wanted smaller more comfortable and cheaper clothing. They did not actually get rid of the neck wear but made it much smaller. So it does not fill much of a practical role any longer, just fashion.

It was originally like a napkin/handkerchief. You would use it for cleaning things. Then they started making them fancier, then they got too fancy to use for that.

So they used to serve a purpose, but now they're just for aesthetics.

[deleted]

[removed]

Anything for formal wear is all about looks and trying to show status. That is their purpose.

You don’t need a tie nobody needs to look like that. Wear one if you wanna be like everyone else. Don’t if you don’t. I’ve gone to weddings and charity galas wearing a polo under my jacket instead of a button up shirt and tie, way more comfortable and frankly if anyone had anything to say about it they sure as shit didn’t say it to me so I really can’t find any fucks to give. Fuck a tie.