Anti-necktie sentiment in Iran stems from the 1979 revolution, when the accessory was denounced as a symbol of Western cultural oppression. The ubiquitous necktie, a garment that became part of the standard business attire worn across the globe, can enliven an otherwise dull suit or ceremoniously flaunt one’s status. Backlash to neckties is linked to how dress was politicised in pre-revolution Iran as part of the monarchy’s nation-building project to ...