46. There should be no presence of logo or branding when wearing a suit. For example, do not wear a Polo shirt with the Polo logo on it under a suit jacket or a Burberry tie with the Burberry tartan (although the scarfs are fine). The emphasis of a suit should be the fit, not the brands it is worn with.
Does the Burberry check really count as a logo per se?
I don’t count it as a logo, but it is some seriously heavy branding. And I am of the opinion that it is extremely tacky to wear it in tie form. As a scarf or coat lining is one thing, but putting it around your neck is a whole other.
-JLJ
Not sure I agree with applying this rule to Burberry ties. A trademarked pattern is not the same as a logo. Although, in Burberry’s case, they serve the same purpose — similar to the way the red and white serves the purpose for Coca-Cola. If the Burberry tartan looks good, without reference to whether someone knows it is a Burberry or not, then I think you’re good to go.
Also, you didn’t explain WHY a Burberry scarf is OK, but a tie is not. Because you take the scarf off when you come indoors? Or you wear a scarf with an overcoat? What if you wear the scarf, but no overcoat? Seems to be a distinction without a difference to me.
Ted,
The reason you cited, ability to take the scarf off is one of the reasons. The other reason, as far as I am concerned, is that a man’s tie is often the first or one of the first things people take note of, and I for one think it is poor taste to have a Burberry tie be one of the first things people think of when they see you; especially in a business setting. Additionally, I think it is poor taste to broadcast that you are wearing a designer tie. The emphasis should be on the fit of your suit and how it ties in with your tie, not the brand of your tie. I could extend this to talk about Hermes ties, but I will leave that rant for another time. I hope this helps clarify things.
-JLJ
I agree with your assessment of the Burberry tie. I do not like it. I am glad to hear someone agree. There is something about having XXXX draped across your chest that is off putting.
Love it on a scarf.
What about an oxford button down with a logo under a blazer or sport coat?
Matthew,
I see it done often, but that does not make it right. And I have even been guilty of doing it back in the day. But am vehemently against it as it is in poor taste.
-JLJ
[…] of more importance there is no external branding; for logos are not to be worn with suits (see Rule 46). However, the quality does not seem to be that of those from Patagonia, but I have yet to have […]