The Paisley tie's infinite pattern variations and colours have made it an almost indispensable part of most men's wardrobes. The tie is an original Paisley heavyweight - along with the Paisley shirt and the Paisley bandana - and because the versatility of its design allows it to continually re-invent itself, it is unlikely its popularity will ever wane. And since those designs are so beautiful, we reckon it is a shame that the Paisley tie is only worn conventionally - so, we at Just Paisley have come up with 9 - yes, nine - uses for it. Some are straightforward and some are hopefully positively outrageous:
1. Paisley Tie
It is only right that we acknowledge the use most popularised by men over many decades.
Its surname ‘tie’ comes from the fact that it is tied around the neck. On completion of use, some men untie the tie, which requires the tie to be re-tied on the next use. Alternatively, the tied tie can be loosened, and slipped over the head, eliminating the need to re-tie on the next use. This second method is regularly used by people in a hurry, or as ‘un-tiers’ would call them – lazy people.
Its first name, 'Paisley' comes from it adopting the iconic Paisley pattern, the beautiful teardrop-shaped swirl named after the town in Scotland that popularised it.
A Paisley tie makes a beautiful neck adornment. Normally worn by men – but increasingly by all humans – it could be seen by some as the male equivalent of the necklace. For others – reputedly a small group of Scottish shepherds – it is a sign that the shepherd is in charge, not the sheepdog.
2. Curtain holdback
Paisley ties are great for securing your curtains or drapes. Against a plain curtain, it brings the curtain to life or the Paisley tie to life, depending on your perspective. For this to work properly, you need two Paisley ties of the same design. If purchased together, perhaps you could negotiate a discount.
Key Point: Please have a story ready for when you are asked why you are buying two copies of the same Paisley tie. A few suggestions here would be:
‘I always lose my tie, so I need a backup.’
‘One is for my partner and one for my lover.’ (Be prepared for a completely blank response from the sales assistant in this scenario).
For those to whom lying does not come easily, an alternative could be to ask someone else to buy the second tie, or if push comes to shove, to get the other person to buy the first tie, and you to buy the second.
Additional Key Point: Buying the two ties on separate days makes sense. This reduces the likelihood that the salesperson will notice the weirdness of two of the same ties being purchased consecutively, and indeed also increases the likelihood it will be a different salesperson.
Additional Additional Key Point: The two-day purchase option runs the risk of your ‘second’ tie being purchased by a third party - or if there is a run on Paisley ties, you could be left in the lurch.
3. Gag
There are various reasons a Paisley tie could be used as a gag. I can’t think of any pleasant, so I will leave this as a suggestion, rather than any advice to use as a gag.
4. Blindfold
There are various reasons why a Paisley tie could be used as a blindfold. I can only think of one that is pleasant, so I will leave this merely as a suggestion, rather than any advice to use it as a blindfold.
5. Maracas
If your Paisley tie has a lining, you could force some marbles, or Paisley beads, into it. Then, cut the tie in half and sew it up. The colourful soft, fabricky maracas will be perfect for that Mexican or Paisley-themed festival.
If your tie does not have a lining, you have probably purchased a cheaper Paisley tie, so buy another Paisley tie with a lining or sew one half of your tie to the other and again, sew up. This of course will leave you with one maraca, which is perfectly functional, particularly if you have recently suffered a wrist injury or lost an arm.
6. Thick thin headband
When used as a headband, the method generally employed, i.e., wrapping continuously around the head, exacerbates the headband's thickness. The thinness comes from the width of the tie employed. Regarding the style of wear, the tie can be worn like a normal necktie, except the tie is left to dangle down the back of the head. This can look particularly aesthetic when worn with a shirt worn back to front.
Key Point: If using as a dangly headband, ensure the tie is not worn to the front. Doing so could affect your vision and the likelihood of crashing your car, if you have one, is known to increase dramatically in such cases.
7. Tree marker
A colourful Paisley Print tie makes a wonderful tree marker – but only for small trees by circumference, not height.
There are numerous reasons why a Paisley tie could be tied to a tree. Perhaps the most touching would be to commemorate the tie's life. Another less significant reason could be to celebrate the life of a deceased person who just happened to own the tie. Tying their favourite Paisley tie to their ‘small by circumference’ tree will evoke memories for the family, and the deceased - if there is life after death.
Key Point: Due to the popularity of Paisley ties, and depending on which neighbourhood you live in, there is a strong possibility that the commemorative tie will be stolen. Guilt-shaming the relevant individual on local TV should do the trick in recovering the tie, particularly if your broadcast says that if they say ‘I just found it laying there’, you will tell them that you will not press charges - but then do.
8. Wrapping material
What could be better than wrapping a beautiful Paisley shirt with two beautiful Paisley ties? That shows your love for Paisley (and if bought because of this site, also shows your love for us at Just Paisley).
9. Holding some random object together device
Perhaps the most unusual use for your Paisley tie, a device for holding some random objects together might be the most obvious. Indeed, now that you have heard of it, you are probably astonished you never thought of it yourself – right?
Yes, this is why you should always carry a Paisley tie. While it is not compulsory in most countries to hold a tie in a first aid box, I would argue that it should be (not very strongly, it should be stressed).
We do not know when we will be called upon to find something to hold something together. I could be more specific and will be. Whether it is holding together a busted head, securing two shopping bags together, or being ready for an impromptu game of ‘three-legged race’, you never know when and what you will need that tie for.
One final point: You should make it a Paisley tie because regardless of how you use it, you will be showered with compliments on your tie. This will come as no small consolation if your head has been busted because you have fallen on a badly maintained road. If so, remember to claim for a new Paisley tie to replace the bloodied one that has just saved your life.
Note: All featured ties are far too beautiful to be used other than as a wear-round-the-neck tie. If you want to use a tie for any of our other suggested uses, maybe look at alternatives.