I discovered something shocking recently. Apparently ties are no longer a requirement for those working at Railway Modeller magazine. It seems that Peco are "moving with the times". Before long they will be wearing baseball caps back to front!
A bit of me quite likes the idea of dress codes that are slightly old-fashioned. When working in an office, I wore ties long after others had given up on them. My vast collection needed an airing and anyway, it was the only bit of colour I could be bothered with. When your tie has character, wearing a white shirt each day isn't noticed.
I'm not sure this is always a good thing however. Look at this illustration from the 1960 Hobbies Annual. The lad is sawing away while dressed in a suit!
Is this either safe or clever? My guess is that his Mum would appear very shortly and administer a clip around the ear for getting his good clothes dirty. Sawdust gathered in trouser turn-ups must have been difficult to shift in those pre-washing machine days.