Few accessories can enhance an outfit like a tie. Every man should have at least a dozen good ties in his wardrobe. Follow these tips for a flawless look.
Steps
Step 1. Familiarize yourself with the different parts of the tie
Recognizing the quality of a tie is important, especially to understand which type you want to buy. Here are the items that need to be checked:
- Check the tie lining. The lining facilitates the making of the knot and limits wrinkles. The lining must be 100% wool. The thickness of the lining is indicated by a series of gold bars: the more there are, the thicker the lining.
- Look and touch the fabric of the tie. If you want it in silk (the quintessential fabric they are made of), make sure by touching it that it is real. Silk is in fact soft, while imitations tend to be harder. A good quality tie consists of 3 pieces, while the cheaper ones only have 2.
- Handmade: A handmade tie is much more beautiful than an industrial one. Check the hem and the stitches.
- Check the stitches of the lining. These points tighten the tie and hold its shape.
- Check the label. The label reinforces the lining seam and joins the two ends of the tie.
Step 2. The size
Choose a tie that touches your belt buckle and is 5 to 10cm wide.
- For a classic look, choose a tie that is as wide as the collar of your jacket.
- The tie shouldn't be too loose or too tight around your neck; both versions are extremely uncomfortable, so make sure it fits.
Step 3. Remember the fabric
Choose wool ties with tweed or heavy jackets; silk with elegant clothes. If you want silk ties with rich colors, make sure the tie is woven.
Step 4. Match the colors
Choose a tie that has the same colors as your suit and shirt and an extra color to create movement. For formal occasions choose a single color, darker than the shirt.
- A solid color tie is the most versatile of all because it goes well with everything.
- Dark ties are perfect for the job. If you combine it with a khaki or blue shirt you will get a military look.
- Black ties go well with everything and are suitable for all situations, from a funeral to work. They are also perfect for hiding stains.
- Young men or men living in warm areas prefer more colorful ties (and shirts).
- Look for a tie that goes well with a dress shirt. This will be your best tie. Make sure it has nice colors.
Step 5. Look in the mirror and observe your face
If you have dark complexion and hair, choose a light tie; if you are lighter, opt for a dark tie. If your hair and skin are in contrast, choose a tie that goes well with your skin tone.
Step 6. Match the patterns
Choose a pattern that goes well with your outfit. If the shirt has a pattern, choose a smooth tie; if the shirt is plain color, you can choose a more textured tie. Here are some pointers on fantasies:
- Repetitive pattern: the most common of the ties, and includes soft fabrics, shapes, animals, logos, cords etc.
- Dots: the smaller they are, the more formal the tie. Beware of polka dots: they can make you look like a clown.
- Stripes: also known as "regimental" ties, as they were created to show the various colors of the regiments of the British army. In England the lines go from top left to bottom right; in America they range from top right to bottom left.
- Woven: A woven tie is typically plain colored. Weaving is the fantasy itself. An example is gratin silk. The woven ties are formal and conservative.
- Chess: they are very showy. They can be toned down with a shirt with the same pattern or with colors similar to those of the tie.
Step 7. Choose elegance
When in doubt, choose something sober. The tie is a prominent accessory but it shouldn't take attention away from you.
Step 8. Wear a tie on the weekend
The tie can also be worn with casual and informal looks, such as at the weekend. Be discreet, because the tie must go well with simple and informal shirts and jackets. Choose a classic but simple tie to combine with an informal shirt with an important pattern. For a very casual look, opt for a plain (or light patterned) t-shirt and a loose tie.
Advice
- Knitted ties should not be hung, but rolled up like socks to prevent them from coming loose.
- Did you know that…? The French made the tie famous in the 17th century after seeing it to Croatian soldiers during the Thirty Years War.
- Look for a tie that represents you well.
- Avoid wearing pattern upon pattern. Only if one pattern is very light can it be combined with another.
- If you are wearing a heavy shirt, such as suede or velvet, wear an equally heavy tie, possibly a dark color. This look is very professional or academic.
- If you are wearing both a tie and a striped shirt, make sure the stripes are of different sizes. Avoid juxtaposing too similar patterns. For example, a shirt with fine stripes can be combined with a tie with pronounced stripes.
- Ties can also be worn as belts, pocket handkerchiefs and straps. They can also be used as suitcase straps, arm bands, thongs, cords, and many other uses.
Warnings
- Be careful when buying ties online or in the mail. They may be of poor quality.
- Avoid ties that are too original - even if they are festive they are easily distracting.
