How to Choose a Tie For Men

Neckties are timeless fashion staples that every man should own. But finding the perfect tie can be a challenge!

It’s essential to coordinate the length and width of your tie with your outfit for a polished, tailored look.

Proportion

Proportion is an essential element in a well-dressed man’s ensemble. The widths of your tie, lapels and collar should all be balanced against one another for optimal visual impact.

A skinny tie may look unbalanced when paired with wide lapels, while a wider tie may appear oddly mismatched when worn alongside narrow lapels. As a general guideline, your tie’s width should be approximately equal to your suit’s lapel width; however, there is some nuance here too.

Slimmer men tend to favor narrow ties (less than 2.5 inches); wider ties (more than 3.75 inches) work better for athletic-looking guys. Of course, there are always exceptions to every rule!

Length

Tie selection can be the finishing touch to a sophisticated ensemble. But finding the ideal tie for you may prove challenging if you aren’t an expert in this area.

When selecting a tie, the length should fall at or just above your trouser waistband and not hang below the middle of your belt buckle.

When selecting the length of your tie, several factors come into play such as its thickness, material and knot style. Ideally, opt for a tie that matches your torso length; this way, the tip will rest against your waistband without appearing excessively long or short.

Width

Width is an understated but essential aspect of a tie, and should be taken into account when selecting one for yourself. Finding the ideal width will create balance in your proportions and help you look your best.

Classic ties typically range in width from 3 1/8” – 3 1/2″, making them ideal for men with broad shoulders or larger chests. These ties look good paired with a broad jacket lapel and are ideal for those who appreciate traditional tie styles.

Slim ties have become a go-to choice among stylish young professionals and younger men alike. These thinner ties typically measure less than 3” wide, making them versatile enough to go with any type of dress shirt.

Patterns

Neckties are an excellent way to add visual interest and depth to your ensemble. Selecting a tie with a pattern that complements the rest of your look will give it that finishing touch.

Patterns come in a wide variety, but some essentials should be staples of every man’s closet:

*Patterns featuring a large number of stripes (diagonal, overlaid, repp) and plaids tend to be formal and suitable for business settings when paired with lighter-colored shirts or suits.

Tie patterns often feature geometric prints, such as squares and checks, tumbling blocks or medallions. These can range in subtlety or prominence depending on the color and size of the pattern.

Fabric

Fabric for a tie should be tightly woven, thin enough to show through the knot (but thick enough not to wrinkle), and lightweight silks or wool blends like Viyella (a wool-cotton blend), Liberty prints and quilting cottons.

Tie lengths range from 53 to 57 inches in length; typically, two ties require 1.5 yards of fabric each; however, for extra-long ties that measure up to 3/4 yard may be needed. Your fabric salesclerk can help determine exactly how much material is necessary.

Create the blade and narrow-half pattern pieces by cutting each on the bias (as illustrated). For the blade tip, if using interfacing, interface it at its visible point (no seam allowances required); for the narrow half, use a bias interfacing strip as a guide when positioning your pattern pieces.