The Ultimate Necktie Guide

The conventional thought is that the tie is a formal accessory in a man's wardrobe that projects professionalism and authority. Earlier, there were few options men had when it came to making statements with their wardrobes. This is why the tie was the best option for men to affirm themselves. The case is, however, different today; men can express themselves in other ways besides wardrobe, perhaps the reason for the decline in people wearing ties.

Do you have an upcoming event that requires you to wear a tie, and is it making you anxious? In this article, we discuss some basic things about neckties that will go a long way to ensure you look dapper on the day.

In the 90s, ties were reserved for men in white-collar jobs. This included those in industries like banking, accounting, and law, as well as managers and politicians. In the 2000s, people adopted more casual dressing styles, and the use of ties became somewhat limited to formal events such as weddings, graduations, black-tie dinners, and christenings. 

Today, ties are greatly underrated. If worn correctly, they can significantly impact your look and persona. If you are debating on whether to wear a tie or not to that event, here are some reasons that could influence your decision;

• A tie will elevate your outfit by several notches. First, it makes you look classy and put together, giving a strong impression.

• Since the 17th century, neckties have been regarded as a symbol of honor, order, and nobility.

• A tie makes you look smart and influential, even when that is far from the truth. Making a good impression is a good thing as it opens opportunities and commands respect from people. So, if you want to influence or command authority, make a point to wear a tie to that event.
  

• They signify professionalism. Most people that regularly wear ties wear them for professional purposes. This could be work or events like weddings or work-related events.

• Wearing a tie shows that you care about your look. People are impressed when they see you took extra time to ensure you looked your best.
  

There are several ways to tie a tie, but a common principle underlies them all, let it look effortless. There are also a few general rules to guide you on the length and width.

Ties come in various widths, most ranging between 2 – 2 ¾''. Your suit's lapel is what guides the ideal width of tie you should wear. The rule is that the tie's widest point should be about the same width as your lapel. This means that slimmer ties are worn with slim lapels and wider ties with wide lapels.

In addition, consider how your body is built. For example, wider lapels and ties work best with broad shoulders. Conversely, slimmer ties and lapels are recommended for those with slimmer shoulders and small stature.

Not many people are familiar with this term. It describes the slight fold in the fabric, just below the Knot of a tie. Necktie enthusiasts say that the presence of a dimple is what sets apart the men from the boys. However, in essence, the dimple adds visual interest to your tie. Without it, your tie will look limp and likely bulge out of place.

Cotton ties are great for warm weather. They are lightweight and are easy to clean, iron and store. 

Polyester ties are lightweight and have a slight sheen to them. 

When buying  neckties, it makes sense to have them in different styles and patterns. This allows you to have a tie to match every occasion and outfit. Here are some popular necktie designs to consider:

As the name suggests, they have been knitted. They have a rough texture and are best for casual or everyday office wardrobes.

They feature a pattern of regular stripes and squares that form a diamond when they cross. The pattern goes down from both sides at an angle.

Your tie does not have to look like your pocket square exactly. However, they should complement each other. Here is how to balance the two:

• Let your pocket square accent your tie. For example, it should have one of the colors in your tie.

• Avoid playing mix and match with materials. Instead, let both be made from the same fabric. However, this rule exempts cotton and linen, which can be worn together.

• Choose colors that are next to each other on the color wheel.

• Modern suit cuts work with slim ties

• Avoid overly narrow or wide ties

• Your ties should always be darker than your shirt 

• Choose tie style carefully when wearing patterned shirts or blazers to avoid clashing. In addition, the tie should complement your outfit.

A: It is pretty straightforward. If necessary, do a spot treatment first. Then proceed to machine wash in cold water on a gentle cycle. Use a small amount of detergent but do not use fabric softener or bleach. Hang them in the open air to dry and if wrinkles form, use steam or iron on low heat to work them out.

Now that you have learned the correct way of wearing a tie, you probably want to upgrade your wardrobe to meet your needs. We stock a wide variety of neckties to suit every occasion; visit our website today to buy quality and fashionable ties.