THE PERFECT MATCH: SHIRT & TIE
Here is what you should know when choosing a tie for your new shirt.
Even the most elegant shirt will be of no use if you wear it with a wrong tie. This is because the tie stays in the foreground, just in front of the shirt, and naturally attracts people’s attention and glances.
When choosing a tie, pay attention to its:
TYPE
The multitude of available tie varieties gives you a lot of scope in experimenting and creating your own unique outfits. Below are the most common types of ties.
- STANDARD - A tie that widens at the bottom and is usually about 8 cm wide. It looks excellent with a shirt and a suit. Perfect for various knot types.
Our tip: the width of the tie and the jacket lapels should always be the same or at least similar.
- SQUARE-END - This one differs from the standard tie in that its end is straight. It is a superb option for men who want to stand out in less formal situations.
- SKINNY - This tie is typically 4–6 cm wide, which makes it much narrower than the other types. It is an exceptional choice for informal meetings, concerts or evenings at pubs. It looks great with an unbuttoned jacket or a sweater.
- BOW TIE - Wearing a bow tie instead of a tie signifies tasteful extravagance. Your bow tie should not be narrower than the distance between the outer corners of your eyes. And remember: the wider the bow tie, the wider the shirt collar.
Colour
When choosing a tie, match it with the shirt colour first and then with the suit colour. The tie should always be darker than the shirt and 1–3 tones darker or lighter than the jacket.
PATTERN
There are no strict rules here. The pattern on the tie may resemble that on the shirt or be entirely different. You are relatively free to experiment, but remember that wearing a shirt and a tie with the same pattern is not recommended.
SIZE
A perfectly fitting tie is one that reaches or slightly overlaps with the belt in the trousers/pants. The most common tie length is 140 cm.
FABRIC
The ties available on the market are usually made of wool, cotton or linen. Depending on the fabric used, the tie texture will vary. Less distinctive and glossy fabrics are good for semiformal and informal occasions.
THE TIE SAVOIR-FAIRE
- The tie should never reach below the belt in the trousers/pants.
- Never wear a tie with a short-sleeved shirt.
- Never unbutton your collar when you are wearing a tie.