How to Match Tie Patterns With Shirts

Men's dress shirts come in a many different colors and patterns, which is great as far as variety goes, but problems arise when matching tie patterns with shirts patterns. The following are a few simple guidelines for matching patterned shirts and ties so the patterns and colors don't clash.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Patterned shirts
• Solid colored ties
• Patterned ties

1. Step back from the shirt. Put the shirt on a flat surface like a bed or a table and take a few steps back to determine the predominant color in the shirt.

2. Choose a tie in the predominant color of the shirt pattern. Before you begin trying to match patterns together, you have to match the color first to ensure that the tie and shirt colors don't clash.

3. Go for a smaller patterned tie with larger patterned shirts. If the shirt has a large pattern, choose a tie with a small pattern. If the shirt has a small pattern, it's OK nto go ahead and choose a tie with a larger pattern. Whichever pattern you choose, make sure the dominate color in the shirt is the dominate color in the tie.

4. Decide on a solid colored tie. The easiest way to match tie patterns to shirts is choosing a solid colored tie. Simply find a solid colored tie in the same color as the dominate color in the pattern shirt to create this hip, yet classic look.

Tips & Warnings

• Take pictures. Once you match your patterned shirts and ties, take a quick picture and keep it in your closet to use as a quick reference next time you're having trouble matching shirts and ties.
• Never pair small patterned ties with small patterned shirts or vice versa. Same sized patterns tend to clash and look bad together.