How to Pick a Tie

If the clothes make the man, choosing the right neck tie is crucial to the overall effect. But how do you choose? The fashion industry is completely saturated with neck tie choices. There are ties for every budget, every occasion and every whim and fancy the wearer may have. Though this plethora of choices has the potential to be overwhelming, it is easy to pick a tie when you follow a few simple guidelines.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Know your budget. Before venturing out to pick a tie, determine what you can comfortably spend on your purchase. This is an important first step because it will prevent you from falling in love with a tie you cannot afford. If you determine your budget ahead of time you can streamline your search by avoiding the neck ties that fall out of your price range.

2. Define the purpose of your neck tie. Are you planning to buy a neck tie for a specific occasion? Does the tie need to coordinate perfectly with the fashion ensemble of your wife or girlfriend? Perhaps you want to buy a "multipurpose" necktie--a tie that has the potential to match several of your shirts and jackets. Decide what role your neck tie will serve so you will have some direction while conducting your search.

3. Peruse a few magazines. Women aren't the only ones whose wardrobes can take inspiration from fashion magazines. Flip through a few of the latest issues of a selection of popular magazines and pay attention to the style of neck ties that are featured in photos. Trends in both the width of a neck tie and the type of knot used to tie the neck tie can vary from season to season, and you'll want to go with something that is current.

4. Start shopping. You are ready to pick a neck tie. Armed with the knowledge you have attained during the research you conducted prior to your shopping trip, you will enter the retail front confident in your hunt.

Tips & Warnings

• Take the shirt and jacket you plan to wear your tie with you so you can see how the neck tie will match with your attire.
• Invite an honest friend or relative to come along with you to give you a second opinion as you try to pick a tie.