How to Buy the Right Tie for a Suit

You won't have to spend tons of time tracking down a high-quality tie that's the perfect finishing touch for your suit or jacket. It's easier than you think.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Neckties
• Tie Clips

Buying a Quality Tie

1. Select an appropriate tie length and width. Although it depends on body size and fashion trends, a length of 54 inches and a width of 3 1/4 inches is average.

2. Touch the tie. A quality tie will feel smooth to the touch and will consist of three, not two, pieces sewn together.

3. Inspect the tie's lining, which provides its shape and bulk. The tie should be lined to the tips, preferably with material that has a high percentage of wool.

4. Tug on the slip stitch, a loose thread found in the back of the tie, beneath the two joined flaps. When pulled, the slip stitch of a well-made tie will cause the tie to gather in folds.

5. Sling the tie over your hands. The narrower end of the tie should lie squarely behind the middle of the wider end; ties that hang in this manner will lie flat on your chest. Avoid ties that twist when draped over your hand.

Selecting a Tie Color and Pattern

6. Select the tie pattern by choosing shirt and tie patterns to complement, not compete with, each other. A subtly striped shirt can back a boldly striped tie, while a more eye-catching shirt demands a quieter tie.

7. Choose the tie color. Pale blue dress shirts work well with almost any tie - try one with some yellow or gold. Manipulate the monochrome look, teaming a light purple shirt with a darker purple tie.

Tips & Warnings

• In general, limit patterned items to two per outfit. If jacket and tie are both patterned, opt for a solid shirt.
• Formal business functions or job interviews call for more conservative ties with subtler patterns and colors. Flamboyant ties with larger patterns or logos should be reserved for less formal events.

[grimsleygl]

on 7/14/2009 I'll be passing this on to my hubby! Thanks for the great step-by-step. (I'd love to see what my husband would look like with a bow tie!) 5*'s and a recommend

on 8/8/2006 Never wear a power tie to a interview, not only does this include red but also hot pink. What happens is this creates a distraction between you and the interviewer. Earth tones set a nice mood, and focuses on the important issues at hand.

on 1/24/2006 You cannot go wrong with the family of reds: ranging from pink to cherry red to burgundy. These colors will go with 99.9% of all suits: namely navy blue, all greys ranging from light pearl to dark charcoal, black even earth tones namely khaki tan to a chocolate brown.
As for patterns, solids and stripes are really cool. However, give diamond-patterned ties a long look, they achieve a truly balanced look with all styles of suits.

on 11/22/2005 Another item that people usually forget is the bowtie.... A bowties shows the uniqueness a person has and also makes for a great dinner conversation. There are some really neat looking bowties at www.bowtieclub.com .

on 11/22/2005 When shopping for a colorful or more flamboyant tie, try to stay away from the paisley patterns. These patterns are loud and detract rather than add to the overall suit. Look for a brighter, more colorful striped tie instead. They're more stylish.