Necktie Basics
A necktie is often a necessary part of a man's wardrobe, serving as a symbol of status and stylishness in modern society. To look your best at formal social functions or at work, understand necktie basics, such as appropriate colors, styles and knots. Whether you're interviewing for a job or serving as best man in a wedding, choose the right necktie to ensure you look polished and well-prepared. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
When to Wear a Necktie
-
Neckties are appropriate for men to wear at business and formal events, such as job interviews, weddings and parties. Wear a necktie with a long-sleeved, collared shirt. Optionally, wear the tie as part of a suit or with a sportcoat.
Never wear a necktie with a shirt lacking a collar, or a shirt designed to be worn with a bow tie. Think carefully before deciding to wear a necktie with a short-sleeved shirt; this may make you look boyish or unprofessional.
Colors and Patterns
-
Choosing the color of your necktie depends on the clothes you wear, your complexion and the statement you want to make. To draw attention to yourself as a speaker or leader, choose bright colors such as red that contrast sharply with your other clothing. A safer option is to pick a muted tie color in the same family as your shirt color. For example, wear a dark blue or emerald tie with a light blue shirt. Avoid wearing a tie that matches the color of your shirt; it may not be visible from a distance.
Select patterns carefully for your necktie, shirt and jacket. No two pieces should share similar textures. Instead, contrast patterns like stripes with solids or polka dots. To set off a multicolored tie, match your shirt to one of the paler colors featured in the pattern. A plain white shirt is always a safe option to pair with any tie color or pattern. -
Necktie Sizes
-
Neckties come in different widths and lengths to accommodate variations in fashion and height. The average tie should hang comfortably down your front, with the tip nearly brushing the belt buckle. The skinny end should neatly tuck into the strap on the back of the tie without dangling below. A normal tie is 3 to 3 3/4 inches wide.
Larger men with broad fronts should choose large, wide ties. Very tall men may require specialty, extra-long ties to reach to the belt buckle. Shorter, slighter men can choose slim ties that are shorter in length.
Tying the Knot
-
There are several different types of tie knots, each of which accentuates different features of the tie and the wearer. Skinny knots, such as the simple four-in-hand knot, use less of the length of the necktie. This makes such a knot appropriate for tall men who want their ties to appear longer. A slim knot is also appropriate for patterned ties and narrow shirt collars.
For smaller men who want to shorten their tie's overall length, a fatter knot such as the Windsor is appropriate. Wide Windsor knots also match with wide collars, or men who have thick necks.
The half-Windsor knot serves as a middle ground between fat and slim knots. This versatile style is suitable for men of all body types and shirt fashions. The half-Windsor is a suitable knot for ties with thick fabric.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
