How to Wear a Tie
Ties are making a comeback and we’re here for it. From concept to execution, here’s what to know about wearing a tie.
From high-fashion runways to street style snaps on social media and even your daily commute, ties are appearing everywhere once again.
Previously proclaimed dead, the tie has been reborn, with its reputation regaining the glamour and grace it once used to be associate with.
If you’re new to wearing ties and want to experiment with the trend, or you’re returning from an absence of wearing ties and need a little refresher, this how-to guide tells you everything you need to know.
Although ties are being worn much more casually these days, we still believe that only certain outfits warrant one.
Obviously, your outfit requires a shirt with a collar, though in our eyes, a tie should never be worn without a suit or sports jacket (unless you’ve momentarily removed it) as well.
Unless you work at NASA, the shirt and standalone tie look feels a little off — a tie should be thought of as an accessory that elevates a shirt and jacket combination, though never precedes the jacket.
In some cases, more casual styles of jackets can replace a suit or sports jacket when wearing a shirt and tie. When styled well, denim jackets, varsity jackets, soft jackets, or even overshirts offer a modern alternative to a tailored jacket — just ensure your trousers aren’t too casual.
When wearing a shirt, tie, and suit/sports jacket combination, it’s easy to go overboard with colours and patterns. Too many competing colours and patterns can ruin an outfit, even if individually they’re all good-looking items.
It’s easy to avoid overwhelming an outfit with too many pieces by following the rule of two; out of your shirt, tie, and suit/sports jacket, keep your patterned items to a maximum of two, with the other a solid.
When it comes to the patterns themselves, variance in size and scale contribute to better balance as well.
Just like any other article of clothing, ties are made in different shapes and sizes to better fit different people (or outfits).
Generally speaking, there are two rules to follow when considering the size and shape of your tie.
Firstly, the width: the widest part of your tie should match as best you can the widest part of your jacket’s lapel. This provides a perception of balance in your outfit.
Secondly, the length: after being knotted up, the blades of your tie should fall at your natural waist, or just graze the top of your trousers.
There are many ways to tie and tie, though only a few knots are truly worth knowing.
Everyone has a preference, though if you were to ask us, the tie knots every man should know include:
The double four-in-hand (for a little more volume)
The half Windsor (classic and wide)
The Windsor knot (most formal)
Follow our step-by-step guides below to master your knots and embrace the tie trend in full force.