Which tie to choose?

Which pattern? Which color? Or what size to choose ? Here are some tips to choose your tie and make sure it goes with your suit and your shirt!

The dimensions of the tie

To choose your tie, you have to consider its length and width.

The length of the tie

The tie brings elegance to its wearer and to perfect this silhouette, it is advisable to choose a tie adapted to your size: it should not be too short or too long. 

To know which tie to choose, the end of the tie should reach the level of your belt, more precisely, it should go up to the button of your pants, no more, no less. So, if it reaches the level of your navel, it means that your tie is too short or badly knotted!

Ties come in different sizes, they can range from 145 to 157 cm long. Be aware that men measuring less than 1m90 will generally turn to ties of 150cm. If you are taller, you will need to choose a longer tie. It's best to try a tie in a store to find out what length is right for you.

The width of the tie

The width of the tie is also an element to take into account for your purchase. This one is chosen according to several criteria: 

• The morphology: And yes, the choice of the width of your tie will depend on your morphology. Usually, a tie measures between 7.3 and 7.8 cm wide. This is an ideal measurement for men with a small and/or thin body. If you are taller, you can easily opt for a width of 8 cm and more. Your body type is a criterion not to be neglected in the choice of your tie.

• Shirt collar: Some collars allow the wearing of a tie, while others are less appropriate. For example, wearing a tie with a shirt with a broken collar can be complicated because it is a collar with a rather short triangular flap! However, French, Italian or American collars are suitable for wearing ties. Then, you should avoid ties that are too wide for a thin shirt collar. In this sense, you should also avoid a collar too small for a shirt with a thick collar! It's a question of balance.

• The lapels of the jacket: The jacket also plays a fundamental role in the choice of your tie. For your ensemble to be harmonious, it is advised that the width of your tie should be proportional to the lapels of your jacket. For fine lapels, choose ties that are less than 8 cm wide. For thicker lapels, a width of more than 8 cm is recommended!

The material of your tie

A versatile tie with silk

You may know this, but silk is a very soft touch fabric and a very durable material. Silk ties often give a chic and formal look to your outfit.

In addition, silk ties can be worn all year round, they can be suitable for all kinds of events, whether it is for everyday work, for example, or for special occasions such as ceremonies.

Linen, perfect for summer 

Linen ties are ideal for the summer period, from June to September. Indeed, it has breathable properties to avoid body overheating when temperatures are high. Thus, the linen tie is perfect for summer and casual wear. Linen is a strong and durable natural fiber. 

The timeless cotton

Cotton is the best known and most common material in our clothing. It also has a casual and rather relaxed style. It is a soft and breathable fabric, halfway between silk and wool.

Wool, warm and comforting for winter

Wool ties are thicker, so they are bulkier ties. Unlike linen, it is more suitable for winter seasons as it helps to retain heat in cooler temperatures. It is a natural and durable fiber.

The prestige of cashmere

Like wool, cashmere ties are perfect for the fall or winter seasons. It is one of the most prestigious and luxurious natural fibers. It is a very soft and fine fiber.

Colors: from contrasting to pastel

To choose the color of your tie, it is mainly according to your taste. However, some rules must be respected. Indeed, the tie must be darker than the color of your shirt, but lighter or the same shade as your suit. 

However, for black shirts, you can choose a white tie or even a black tie since it is impossible to find a darker tie that could perfectly match the shirt.

Patterns for an original tie

There are different patterns on ties, which can add a touch of originality to your outfit. 

• The checkered tie: Checks are a common pattern on ties. There are different types of this pattern. The Prince of Wales check is a combination of different checks of different colors. While the window tiles which are mainly tiles of the same color and the lines are wider.

• The striped pattern: Here, several striped patterns exist. European ties have stripes that run from the left shoulder to the right. On the contrary, if the stripes run from the right shoulder to the left, they are American club ties. A rule to follow when choosing your striped tie: So that we can see the different colors of your tie, avoid stripes too wide and close together.

• The polka dot tie: For your polka dot tie to be well chosen, make sure that the polka dots are not too big. Indeed, our eyes will be attracted by these huge dots. You want to strike a balance: the dots should not be too close together, but not too far apart either.