20 important questions about how to wear a tie
1. Why do I need a tie at all?
You can probably live your whole life without a tie, especially if you do not work in the office, do not participate in important negotiations, do not go to weddings, and plan to make your own in the spirit of the “Lord of the Rings”. But avoiding formal events or, even worse, ignoring the dress code all his life is not a gentleman’s occupation. In addition, a tie is simply beautiful, so there is no point in giving up an accessory.
2. How many ties should you have in your wardrobe?
Depends on how often you wear them. If you wear a tie four times a week, then it makes sense to have 5-8 models. If only on holidays – limit yourself to 3-4. These can be plain ties or with a small pattern. And don’t worry if you are not ready for complex abstract prints – such ties are definitely not included in the minimum program.
3. How long should the tie be?
With the length, everything is more or less clear – the tie should reach the middle of the belt buckle. If you feel like you’ve mastered this skill, you can try experimenting with the lower end of the tie, like street style heroes do.
4. What about the width?
With the width, everything is not so simple. It is customary to select a tie based on the width of the lapels, so the image is more harmonious. The narrower the lapels, the narrower the tie, and vice versa. But there is also a standard average width of 7-7.5 cm. Such ties are suitable for everyone.
5. I bought my first tie. Which node should I learn first?
For a comfortable existence, it is quite enough to own one node – four-in-hand (although no one urges you to limit yourself only to it). It is the simplest and most unassuming, but you still have to practice – the perfect knot may not work right away.
Photo by The Lazy Artist Gallery from Pexels
6. Can a tie only be worn with a suit?
Not necessary. A tie (for example, knitted) can fit perfectly with an unpaired jacket, trousers and cardigan. But in any case, a jacket is necessary (or at least should be nearby) – you don’t want to look like a salesman in a communications salon.
7. How to match a tie and a shirt?
A tie is a more formal wardrobe item than a shirt itself. And if a knitted tie is likely to suit a classic cotton shirt, then you should not wear a silk tie with a flannel shirt. In order not to miss the color combination, choose a tie a few shades darker.
8. What kind of tie matches a black shirt?
The problem with a black shirt is that you can’t match it with a darker tie. A black tie with a black shirt looks pretty dull in most cases, although a knitted one can correct the situation somewhat. But it is better to abandon this venture altogether.
9. How to match a tie and a jacket?
So that there is no doubt, let’s say right away – a silk tie will help you out in any situation. Knitted suits well with a summer linen suit – this image will turn out to be informal. A woolen tie will be combined with dense wool suits. The second and third options are not suitable for a very strict dress code, but there is a lot of beauty in life, besides the business best.
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10. How to match a tie and pocket square?
When it comes to the combination of a tie and a pocket square, you can get creative. Contrasting colors (such as blue and red) are acceptable, as are pairs of similar hue. But the materials should be different: a silk tie – a cotton pasche, a wool tie – a silk scarf. With prints, everything is also not very difficult: the main thing is that the patterns are of different sizes, for example, a thin strip and a large check.
11. I bought a tie with a strange print. What should I wear it with?
It would be more correct to ask where. You shouldn’t come to work in a banana tie, but at a party it can look appropriate. One option is to wear a bright suit to look like Jim Carrey in The Mask, but it is much better to dress deliberately seriously and understated. Then the stupid tie will look ironic enough and at the same time not wild.
12. What to do with a tie while eating? Is it permissible to throw it over your shoulder?
Not. In no case. Don’t even think about it.
13. Can I tuck my tie into my trousers?
Not. It looks like your tie is too long and you’ve decided to tuck the excess into your pants. The impression, you know, is not the best.
14. What about a shirt?
A few years ago, street style heroes massively picked up this trend following Nick Wooster. This option is acceptable if you have an impeccable reputation as a stylish person who can sometimes break the rules. And it’s still better than a tie tucked into trousers or slung over the back.
15. Do I need a tie clip?
One can argue about the aesthetic side of the issue, but the clamp (unlike the tie itself, by the way) has a real function: it holds the tie in the place where it should be. We advise you to choose concise clips without fancy design. And remember: the clip should be at the level of the chest pocket .
16. When might a black tie be appropriate?
As with a black suit, a black tie is appropriate for mourning or if you are a security guard. And, of course, a bow tie can rightfully be black.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
17. Do I need to untie my tie every night?
Yes. First, you shouldn’t wear the same tie for two days in a row. The exception is when you want to show everyone around you that you have not spent the night at home. Secondly, a knotted tie, of course, will save you time, but it will deteriorate much faster – over time, the fabric will begin to deform.
18. Is a bow tie only allowed in the evening dress code?
Everyone knows that a butterfly is supposed to accompany a tuxedo (and even more so a tailcoat). But what about colored or woolen butterflies? It seems to us that if you are not a student of philology who wants to win the hearts of elderly teachers, then it is better to leave a non-standard butterfly to Doctor Who.
19. Can I buy a bow tie already knotted?
Yes, if he looks casual enough. Do not under any circumstances wear a bow tie with a clasp – these should not be worn after sixth grade.
20. Do I need to come to the theater wearing a tie?
This is not necessary, although going to the theater (and also to a museum or a good restaurant) in a suit and tie is a good form and a great way to impress your companion. This does not apply to premieres at the Bolshoi – it is better to come there in a tuxedo.
