In a country conducive to open collars, wearing ties has taken hold only in the past decade or so. As a result, the hidden fashion rules with regards to choosing and wearing a tie are relatively new. Considering this, there is a need for a list of basic tie FYIs that will ensure that every tie you have hanging at the back of your closet door is worn at least twice (and during the right occasion), or discarded to prevent from gathering dust.

Sorting


Start by organizing your tie collection. Check your collection one by one – if there is anything with a defect that renders it unwearable, throw it away. You might also want to donate those that you haven’t worn in a while to a second-hand store.

Once you have picked out those you are still planning to wear, separate the themed ties from the others. Themed ties include those with cartoon-character prints, holiday ties, and pretty much anything else you won’t get caught wearing in a very important meeting with VIPs.

Organize everything else by color: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, and black. This does not allude to the mandate that you should have at least one in every color, but we’ll get to that shortly.

The long and short of it

  1. Size and length


    One rule of thumb for tie collectors is to choose according to your height and girth – thinner men require thinner ties and fat ties go well with bigger men. Also, since the tip of the tie should just touch your belt when worn, take into account the length of the tie – taller men need ties longer than the average length of 55–57 inches.

  2. Colors and patterns

    Choose your new tie the way you choose your shirts – always take note of the size and color and how it would look on you. Match the textures and patterns of your shirts with the tie you’re planning to buy. If the shirt has stripes, go with a solid tie.

    • For solid-colored shirts, you can spice things up with patterned ties (more on that later). Your tie’s color should complement your shirt. For example, a dark blue tie goes well with a light blue shirt, and vice versa.

    • For patterned shirts, go for a solid-colored tie. Balance your patterns and solid colors – you can’t have a patterned shirt and a patterned tie at the same time, unless the shirt is pinstriped.

    • If you’re wearing a coat or jacket, make sure that the tie is lighter than the jacket and darker than the shirt. It goes without saying that your shirt should complement your color as well, but that’s best reserved for another article.

    • Cartoon-themed ties are NOT a no-no; they just need to be worn at the right time. For example, you do not want to wear them to a business meeting, but you may wear them to an informal party, such as homecomings or children’s birthdays. Like patterned ties, themed ties are best worn with solid shirts.

    When choosing patterned ties, consider the shape of your face as well.

    • A strong, angular face will be best framed with striped ties.

    • Rounder faces can never go wrong with dots and paisley.

    • Of course, solid ties go with almost any face shape.

    Keep a stock of both patterned and solid ties – more of solid ties since they can be worn with anything and to any occasion.

  3. Fabric


    Choose a tie that is thick enough to endure repeated tying and untying, but not so thick as to make the knot look bulkier than it should.

    • Cotton, wool, or polyester ties can be worn to almost any occasion, but are best used during the usual day at the office.

    • Silk ties exude formality, class, and expensive taste. As such, you don’t wear them just anywhere. Reserve them for more formal events, such as interviews or meetings with VIPs.

      [Note: Silk ties can let you break the color-pattern rule: on some occasions a silk tie with a solid color paired with a plain shirt of the same color and shade exudes an air of chic elegance.]

P.S: The Classic Father’s Day Gift


Of course, when buying a necktie as a present for Father’s Day, take the recipient’s tastes and corporate position into consideration. Remember, a tie is not only an accessory; it is also a reflection of one’s personality.

  • If he is the shy, reserved type, get a tie with a traditional pattern and color. Silk is the fabric of choice, since Father’s Day comes but once a year. Make sure that the pattern and color will go well with his wardrobe.  If you’re getting a tie for dear old Dad, better sneak a peek inside his closet before buying anything.

  • If he is the cheerful, outgoing type, you might just feel bold enough to give him something a bit more colorful and adventurous, perhaps a tie with a bold print or loud color. You might even give him a cartoon-themed tie if he is the type who watches cartoons with his grandchildren (or any other children for that matter).

  • In any case, make sure the tie comes in a nicely-wrapped box. That way, it will occupy a special place in his closet and not be counted among the other ties on his hanger.