We're to make sure you have the facts, so we've created an easy to see, easy to read infographic. This one's not just for the tall, but for the small, average, adventurous, and clueless, too. Here's our Neck Tie Tips Visual Guide to keep you informed and looking sharp!
And, if you're ready to find ties that fit, check out our huge selection of extra long neckties.
1. SIZE GUIDE LENGTH + WIDTH:
The golden rule of ties is to choose a tie that’s proportionate to your body.Shorter Sized Ties For Guys 5’10” And Under
- Length: 54 to 57 inches
- Width: 2.5 to 3.75 inches
Normal Sized Ties For Guys 5’9” To 6’2” Tall
- Length: 57 to 59 inches
- Width: 3 to 3.75 inches
XL Sized Ties For Guys 6’3” And Up
- Length: 61 to 63+ inches
- Width: 3 to 3.75 inches
Size Guide Tips:
- Use this equation to find out if you need an XL tie: height (in) + neck (in) = greater than 92 in.
- Tie width should be about the same size as your jacket lapels, which cover about half the distance to your shoulder
- Tie length should hit midpoint of belt or waistband
- Considering a skinny tie? Remember “skinny ties for skinny guys". They look best on tall and thin men (tie width of 1.5” to 2.5”)
2. NECK TIE QUALITY FABRICS & CONSTRUCTION:
What's it made of? Check your tags, the quality and reliability of tie fabrics vary.Choosing The Right Fabric:
Natural Ties:
- Silk, wool, and cashmere are always better quality than synthetic fabrics are. They are always more delicate, and less resistant to stain and wrinkle.
- Wool – warm
- Silk - classic and versatile
- Cashmere - warmest & softest
Synthetic Ties:
- Cheaper, come in more colors (take dye easily), are less likely to stain or wrinkle. They are stronger, less breathable, and stiffer.
- Polyester - stain free & bright colors
- Microfiber – soft and drapes like silk
Neither/Both:
- Satin can be made of either man-made or a natural materials and usually has a delicate weave.
- Satin - shiny
Fabric Quality Tips:
- The tighter (weaved) and heavier the tie, the better the quality.
- Silk ties are seasonless, highest quality, and usually most expensive. Quality microfiber ties are a good alternative. They looks like silk and are 1/2 the price.
- A well-constructed tie usually has three panels. Feel the length of the tie searching for two different seams in the fabric. Cheaper ties often use two lengths instead of three.
3. COLOR & PATTERN:
Your tie should always be darker than shirt.Tie Color And Pattern Tips:
- First pattern on pattern rule: 1) Choose the primary color of your shirt, then 2) pick a tie with a similar color anywhere in its pattern.
- Second pattern on pattern rule: Choose a tie/shirt combo that has different proportioned patterns. Example: Tie with large stripes; shirt with tiny print is GOOD!
Dressing For The Season And Occasion:
- "Summer" Ties -- more casual, usually made of cotton or linen, more likely to have patterns like plaid, stripes, and polka dots, and come in pastels and bright colors.
- "Winter" Ties -- warmer and more classic, come in rich earth tones and have a coarser weave. For a more polished look, try a narrower wool tie (around 2.5 to 3 inches). The contrast with the coarse fabric creates a nice stylish look.
4. NECK TIE CARE:
Most men get home, tug their tie over their head, leave it knotted, and scrub it clean when it comes time to wear it again. Unfortunately these are the easiest ways to ruin ties.Prolonging Tie Life:
- Taking your tie off: take your tie off the same way you got it on, but repeat the steps in reverse order. Do NOT leave it knotted.
- Never treat tie stains with stain-remover: take stained ties to a dry cleaner. Dry-cleaning removes the stain, but it will probably destroy your tie's shiny look and feel as well.
- Quickly get rid of wrinkles (requires several hours & almost no work) Hold the narrow end of your tie Wrap the wide end around your hand Place the wrapped-up tie on a flat surface for a couple of hours
5. WORKING WITH WHAT YOU GOT:
If you don't have time to shop for a new tie, here's how make due with what you already have when you're in a bind.Working With Ties:
- Tie too long? Try a Windsor knot, they use more material
- Tie too short? Try a four in hand knot, they use less material
Working With Shirts:
- Unsure of dress code? Shop for an “Oxford Cloth Button Down”-- they’re sportier, so you can wear them with or without a tie and they usually come in slim fit cuts.
- V-neck undershirts usually cover all your bases. You can’t see them with your tie on and they don’t show if you decide to take it off.
- Undershirts help with embarrassing pit sweat visibility. Shop for undershirts that are slim enough to not bunch up under your shirt and long enough to tuck.
