A Tie is Tie? Right? Unfortunately, stores often take advantage of consumers who are unaware of the wide variety of features of what appears to be a simple article of clothing. Ties are intricate works of art. Everything from the feel and fabric of the tie to the way it is sewn can have a major impact on how your tie will look on you. And the truth is, ties can make or break an outfit.
First things first, let’s talk about tie width. In the 1960s, ties were very thin, like an inch to an inch and a half. Bt the 1980s, ties became very wide, sometimes even three inches wide! These days ties may not be as thin as they were in the sixties, but stylish looks often call for what is being referred to most often as “the skinny tie.” It’s ultimately up to you what you want to do when you choose a tie width, but keep in mind the tie width should be close to the width of the corresponding jacket lapel.
Now let’s talk about color. Solid ties always provide a classic look. Patterned ties are great but try not to pair them with a patterned shirt. Too many patterns mixed could create a clashing look, meaning there is too much design taking away the focus from the overall outfit.
One last thing to consider is price. Many men are stocked by the prices the first time they shop for a tie. The important thing to remember is that ties last a very long time. Don’t spend half your paycheck on a tie but remember that a quality tie is going to cost more than a t-shirt. After all, t-shirt wear out quickly. Ties can be worn for years. I’m in my mid-thirties and I still have a few ties I bought ten years ago!
Finally, if you are unsure what style you want, there is nothing wrong with looking up pictures of your favorite celebrity to see what he or she wears. Celebrities have stylists, so they often do a great job of pairing colors and patterns. You can go wild with your style, but it depends on the occasion. If you are going for a job interview, you probably don’t want to show up wearing some wild novelty tie.
