Whether you love them or hate them, there are bound to be times when the dress code requires a tie. Be it a wedding, a formal event, a funeral, a job interview… sometimes it is just part of the outfit. Choosing which tie – the style and the colour – is the first step in selecting the right tie for the occasion. It doesn’t end there though. You will need to consider how you tie the tie! What knot should you use and how do you tie these knots? We take a look at everything you need to know in our complete guide to ties.

Style of Tie

What sort of tie should you be wearing. Does the occasion demand a bow tie? Are you wearing a tuxedo, is it a black tie event? What does the dress code specify? A bow tie is usually required for black tie and red carpet events, if you should attend such things. Weddings are another occasion when you would consider a bow tie however, this may just be for the groom and groomsmen. You may have booked a cruise where the dress code is black tie.

A necktie is a less formal choice than the more formal ‘dickie bow’. A necktie can be worn with a suit to pretty much any event other than a strict black tie event when a bowtie is specified. It is usually worn with a suit but can also smarten up a shirt and trousers if you are not opting for a jacket.

If you are getting married, you may select a cravat instead of a bowtie or necktie. If you are going for a less formal affair (on the beach, for example), you may choose a suit and an open necked shirt. If the event is less formal, and you feel more comfortable, a turtle neck or open necked shirt can provide a more casual, but still smart, style.

Colour of Tie

The colour of the tie is important for portraying the right message. While it is often a personal choice, you should choose a colour of tie that suits the event its being worn for.

The tie should be darker than the suit when the suit is a lighter colour. If the shirt is light, the tie should be darker. Blue is a very popular and subtle choice. You can use the tie to brighten up a plain shirt and suit and show a little personality but be sure to consider the occasion. A funeral, or a job interview, is not the time to be experimenting with colour. If unsure, opt for a subtle shade of blue.

The size of the tie

Yes, you need to consider the size too. The width of the tie should match the width of the lapels on your jacket for a start. You should also tie the tie to complement the shape of your face and the type of collar on your shirt.

Fabric

If you are attending a formal event, or operating in a more formal business setting, then a silk tie is preferable. Wool, or other textured fabrics, work well for smart or business casual events.

Quality

A nice tie speaks volumes about a man so invest in quality. Don’t be tempted to buy cheap. A cheap tie reveals too much. Instead buy a good quality tie that will stand the test of time.

How to tie a tie

Not all knots are the same, and it is an important aspect of our complete guide to ties. The size and symmetry can vary from knot to knot. It can depend on the thickness of the tie with a thicker tie requiring a smaller knot such as the four-in-hand or the Simple knot whereby a thinner tie suits a bigger knot such as the Windsor.

Knots are classified into different categories – the essential knots, the classic knot and the advanced or adventurous knots. We have included diagrams below to show you how to tie the essential knots. You will find plenty of information online about how to tie any of the classic or advanced knots.

Windsor

The Windsor knot is a thick, wide and triangular not that exudes confidence. It was not actually used by the Duke of Windsor who favoured the four-in-hand knot. Instead it was invented by the public to emulate this look.

Half Windsor

The Half Windsor is not actually half the size of the Windsor knot instead it is closer to three quarters of the size. Suitable for medium to thin ties, it is a medium size, nearly symmetrical and produces a deep dimple.

Four-in-Hand

The four-in-hand is perhaps the most simple of tie knots and often used by schoolboys because of its simplicity.

Other knots

There are many other knots, some more complicated than others and all that achieve different things. Some are suited to wide ties, some to skinnier ties while some are used to shorten a tie and use up more of the material. You can study tie knots if you have a look online with many videos available to help you.

• Simple
• Kelvin
• Prince Albert
• Pratt
• Eldredge
• Van Wijk Knot

If, after reading our complete guide to ties, you still have questions about the best ties, the right colour, the best knot etc, we are happy to help. We have an extensive range of neck ties, bow ties and cravats and can help you find the right match for you and the occasion.