Types Of Ties- How To Wear A Necktie

Neckties are essential accessory. Also known as neckwear, they typically feature silk, polyester, or other similar materials. Neckties are commonly worn with dress shirts and suits for formal occasions, such as business meetings, weddings, and Interviews etc.

The history of neckties goes back to the 17th century, when Croatian mercenaries serving in France wore pieces of cloth around their necks to keep their collars closed. This trick soon caught up among Army soldiers eventually penetrating into mainstream fashion making necktie as a quintessential part of any dressier outfit.

Today, neckties are have become a substance of men’s business attire. However, the trend towards more casual and informal dressing in recent years has diminished popularity of neckties, particularly in more relaxed work environments.

Why Men Should Wear A Tie?

In modern clothing, ties have secured a significant rank as an indispensable accessory and a statement piece too.

There are several reasons why men may choose to wear a tie.

1. Professionalism: In many workplaces, wearing a tie is seen as a sign of professionalism and attention to detail. This is especially true in industries such as finance, law, and business.
2. Formal occasions: These are fundamental part of business professional or office dress codes, in addition to weddings, black-tie galas, and other special occasions.
3. Respect: A tie symbolizes a way to show respect for the occasion or the people you are meeting with. For example, wearing a tie to a job interview or a meeting with a potential client exhibits that you are taking the opportunity seriously.
4. Fashion: Tie is a stylish accessory to add make a splash at any occasion.

Classification Of Ties Based On Occasion

Formal Neckties

Formal neckties are typically made of silk and come in a variety of colours and patterns. For the most part ties in black, navy blue, and dark red, colours are the most formal, and appropriate for business or formal events.

When making a selection of necktie, keep in mind the occasion and dress code. For example, a black necktie fits a formal event, such as a wedding or a black-tie event, while a navy blue necktie is suitable for a business meeting or a job interview. Dark red or burgundy neckties serve as conspicuous element of any personality and communicate power and sophistication.

In terms of patterns, solid colour neckties are the most formal, followed by simple stripes or small polka dots. More complex patterns, such as paisleys or large geometric shapes, are less formal and are better suited for relaxed occasions.

Width and length are two focal aspects of a functional necktie. Therefore, a wider necktie is will appear more appropriate at boardroom, whereas a slimmer necktie is a proper item for casual context. The length of the necktie should be appropriate for the wearer’s height and body type, with the tip of the tie reaching the middle of the belt buckle.

Casual Ties

Casual neckties are particularly for relaxed settings. Prominent fabrics used in the construction of these ties include cotton, linen, or wool.

Remember to choose a tie that enhances the aesthetics of the outfit. A solid colour tie can give your outfit much needed charm, while a patterned tie will improve the dynamics of any basic ensemble.

With regards to dimensions, casual ties are typically shorter and narrower than their dressier counterpart, with a length that reaches just above the belt buckle.

As a whole, a casual tie is equally potent element to bring into a man’s wardrobe, as it allows you to dress up a casual outfit with a tinge of urbanity. Just remember to choose a tie that complements the rest of your outfit and to keep the overall look fancy but comfortable.

Tie Classification Based On Material

Silk Necktie

A silk necktie is a classic and luxurious accessory most-suited for formal or semi-formal occasions. Silk is a natural fiber that is highly prized for its softness, durability, and lustrous appearance, making it tremendously popular material for dressy ties.

Silk neckties come in a variety of colours from black, navy blue to green and maroon. They come as the perfect tie-up with business suits and plain white dress shirts. Silk ties in bold patterns, such as stripes or paisleys are fun and serve as a means of displaying sartorial distinction.

When choosing a silk necktie, it’s important to take into account the quality of the silk. Higher quality silk achieves finer weave and luxurious feel than the poor quality silk that might feel unrefined and shabby. It’s also important to pay attention to the construction of the tie, as a well-made silk tie will have a sturdy interlining that helps it hold its shape.

Conclusively, a silk necktie is a classic and versatile accessory that can impart a touch of elegance to any ensemble. Whether you choose solid or a bold pattern, a well-made silk tie is a timeless investment.

Wool Ties

Wool neckwear are a great alternative to silk ties for colder months and casual events. Wool is a natural and warm material that furnishes texture and depth to an outfit. Wool ties are typically thicker and more substantial than silk ties, which makes them perfect for fall and winter.

Solid coloured wool ties are versatile for both casual and dressy outfits. Patterned ties, such as houndstooth or plaid are fabulous option to stimulate visual interest.

Wool ties are alluring in a way and suitable for weekend outings or business casual settings. They pair well with denim shirts, chinos or jeans and sports jacket.

Quality of wool becomes top priority if you want a flawless finish in tie. Sublime wool will be softer and lasting, while inferior quality is prone to pilling and nightmares. Wool should be light and shiny.

Knit Tie

A knitted tie is a smart alternative to a conservative silk or wool necktie. As the name suggests, it results from knitting process rather than weaving, giving it a distinctive texture and contemporary air.

They form appealing and noticeable knots, including the four-in-hand and the half Windsor, which gives you more options when styling a natty look.

A well-made knitted tie will be soft and supple, with a tight knit that holds its shape. Cheaper knitted ties may feel loose and may not hold their shape well over time.

Ties Based On Colour And Pattern

Solid Ties

Solid colour ties are timeless and core neckwear. They have been around for centuries and were the first to go around men’s neck. Men wore navy, black, brown and red as the basic solid tie colours.

Best and common aspect about these colours was their ability to complement the whole range of shirts and suits. It’s a classic choice for business settings and can be paired with a white or light blue dress shirt for a classic look. Red and brown pairs smoothly with brown suits.

1. Black tie was considered the most formal and still holds the highest rank.
2. Next came red colour tie. Red brings excitement and taste to mens wardrobe and coordinates well with white dress shirt. It gives the maximum contrast against any shirt.
3. Burgundy is the softer version of red and offers flexibility in casual backdrop. Burgundy teams perfectly with a variety of shirts and suits.
4. Dark Green: Dark green ties are a unique and stylish choice. Green ranks lower on formality ladder but makes an alternative when you want to switch style and bring vibrancy to the outfit.

Striped Tie

A striped tie comes as multicoloured tie option for men. Different coloured stripes alternate in a particular order imparting the tie a one-of-a-kind look and feel.

1. Red, grey, blue, brown, green are predominant colours that you usually find on any striped tie. Red and blue stripes one will mostly see on a tie.
2. Slimmer stripes work well with a business suits and plain dress shirts. Wider stripes suit business casual or less strict environment.
3. Stripes offer more advantage with a long range of shirts since at least one or more colours will flatter the shirt or ensemble.

Dotted Necktie

A dotted necktie is another alternative to solid ties. Small dots are deemed formal and harmonize well with the overall appearance. Dot ties are fair game for office culture or a wedding. One is totally free to choose them at interviews as well.

• Dots offer more latitude of mixing and matching. Besides, dotted ties have are subtle and don’t overwhelm the viewer.

Paisley Ties

Paisley neckties are not for everyone, everywhere. You must be an innovative and modern gentlemen to pull them off. Examine the situation stepping out in flower pattern or any other heavily designed ties.

Paisley is a unique and intricate pattern that consists of curved shapes and abstract designs, and is often shirts, ties and pocket squares.

Regimental Ties

These are the oldest of all neckties. A regimental tie has the association with a specific military regiment, club, or school. It is usually characterized by a striped pattern that consists of two or three main colours, and is often made out of silk.

Here are some key features of a regimental tie:

1. Regimental ties showcase traditions and values and worn as a sign of loyalty and pride.
2. A dark colour blazer or conventional suit is a perfect match for these ties.

Popular Tie Knots

A perfectly knotted tie describes a man’s personality and an immaculate sartorial sense. If everything else is right but the tie knot is off, you will look a pushover. Conversely, with a proper tie knot you will remain a knockout.

There are several popular tie knots for modern men. Four-in-hand, Windsor knot, Pratt, Eldredge knot and the Oriental knot being widely used.

Windsor Knot

The Windsor knot is best suited for dress shirts with wide collars.

Quick simple steps to tie a Windsor knot:

1. Start by placing the tie around your neck and keep wide end on right and the narrow end on your left. Now pass the wide end over the narrow end.
2. Bring the wide end up and over the narrow end, then bring it down through the loop created at the neck.
3. Bring the wide end around the back of the knot and back up through the loop at the neck.
4. Bring the wide end down through the knot in the front, then up and over the knot.
5. Bring the wide end down through the loop at the neck, then adjust the knot by pulling on the narrow end.
6. Tighten the knot by holding the narrow end and pulling on the wide end until the knot is snug and centered.

Half Windsor Knot

The half Windsor knot is smaller and less bulky than the full Windsor knot, making it a good choice for dress shirts with medium-sized collars.

Follow steps to tie a half Windsor knot:

1. Commence by placing the tie around your neck and keep wide end on right and the narrow end on your left. Now pass the wide end over the narrow end.
2. Bring the wide end up and over the narrow end, then bring it down through the loop created at the neck.
3. Bring the wide end behind the narrow end and then back over it to the front.
4. Bring the wide end up through the loop at the neck, then bring it down through the knot in front.
5. Hold the knot with one hand and use the other hand to pull on the narrow end to tighten the knot.
6. Adjust tie length as needed.

Four-in-Hand Tie Knot

This is an asymmetrical knot. Easy steps to tie a four-in-hand knot:

1. Begin by placing the tie around your neck and keep wide end on right and the narrow end on your left. Now pass the wide end over the narrow end.
2. Bring the wide end behind the narrow end and bring it back to the front.
3. Cross the wide end over the narrow end again.
4. Bring the wide end up through the loop at the neck, then bring it down through the knot in front.
5. Use one hand to hold the knot and the other hand to pull on the narrow end to tighten the knot.
6. Adjust the tie if needed.