An essential detail in suit styling is the tie. A good tie can showcase a man's charm and symbolize his status. Just as women use jewelry to enhance their elegance, men use ties to highlight their personal style.
Choosing the Right Tie
1. Width
Ties come in two main widths: wide and narrow. A standard tie width is typically between 4 inches and 4.5 inches. Individuals with a slim, elongated face and a collar size under 15.5 inches should opt for narrow ties, while those with broader shoulders or a muscular build may not find them as flattering.
2. Length
Most everyday ties measure around 130 cm to 150 cm in length. The appropriate tie length depends on height and the tying method used: after tying, the outer side should be slightly longer than the inner side. The standard length is when the tip of the tie just reaches the belt buckle.
How to Pair Ties with Shirts
White Shirt for Any Tie
For a professional and stable image in the workplace, a white shirt pairs well with ties in black, gray, or navy blue. For more casual parties, you can opt for vibrant colors like orange, green, or yellow to make a bold impression. Brown or burgundy ties can add a touch of sophistication. A white shirt is a versatile option for any tie, so feel free to experiment without worrying too much about making a mistake.
Blue Shirt for Navy, Burnt Orange, Burgundy, Dark Green, Mustard Yellow Tie
Break away from similar colors by pairing a blue shirt with a complementary burnt orange tie, conveying maturity without being dull. The bright contrasting colors for blue are red and yellow, so burgundy and mustard yellow ties also look great. Remember, the tie should always be darker than the shirt to avoid a silly appearance.
Pink Shirt for Burgundy, Dark Purple, Dark Gray, Navy Blue Tie
When pairing a pink shirt, stick to solid colors for the tie to minimize the risk of clashing. However, bolder options can work too, such as a burgundy tie with a pattern, a pink tie with dark stripes, or a navy blue tie with pink polka dots. These choices add interest without being overly flashy, helping you stand out from the crowd.
Striped Shirt for Striped or Polka Dot Tie
You can get creative with stripes and polka dots. Besides the color combinations mentioned earlier, make sure the pattern sizes don’t clash. For a fine striped shirt, pair it with a tie that has larger polka dots.
Summary
1. A white shirt pairs well with any tie.
2. A navy tie is a classic, versatile choice.
3. For light-colored shirts, opt for dark ties.
4. Pay attention to pattern sizes when pairing striped shirts with ties; remember the rule of wide & thin, big & small.
5. If unsure about color matching, start with similar or contrasting colors.