A MAN'S MOST IMPORTANT ACCESSORIES: THE TIE GUIDE

This is all you need to know about ties. From the correct length and width to how to pick the right tie depending on the season. 

All You Need To Know About Ties

A well-dressed gentleman with a good tie never goes out of fashion and the tie has indeed stood the test of time. There is just something about wearing a tie. When you put on a tie, you mean it. You are bringing your A-game. You are ready to conquer the day. You look your very best. When it comes down to it, the tie does not really have a practical function, yet in terms of style it still functions like a full stop on the end of sentence: a final definitive flourish that says, “I am now (well) dressed”. It's a sign of effort and good manners.

But there are definitely some certain basic rules to remember and some skills that every man should possess, when he decides to wear a tie. For example, choosing the right type of tie depending on the season, finding the right length and wide of the tie and how to tie it perfectly. In this guide you will find all you need to know. From the perfect knot to which design and style to go for if you are about to buy your very first serious tie. So follow us in this step-by-step guide to make sure your look gets compliments for all the right reasons. 

How To Tie a Tie:

 

Foto: Franne Voigt til Euroman

So, how do you tie a tie? It’s a recurring question, but if you ask us it’s quite simple. Actually there are more than 30 different knots, but you really only need to know one. Forget all about those fancy tie-knots with all those weird names - instead just go for the  four-in-hand knot. It’s simple, creates a tight knot and looks awesome. Learn this (and it won't take you long) and you are a long, long way. Probably always way ahead of your peers around you.

The 7 Easy Steps To The Perfect Knot:

It might sound complicated when reading this, but this visualisation should show how easy it actually is.

1. Start with the widest end of your necktie on the right, extending about 20-30 cm below the narrow end on the left - the length depends on your hight.

2. Then cross the wide end over the narrow end.

3. Turn the wide end back underneath the narrow end.

4. Continue by bringing the wide end back over in front of the narrow end again.

5. Then, pull the wide end up and through the loop around your neck.

6. Hold the front of the knot loosely with your index finger and bring the wide end down through the front loop.

7. At last, remove your finger and tighten the knot carefully to the collar by holding the narrow end and sliding the knot up.

The Correct Length:

 

The length of your tie means the world - even if you got the knot right. It looks sloppy if it's either too short or too long. But how do you know when it's the right length? Use your belt as a guideline and let your tie fall just above it - neither too many centimeters above or below. 

The Right Width:

 

Now that we already are talking proportions, lets talk about the width of the tie. It's one of those things that can really get an argument going (okay, perhaps that's just us). Old-school bankers usually wore ties that were between 8-10 cm. That's too much. We prefer ties that are between 5-7,5 cm wide depending on the fabric (knitted ties should be a bit slimmer than ties in silk and cotton for example). Why not wider? It's a balance thing. Despite the fact that you are wearing a magnificent tie, you don't want that to be the only thing people notice. Like a watch can look to big on your wrist, a tie can look too big as well. The great thing with skinnier ties is that you are more free to play with colors, fabrics and patterns without the tie becomes too dominant and conspicuous.

Use Your Body To Decide The Width:

There are no complete truth when it comes to picking the right width. But an easy and useful way when searching for the perfect width that suits you is to use your bodytype to choose. If you are skinny and wears a size small or medium when it comes to shirts, don't wear a tie that is wider than 7cm, otherwise the tie and your body isn't in proportion. If you have broader shoulders, you can easier wear broader ties, but again - remember the balance. Our opinion is clear - a tie should never be wider than 7.5cm.

Picking The Perfect Tie: 

 

You build a great wardrobe the same way you build a house: You start with the foundation, the basics. So which ties are the basics? Well, there are a few of them. First of all, the navy blue tie is a sure thing. It can be paired with just about anything - and everybody looks great in navy. We prefer one with regimental stripes, but that is all up to you.

Then there is the solid grey, navy and/or black knit tie. It's timeless and it got this great balance between formal and casual. And it looks great paired with grey, blue or black suits - like it compliments your white and blue shirts perfectly.

Lastly, patterned ties are awesome and should be a vital part of your tie-wardrobe. If you are wearing a simple suit and a classic shirt, the patterned tie is perfect if you want to give your look something extra. Our favorite pattern on a tie is without a doubt paisleys. So do yourself and your wardrobe a favor and add a paisley patterned tie. 

Timeless: The Striped Ties

Whether it's for a business meeting, a night out with your friends or to a hangover, the striped tie simply works every single time. It's a piece that has stood the test of time and is both elegant and classic. Likewise, it compliments just any shirts and suits, which makes it easy to integrate into your wardrobe. And having a few different ones in different colors and stripe-width is never a bad idea.

Formal vs. Casual: The Knitted Ties

Some days we like to dress up without being too formal. And on these days we go for the same tie every single time: the knitted ties. Knitted ties can be the perfect balance-item between formal and casual. They can be used to dress down your formal attires or to smarten up your casual ones. It's that type of item that works just as great paired with your finest suit as it does with a pair of chinos, a casual shirt with rolled-up sleeves and a pair of sneakers. And for the first time users of ties, the knitted one is a great place to start because of its versatility. So if you don't want to look too formal, go for one of these bad boys. 

Ties of The Season

 

Changing your ties during seasons is an easy, but awesome way to dress accordingly. Most people wear the same shirts and suits all year around, so an easy way to make that suit winter-ready for example is to pair it with a wool tie. While wool is for winter, linen is for summer. A great silk or cotton tie can be worn throughout the year, but try different colors depending on what season we are in. A brown, burgundy or army green tie is perfect for fall and winter, while brighter colors and bolder patterns are great for summer.

The 6 Essentiel Style-Moves

To make sure that you really nail the Tie-game, here are 6 quickies. Do these and you can officially call yourself a pro:

1. NEVER wear a tie with an untucked shirt.

2. The tip of the tie should hit your beltline.

3. Combine a tie with a tie bar. The tie bar is what makes shirt-and-tie combos come to life. 

4. Ties and pocket squares needs to be in different patterns, fabrics or colors. 

5. Make your knot look tight. The bigger isn't always the better - especially not here. 

6. Let the fabric of your tie reflect the season. Wool ties are insanely cool - but only during winter.