Wear Your Tie Like a Pro
Most men do know how to tie a tie, but few actually know how to create a perfect tie knot. What differentiates the true tie aficionado from the necktie rookie are three main things.
Correct Color & Pattern Matching
Usually the smaller the clothing item the wider the color and pattern choices. For example: Suits are typically patternless or are limited to fine pin-striped or checks. Mens ties on the other hand come in an endless range of colors and patterns. Knowing how to match these into one good looking and professional ensemble requires some basic fashion sense. To avoid the biggest Faux Pas follow the two principles:
- Make sure that the colors harmonize with one another and compliment the season of the year. Do not match pink with purple, avoid showing too many bright colors, and never wear novelty or big-picture ties.
- Balance the patterns so that you create contrasts and a non-confusion look. As a general rule: Match patterns that are different in size and preferably also in shape. Matching narrow striped ties with a larger check patterned dress shirt is an excellent combination.
Choosing the Proper Tie Knot
There are many ways you can tie a tie. In fact, in a book titled “188 Facons de nouer sa cravatte” Davide Mosconi illustrates how to tie a necktie in 188 different ways. Most tie aficionados will know at least 3 different necktie knots. Why is this important? Each tie knot has a unique character, look, and shape. Knowing how to match the knot to the tie design and the dress shirt is important. As a general rule: The tie knot should fill the gap between the collars without raising the collar from the shirt. Below are a few different shirt collar types and suggestions for what tie knot to tie.
- Wide spread turn down collars: Double Windsor, Pratt Knot, Prince Albert Knot
- Medium Spread Collar Shirts: Simple Half Windsor Knot, Four in Hand
- Narrow Spread Collars: Four in Hand Knot, Kent Knot
- Button Down Collars: Four in Hand Knot, Half Windsor Knot
- Wing Tip Collar: Bow Ties and Ascots Only!
The Dimpled Tie Knot
Tying a tie with a dimple will take some practice. The dimple is a little crevice or fold on top of the necktie knot that adds nice texture and the sought after sophisticated detail. The dimple is created in the final step of tying a tie. Before tightening the knot press a finger down onto the untied knot. Give it s slight pinch to create the dimple. As you tighten the knot slide our your finger and the dimple will stay in place.
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Your Mens-Ties.com Team