Neckties or Bow Ties for Formal Functions

Choosing the Right Tie: Neckties vs. Bow Ties

neckties-bow-tiesAre you invited to an event that requires you to dress up? Are you not sure what outfit and what accessories are best suited for the occasion? Then this neckwear guide might help you. Besides giving you a brief overview of all popular formal dress codes we will guide you through what type of tie design, pattern, and color is best suited for the occasion. For more information on mens dress codes, please also see our suggested reading section below.

A Note on Formality
The best indication of how formal the dress code will be is the invitation itself. Do you see a hint such as “black tie required”, “black tie optional dress”, “cocktail attire”, etc.? As you may know, the gold standard of formal dress code is black tie attire that requires men to be dressed in a black tuxedo and a black bow tie. Although not strictly “black tie” a black suit and a solid color black necktie is often times an acceptable alternative to the classic tux.

Semi Formal Dress Codes
Traditionally semi-formal and business attire are interchangeable. A semi-formal dress code typically consists of a dark suit, white dress shirt, and an elegant necktie. Common accessories are cufflinks, pocket squares, elegant wristwatches, and formal overcoats.

Formal Neckties
Typically the simpler the tie design the more formal it will look. Therefore, solid color neckties are considered most formal while novelty/big-picture ties are most casual. Also, certain colors are more formal than others. Black and white are the obvious choices here. Also formal are silver, ivory (especially for weddings), and platinum.

The Formal Bow Tie
Contrary to popular belief, it is the white (not the black) bow tie that is most formal. The solid white bow tie (commonly made from Pique fabric) is part of a white tie dress code. The black bow tie on the other hand is the standard neckwear for a black tie dress code. Solid and classic colors are most formal on bow ties. Also, the true bow tie afcionado will insist on a self tied bow tie.

Other Formal Neckwear Options
Even though bow ties and neckties will cover 99.9% of all dress code needs, thre are a few occasions that might call for a different type of neckwear. The ascot tie is a good example. Ascots ties are typically worn with a morning coat for the most forml daytime events. On the opposite end of the formality scale are bolo ties that are typically part of western/cowboy wear.

Other Suggested Readings from Our Blog
Different Dress Shirt Collar Styles
The Best Black Tie Accessories

Your Mens-Ties.com Team

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