5 things to note about ties
Ties, the accessory that catches the eye first.
Ties take your style up a notch or two and if you are out to make a style statement, make sure you include this key accessory as part of your ensemble.
A tie looks great when…
1. It is the right width. What is the right width ? The one that is proportionate with your suit lapel and your body type.
The right width would be one that is equal at its widest part to the widest part of your jacket lapel. Now, we know that tie and lapel widths change with fashion, hence choose a style that best suits your body type without looking outdated (we mean avoid those really wide or terribly skinny versions !).
A smaller to average body frame size suits lapels in slim or medium width while someone who has large body frame will look best in widths that are between medium to slightly wider. ( Stay within the 8.4 cm width range and you’ll be fine )
2. You tie a perfect knot. The tie knot should sit perfectly between the collar spread without being too big that it causes the collar to spread apart or too small that it becomes lost.
3. It hangs at a perfect length. The tip of the tie should sit within the width of your belt buckle, maybe slightly longer if your upper torso is shorter than your legs, this helps to create an illusion of length. Never wear your tie short.
4. It says something about your personality. If you are a classic dresser, preferring clean lines and understated elegance, go for solid colour tie or ties with some subtle details of pattern likes diagonal lines or classic foulard patterns ( small-scale geometric patterns, evenly laid). If you are of the rakish style personality, make sure your ties project that, without breaking the combination rules, of course.
5. Its made entirely with silk. Silk is the most lustrous of all fabrics and adds polish above all. The lining underside of a superior quality tie is in silk as well. Good ties are always cut on a bias (diagonally to the weave). Besides the fabric, the stitching on underside closed on each end with hand-sewn bar tacks and the slip-stitch (a loose thread that holds the tie together while allowing its shape to remain fluid and not stiff) are also marks of quality on a good tie.
Avoid: Ties made in polyester never tie well, don’t hang well and never make a good impression !
Our image consultant’s tip: If your style personality is up for it, give the Eldredge knot a try. Click on the poster for more ideas.
…and finally, don’t forget to make the perfect dimple in the knot.