Into The Boardroom: Tie Tips for the Fashionista
Posted: Monday, February 09, 2009
by Maurice Aguirre
JITL
Have you ever wondered who invented the tie? Who cares, right? As long as it makes you look good and you feel good wearing it; that's what counts, this is assuming that you've finally figured out how to wear a tie.
I must admit, however, that as a young boy, I always looked up at businessmen wearing pieces of cloth hanging around their necks and said to myself that it's probably the one element of a man's attire that possesses absolutely no viable function.
To begin with, every man should own a solid navy, burgundy or gray tie in his everyday wardrobe.
A solid colored tie with a white shirt is a very classic combination that will likely be around forever. Buying a solid black tie will also be a valuable asset because it can be worn daily as well as for an elegant evening, as an alternative to the bow tie.
PATTERNS
If you only have a few ties, you shouldn't go off buying extremely odd-patterned ties. Instead, go for bold and simple patterns; choose repp stripes, various styles of diagonal stripes, or solid patterns. Depending on whether you are conservative or more outgoing, you'll want to buy something to match your style.
Floral patterns aren't usually the perfect fit for an aggressive sales meeting and a solid pink tie isn't a good pick for your Grandma's funeral -- you get the point.
Always consider buying ties that are versatile and that can match most of your shirts and suits. This obviously depends on your financial situation.
Furthermore, your choice in ties is much like the choice of the rest of your wardrobe; it has to be consistent with your style, your suits and the rest of your attire.
If you are a very classic dresser, I wouldn't recommend ties with motifs of animals or cartoons because they would probably come off as tacky and unattractive.
But then again, if you have an outgoing style and have the proper attire to match it, you could probably get away with wearing a Mickey Mouse or Spiderman tie and still be recognized as a good dresser.
DARE TO BE DIFFERENT
If you want to be really original, you can always buy a pink or fuchsia-colored tie. Most of us would actually look pretty goofy wearing a candy-colored tie, but coordinated with a well-cut suit, trendy shoes and the right overall look, it can be a great way to show off your outgoing personality, and even to start up some conversation.
The only thing I can guarantee is that you'll make heads turn. Just make sure that you have plenty of other ties lying around before buying a peculiar colored tie because chances are that you won't be wearing it every week and the trend will vanish. But hey, you'll have to spend a little extra if you want to set yourself apart from everyone else.
SIZE & WIDTH
We've discussed the essential colors and patterns you should be looking for when buying a tie, now let's looks at what size they should be. Generally, the proper width for a tie is around 3 inches, and anything in that range will never really go out of style.
These days, trends seem to be going towards ties that are a little wider, like those popularized in the late 60's and early 70's. I wouldn't recommend going as far as 5 inches in width, but something close to 4 could be very stylish.
Standard neckties come in lengths from anywhere between 52 to 58 inches long, depending on brands and styles. If you're a very tall man you may have to visit specialty stores to find longer ties.
TIE FAUX PAS
The only real no-nos when choosing ties are the really slim ones and the leather cords -- i.e. cowboy style. Unless, of course, your name is Garth Brooks, you live in the Tennessee area, and you wear a cowboy hat and cowboy boots every minute of every day.
So as a general rule I recommend that you spend a little more and buy quality instead of quantity. It's one of those things that is a good investment and worth spending a little more money for the extra quality.
YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR
Price is usually a pretty good benchmark of quality, but if it's made from quality silk, a tie should be very supple when touched. It shouldn't be frail, and don't ever buy ties with misweaves and puckers.
A characteristic of a quality tie is one that has been cut across the fabric so that it allows the tie to fall straightforward after the knot has been tied. If it curls when you put it across your hand, it was probably not cut across the fabric and should not be purchased.
One amazing company that has exceptional customer service and superb quality of ties is The Tie Bar ( www.thetiebar.com ). This company, owned by Greg Shugar, is a jewel in a vast array of pseudo tie manufacturers. They deliver quality, service and the distinct satisfaction that you will be noticed anywhere you go wearing their ties. I seldom offer my endorsement but this company has won my respect and admiration. The prices are amazingly affordable (range from $15 to $20 for extra long).
So don't be thrifty -- spend a little more on quality, stylish ties simply because they'll make you look good.
Keep on styling.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Excellent writer and very interesting stuff!!
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