How Long Should A Tie Be?
When it comes to proper tie length the rules are quite simple.Essentially, the tip of your tie should end in the middle of your waistband (or belt if you are wearing one) when you are standing in your natural posture.
The detailed guide below can be used as a resource to help you get the correct tie length every time.
As with any ensemble, the subtle details are critical in a number of areas to bring the whole thing together. As the old saying goes, you’re only as strong as your weakest link, and that is certainly true of looking good in a suit and tie. So take note of these small yet critical details!
We’ve also created this five page guide on all suit alterations that can help you know what’s worth getting tailored and what might be a pass. It’s all about being in the know to look your best! Additionally, you can learn a variety of tie knots with our how to tie a tie guide.
Helpful Tips For The Proper Tie Length
- Too Long: the tie extends way past the waistband / belt
- Correct Length: the tip of the “diamond” shall sit in the mid part of the waistband / belt
- Too Short: you will be able to see some daylight between your waistband and where the tie ends, revealing your shirt fabric
It’s really that simple. When you’ve tied your tie, step back and take a quick look in the mirror to check your work.
Bear in mind that there is no “absolute” length of the tie, so don’t pre-tie. The correct length of a tie is always relative to your waistband.
Each person’s torso is a different length, and different pairs of trousers may sit at slightly different heights. For example, when I wear a custom suit with braces, the waistband sits about 2-3″ (5 – 7 cm) higher than on a pair of trousers worn with a belt. This is referred to as the “rise” of the trousers.
Diamond Vs Square Tip Ties
We’ve been pleased to see the resurgence of the square tip tie, most commonly seen in knit ties. It’s a bit of a vintage flavour that can add to your overall style points!
For both the diamond and the square, the “rule” remains the same. You should be aiming for the bottom of the tie to hit the middle of the waistband/belt. For the diamond, it will be thepoint at the tip, and for the square tie, it will bethe flat edge along the bottom.
Be Realistic Of Your “Natural” Posture
We’ve all been there, standing to attention in the morning while getting dressed, but is that really your natural posture? Over that day or even within a few minutes, you’ll “fall back” into your natural posture, and the tie will be too long.
The easy fix is to just walk around for a minute or two, put your shoes on and see how the tie is looking? Over time you’ll get a good feel for where you should be to have it on point during the day.
Standard Tie Vs Long Tie Length
If you’re over 6ft, have a long or slightly rounded torso, a standard length tie might not “fit” you.
By saying that, I mean that the back fabric/silk loop is too low for the inside of the tie to loop through.
Although itis technically true that the tie is too small for you, I would not go throwing away your ties just yet! Don’ttie it very short either, just so that the back can loop through (trust me many a man does this!).
Instead, simply affix a tie bar to both ends of the tie and shirt placket, making one solid unit. The tie bar is placed between the 3rd and 4th buttons, so high enough for most men to “catch” the small fabric end on the back (I’m 6′ 4″ with a long torso and do this with 95% of my ties). See ourtie bar guide here.
Further, you can always look to buy extra-long ties (usually between 60 – 63″ long, versus the 57″ for a standard length tie) or even go custom.
There are some really good and affordable options out there now for both long and custom ties if you take the time to look about. I especially like the odd custom tie if you find a perfect piece of fabric to have it made from.
Correcting For Any Errors
Quite simply, if it’s not the correct length, just re-tie the bloody thing!
That extra minute in the morning will make you have a day full of sartorial confidence.
The Tie Clip “Trick”
One caveat to that is that you can use your tie bar to make small alterations to the length.
When wearing a tie bar you should have a bit of a poof, which is from the excess fabric allowing you to move your neck while not being strangled!
This gives us the opportunity to have about 0.5 – 1″ wiggle room if your tie is not spot on. By moving the fabric up or down slightly in the tie bar, it allows you to fix the ending points of the tie correctly. Just don’t overdo it. Again, if it’s too far off, just start again…
Above you can’t even notice that the tie has a little extra fabric above the tie bar.
We’re Not All The Same, But Our Tie Length Should Be!
As a final recap, make sure that your tie hits the right length, being the middle of the waistband. Don’t fall into the simple traps, and that tie shall bring your ensemble to a well-rounded finish.
We hope you found this guide helpful, and if you have any questions, please leave us a comment.
Alternatively, check out some related guides and expand on your sartorial knowledge:
- Top 10 Best Tie Brands
- How To Tie A Tie
- How To Fold A Pocket Square
- Bespoke Unit Suit Homepage
