Timeless Necktie Tips
Although style trends do come and go on the runways, men’s fashion has changed very little in the last century. Many of the designs used by today’s designers have roots in the fashions of previous aesthetic decades. The necktie is one of those pieces that remain firmly in every man’s wardrobe. And, like the item itself, the practice of wearing and caring for a tie has not changed much in its centuries of existence.
The Width of Your Tie
One of the most recognized changes in regards to mens neckwearthrough the years has been the width. From the mega-wide ties of the fifties and also the eighties to the super Slim Ties on today’s red carpets, there’s a full range for your choosing. And although trends in this respect come and go, there are certain widths that never seem to go out of style.
The best (and safest, really) tie widths lie somewhere between two and a half and three and a half inches. Anything smaller is very likely too skinny to be formal, though you could likely still use it for casual affairs while the trend is still in swing. Going any thicker, on the other hand, could lead to unflattering associations with “Wall Streets” Gordon Gekko. Keep within the safe zone and your neckwear will be good for the next couple of decades.
Like most things in fashion, however, neckties don’t always agree with a hard and fast rule like a number. At the end of the day, you’re still better off trusting your instincts. Do you like what you see in the mirror? You most probably will if the tie is appropriate and proportional to your size and the style of your shirt.
Buy Classics First
Every now and then, trends do emerge in the necktie industry. Knits, for example, got a big boost after they were regularly seen on hit TV series Glee, like skinny styles did after the Jonas Brothers wore them to red carpet galas. The problem with following trends, however, is that they tend to exit just as quickly as they enter the scene.
Nothing’s wrong with buying into a trend, especially if you personally believe in it. For something as formal and businesslike as this, every man has to have a set of the classic necktie styles. They’re the ones that will get you through the days when you don’t like any particular trend, or when looking professional matters much more than being trendy or current – which probably describes most of your days at the office.
After you’ve determined the width of tie for you, it’s time to buy up on the ties you need. Start with repp designs – you know, the striped ones – since these cross the formal lines with the least effort. From there, buff up your collection with more formal ties like a dark micro-check style, or more casual ones like slim styles, bolder colors and knits.
The point is to start from the most classic styles first and then add variety from there. They’re classic for the simple reason that they withstand the test of time and dress codes the best. What man wouldn’t want that in his wardrobe?
Necktie TLC
Each necktie – silk ones, in particular – is meant to last. If you ever took a look into your dad’s closet, you’d notice that a good number of his ties are at least a decade old. Ideally, you should be doing the same thing: keeping your clothes for years, and giving them the right care to do so.
Neckties are not meant to be knotted any longer than absolutely necessary. That means you should be untying them as soon as casual attire and a bare throat become acceptable. Prolonged knotting, especially when it’s no longer around your neck, can lead to severe (and even permanent) creasing. Protect your investment by shedding and storing it when you can.
Know that throwing it in a rumpled heap in a corner doesn’t constitute necktie care. At the very least roll it up and store it in your sock drawer, or hang it up on a special hanger in your closet. It’ll take an extra ten seconds, but you’ll be very thankful for it ten years down the road. For more information you may also want to read our tips on How to Clean a Silk Tie
Other Suggested Readings:
New Selection of Slim Ties
Mens Fall Fashion Dress Tips
Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team
