Which Width is Which? A Guide to Neck Ties – Craig Ryan (2024)

FAQs

How do you determine the width of a tie? ›

It's simple: the width of your tie should be roughly as wide as the lapel on your jacket. Your classic notch lapel is typically around 3 3/8″ wide, and classic ties are in that ballpark. They tend to be anywhere between 3 1/4″ and 3 1/2″.

Traditional 3.5" Width

No matter where you shop, today's standard ties measure between 3.25- and 3.5-inches wide. This is your can't go wrong, go-to width for any situation, whether it's a job interview or a formal event.

Most ties we see fall around the tried-and-true width of 2.5 inches or so, meaning it will stay in fashion long after your wedding day. Of course, larger guys might look more proportional with a slightly wider tie (and vice versa), so keep that in mind as you start shopping.

Standard ties which are usually 56 to 58 inches or 142 to 148 cm long, are worn by men with average height and body build. While men with taller stature of 6 ft. and above and bigger body build, extra long ties are highly recommended. XL ties measures around 62 to 66 inches or 158 to 167 cm.

At it's widest point, your tie should be about the same as your lapel, which is 2 ½ inches for your average suit. Give or take a half inch of wiggle room, that means a one inch lapel does not work with a 3-inch tie. Larger guys can wear slim lapels, as long as the suit fits well, Cristodero says.

Classic 9 cm – 3.54 inch

Most of the time, tie shops nowadays carry the standard size of ties which measures around 9 cm or 3.5 inches width.

A kipper tie is a type of necktie primarily fashionable in Britain in the mid-1960s to late 1970s. The primary characteristics of the kipper tie are its extreme breadth (normally 4.5–5 inches (11–13 cm)) and often garish colours and patterns.

In the 1970's, what is known as the Kipper Tie was designed. Known for being the widest of all styles of ties, some are even known to be as wide as 6 inches. The '80s kept Kipper Ties in fashion alongside skinny ties.

3.25 Inches: This is the typical width of a standard tie today. It's a contemporary width that has become the norm in the last few years. (Standard ties were a bit wider before then.) 3.5 Inches: This is considered a standard or traditional width tie.

3-inch tie

Not too skinny, not too wide, but just right. Go with the 3-inch if you want to look clean cut but not trendy.

Is a 2.5 inch tie too skinny? ›

Skinny ties are usually those with a width of no more than 2.5 inches (6.25 cm) whereas a tie classed as slim would be no more than 3 inches (7.5 cm). Although you will see skinny ties being worn at some formal events, they are best suited for more casual occasions.

You might need and XL tie! Extra-long ties are typically 4 inches longer than regular-length ties. Our regular ties average about 58 inches long; our extra-longs are about 62 inches long.

When you're standing straight up, not hunched at all, your necktie should end right at the top of your belt buckle, give or take no more than ½ inch. Any shorter than this and your tie will look like a bib, not a tie.

For a more modern wedding day look, consider ties 3-inches wide or slimmer. A skinny tie is 2-inches wide and a trendy look. A slim tie is 2.5-inches wide and becoming the norm for millennial weddings. With both these widths, keep proportions in mind.

The first number is length, middle length is width, last number is height. If you ever have a doubt measure the tank and see which numbers match up with each other. 4.

The first dimension to measure is length. Length is always the longest side of the box that has a flap. The next dimension is width.

Length vs Width

Length is the measure of how long an object is from one end to the other, while width is the measure of how wide an object is from side to side. Height is the measure of how tall an object is from top to bottom.

The easiest way to determine your tie width is to match it in proportion to the lapel of your suit. When your tie and lapel are balanced, it creates a visual harmony. Therefore, a wider tie should be paired with a wider lapel, and a slim tie with a slim lapel.

Skinny ties between 2- and 2.25-inches wide should be reserved for casual dress codes and more stylish environments. Sticking with skinny ties 2.5-inches+ for the office is a smart move. The size is trim and modern compared to a traditional tie, but it's not overly trendy either.

To narrow the tie fabric, fold the long edges of the tie carefully over the narrowed interlining; fold from the basted mark on each side all along the edge of the interlining to the center of the tie. Be careful not to stretch the bias edges of the fabric. Press the edges carefully to crease the tie into its new width.

How wide were ties in the 80s? ›

In the 1980s, narrower ties, some as narrow as 1+1⁄2 inches (3.8 cm) but more typically 3 to 3+1⁄4 inches (7.6 to 8.3 cm) wide, became popular again. Into the 1990s, as ties got wider again, increasingly unusual designs became common.

Who Needs Extra Long Ties? As the name suggests, longer XL ties are made for taller men. Besides height, the neck size, as well as the type of tie-knot used, are determining factors for the length of tie needed. Most regular sized ties measure 57-59 inches in length.

The Full-Windsor knot, sometimes called the Double-Windsor, is the most formal knot of the three. This is the fullest, widest knot, and so goes best with wider and longer neckties. Its fullness gives it the most formal look and so is appropriate with formal, wide spread dress shirts.

While four or five inch ties were in vogue during the 1950s, in the 1920s and '30s, ties were a moderate width, usually around 3-3.5 inches. That's roughly the width of ties sold today!

While the late 50s introduced the skinny tie, the 60s went a completely different direction. Ties in the 60s became wider than ever before and ties of 5 or even 6 inches in width became popular.

1940s men's neckties ranged from a standard 3.5 inch width to the 5 inch wide “Fat Boy” tie. In the 1940s ties were short too, hanging down to the middle of the ribs. Popular tie patterns were geometric, curly lines, monograms, plaid, dots, wide stripes, and art deco prints.

Traditional length ties are generally 58 inches long. Our 63 inch tie is best for men who are 6'0'' to 6'5'' tall. Our 70 inch tie is best for men who are 6'6'' or taller. Men with large necks (size 18+) should also wear extra long ties.

You should try to find a tie that matches the vibrancy and tone of both your jacket and trousers. It's not a hard-and-fast rule — and, if your suit is lightly-coloured, your tie should still be darker. So try to judge each case individually, but know that your tie should always be complementary.

Cable Ties come in a wide range of widths and lengths. Their length is directly correlated to the maximum bundle diameter. A cable ties' width will determine how much tensile strength the cord is rated to hold. For instance, a standard nylon cable tie with a width of 0.10" has an 18 lb.

Are Skinny Ties in Style 2022? Skinny ties are absolutely still in style, especially for celebratory events. Paired with a nice fitted suit; they can have compliments coming faster and lasting longer than your next paycheck.

What makes a high quality tie? ›

A “Hand” With Texture and Weight

When you pick up a tie, check its hand, feeling for its texture and weight. Quality ties feel hefty and the fabric — even on the finest silk ties — has a coarse texture thanks to its large weave. Heftier ties will be able to withstand the torture of being knotted over and over again.

The best tie knot for a wedding is one that is elegant, draws attention and is best for formal occasions. The most popular, common and elegant of all knots that is worn to such an occasion is the Windsor Knot.

When you're standing straight up, not hunched at all, your necktie should end right at the top of your belt buckle, give or take no more than ½ inch. Any shorter than this and your tie will look like a bib, not a tie. Any longer than this is known as a Donald.

2.5 inch is the classic skinny tie. It's a favorite of GQ and looks best with slim suits or trim lapels.

The standard tie width is 7.5 cm / 3 inches and generally looks good on everyone. Ties that go below that width are considered narrow, while those over 10 cm / 4 inches are labeled wide. When choosing the right tie width, you should think in terms of proportion.