subject: Knowing The Variables To Consider In Selecting A Tie [print this page] Neckties have often been used to show family history, club affiliation, team spirit and so much more. Each necktie sends some kind of message. Make sure the tire you wear communicates what you want it to say. There are a few things you need to consider when selecting what tie wear:
Solid ties:
These ties are the simplest to coordinate with your button-down suits and shirts. A white or a patterned shirt can work well with a versatile solid-colored tie.
When coupling a solid tie with a designed shirt, it is good to pick a color that is in the pattern. For a white shirt, select a color that complements your suit or blazer.
Striped ties:
A tradition in menswear, striped ties are almost always appropriate. They can simply be worn with white dress shirts. Furthermore, a striped tie may also be worn with a striped shirt a long as the colors are complementary and the stripes are not similar in size.
If you choose to wear a striped shirt with a striped tie, ensure the suit is of a solid color so that the overall look does not seem overwhelming.
Patterned ties:
These ties may have patterns such as polka dots, Paisley, flowers, or even abstract designs. These ties follow the same rules as their striped counterparts. That is, the pattern should not be the same size as the pattern on your shirt, and you should select a pattern in complementary colors to your shirt.
Patterns in demure colors are ideal for more traditional occasions while one with pink flowers is ideal for garden weddings.
Novelty ties:
Ties that include prints such as sport teams, holiday themes, or cartoon characters are best reserved for light-heated occasions. Ties made of novelty fabrics, like stingray skin or snake skin, are not ideal as office wear.
Bolo ties (ties that include a braided leather string with a decorative clasp) are also worth looking at depending on where you live. However, you need to factor in the occasion and location before wearing one of them.
When buying a tie
Try a tie first before buying it and make sure it ties the knot properly. If you are buying a tie for a suit that you already own, bring along the suit with you when going shopping. Make sure the tie properly matches the suit.
Examine the tie closely and carefully look for any loose threads or miss-weaves. For silk ties, feel the texture. If it feels rough to the touch, the silk is probably of inferior quality.
High quality ties are also cut across the fabric (cut on the bias). This allows the tie to fall straight without curling after it has been knotted.
Put the tie to the test for this by looping the tie on your hand and paying attention to whether it starts to twirl in the air; if it does not, it is a high quality tie. Also, the more you spend on a tie, the higher its quality.
