Quick answer: Choose silk ties for business and weddings and wool or knit ties for relaxed tailoring; match the width to your lapels, tie a four-in-hand for most collars or a half-Windsor for spread collars, and let the tip reach the middle of your belt buckle.
The finishing touch
Even in a casual age, there are days when a tie makes the outfit: a job interview, a wedding, a funeral, a big meeting or a night out. A good tie adds color and personality, frames the face and shows that you made an effort. Choosing one is not complicated once you understand fabric, width, color and knots.
Silk ties
Silk is the classic tie fabric. It has a smooth surface and a gentle sheen, ties a neat knot and drapes cleanly. A silk tie in navy, burgundy or a small pattern works for business, weddings and formal events. Solid and subtly patterned silks are the most versatile; save bold prints for occasions where you want to stand out.
Wool and knit ties
Wool ties have a soft, matte texture that pairs beautifully with tweed, flannel and corduroy in fall and winter. Knit ties have a square end and a relaxed look that works with a blazer and an oxford shirt. A wool tie in green, brown or burgundy is an easy way to make a simple jacket and shirt look considered.
Getting the width right
Tie width should roughly match the width of your jacket lapels. For most suits that means around three inches at the widest point. Slim lapels pair with a slightly narrower tie, and wide lapels with a slightly wider one. If you do not wear a jacket, choose a medium width; it is the most timeless and suits most body types.
Choosing colors
Start with navy, which goes with white, blue and pink shirts and with gray, navy and brown suits. Add burgundy for warmth, then a green or a pattern you enjoy. A good rule: the tie should be darker than the shirt. Pair patterned ties with solid shirts, or mix patterns of different scales, such as a small dot tie with a wide-striped shirt.
The four-in-hand knot
The four-in-hand is the simplest and most useful knot. It is slightly asymmetrical and slim, which suits point collars and button-down collars like a classic oxford shirt. Cross the wide end over the narrow end, wrap it around once, bring it up through the neck loop and down through the front of the knot, then tighten while holding the narrow end.
The half-Windsor knot
The half-Windsor is a little larger and more symmetrical, and fills a spread collar nicely. It takes one extra wrap around the neck loop compared with the four-in-hand. Whichever knot you choose, pinch a small dimple just below the knot as you tighten it — it gives the tie depth and makes it hang better.
How long should a tie be?
Once tied, the tip of the tie should reach the middle of your belt buckle. Too short looks dated; too long looks sloppy. Standard ties are about 57 to 59 inches long, which works for most men. If you are very tall or prefer a larger knot, you may need an extra-long tie. Tuck the narrow end through the keeper loop on the back.
Caring for ties
Always untie a tie by reversing the knot rather than pulling the narrow end through, which stretches the fabric. Hang ties on a rack or roll them loosely in a drawer to let creases relax overnight. Never iron a tie directly; steam it gently instead. Silk ties should be spot cleaned or dry cleaned. Browse our silk, wool and knit ties, all with free U.S. shipping.
Frequently asked questions
How wide should a tie be?
About the width of your jacket lapels — around three inches for most suits.
Where should a tie end?
The tip should reach the middle of your belt buckle.
Which knot is easiest?
The four-in-hand: simple, slim and suited to most collars.
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