For being a thin, basically rectangular piece of fabric, a tie is a pretty complicated garment. There are all those knots, fabrics, and rules about height and width…it is understandably frustrating. However, Christopher James Menswear in Fort Wayne strives to make your life easier, so we’ve assembled these simple guidelines for wearing a tie properly:
Length
A tie should always hit at your beltline. Not above, not below. Capiche?
Width
Your tie should be about two and a quarter to two and three-quarter inches at its widest point. Any wider, and you start to look like a congressman.
Knot
The four-in-hand knot should be your go-to. It’s knot too big, knot too small (sorry, couldn’t resist). Also, avoid the half Windsor. It is a huge knot and you will look like you have a giant tortilla chip hanging on your collar. No bueno.
The dimple
The detail of details matter. In this case, it is the tie dimple that will take your tie from passable to polished. Here’s how you do it: 1. When you’re almost done tying your tie, press your thumb against your index finger just beneath the knot, so the fabric forms a crease. 2. Pull down the narrow end of the tie to tighten the dimple, and slide up the knot. 3. Finesse either side of the dimple to accentuate the fold and set it in place. Voilà, dimple.
Bow ties. Bow ties are no longer limited to tuxedos and Pee-Wee Herman. Bow ties are cool now. GQ calls the bow tie the, “dapper man’s version of the skinny straight tie.”
Tie bars.
There is only one, repeat one, place for a tie bar. And it’s between the third and fourth buttons of your dress shirt. Also, never wear a tie bar wider than your tie. Just don’t.
Matching your tie with your suit.
Match your tie to the fabric of your suit. Cotton ties with cotton suits in summer, wool ties with wool suits in winter.
If you have more questions, and are in the Fort Wayne area, come see us at CJM. We are always here to help.