Quick Answer: How Do You Choose a Tie?
- Fabric: smooth silk for most occasions, or a textured tie for more depth in cooler months.
- Style: solid colours are the most formal and versatile; patterns add personality. Choose a colour that complements your suit and shirt.
- Size: match the tie width to your lapels (usually 2.5 to 3.5 inches), and make sure the tip reaches your belt buckle.
A tie is one of the easiest ways to change the look of a suit, and one of the easiest to get wrong. With so many fabrics, colours and widths to choose from, it helps to break it down. Here's how to choose the right tie in three simple steps.
Step 1: Choose the Fabric
The fabric sets the tone of your tie and should suit the season and occasion.
- Smooth silk-look ties: the classic choice. A subtle sheen, a clean knot and year-round versatility for business, weddings and formal events.
- Textured ties: a more matte, tactile finish that pairs well with sport jackets and blazers and plaid or check suits in cooler months.
- Sateen: a soft sheen that looks great at weddings and evening events, and coordinates with sateen shirts and pocket squares.
Step 2: Choose the Style
Colour
Your tie should complement both your suit and your shirt. A few easy pairings:
- Navy suit: burgundy, silver, light blue, pink or green
- Grey suit: navy, purple, burgundy or green
- Black suit: silver, burgundy, dark green or a classic black
- Tan suit: navy, brown, light blue or olive
For more on getting colours right, see how to match your tie to your suit and shirt.
Pattern
- Solid: the most formal and versatile. A must-have.
- Stripes and dots: classic for business and semi-formal events.
- Small geometrics and foulards: refined and easy to pair.
- Paisley and florals: more expressive, great for weddings and spring.
Learn more in our guide to essential tie patterns.
Step 3: Get the Size Right
Width
Match your tie width to your lapel width. Most ties fall between 2.5 and 3.5 inches:
- Slim (2.5 inches or under): pairs with slim lapels and slim fit suits.
- Standard (about 3 inches): works for most men and most suits.
- Wider (3.25 inches or more): suits broader builds and wider lapels.
Length
When tied, the tip of your tie should reach the top of your belt buckle. Taller men or those who prefer bigger knots may need an extra-long tie. See our tie length guide.
Finish It Off
- Add a pocket square that complements your tie, not one cut from the same fabric.
- Keep your tie in place with a tie bar.
- Need help with the knot? Read how to tie a necktie.
Before you buy, learn how to judge a tie's quality.
FAQ
What tie colour goes with everything?
Navy and burgundy work with almost any suit and shirt combination.
How wide should my tie be?
Match it to your lapels. Most men look best in a tie between 2.5 and 3.5 inches wide.
What ties should every man own?
A solid navy, a solid burgundy, a classic stripe and a subtle pattern will cover most occasions.
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