Ties come in various widths. Wide ties are considered “old”, while thin ones are seen as modern; wider ties were popular during the 1930s and 50s, and skinny ones became fashionable again during the early and mid-60s with mod suits.
When selecting the appropriate tie width for you, this depends on both your height and lapel size. As a general guideline, your tie should have equal width as your jacket lapel.
Skinny
The skinny tie is an indispensable item in many fashionable men’s wardrobes. Offering just enough width and length, it makes an excellent look on both big and small body types alike, looking equally great with a suit and jeans alike. Knotting it tight or loosely makes it suitable for numerous events ranging from job interviews to formal affairs.
Current skinny trends provide hope to those of us struggling to find an appropriate tie length, as shorter ties have become increasingly fashionable. An ideal length would be when its tip touches either the belt buckle of your trousers or falls just beneath it – anything shorter would look cheap and untidy while anything longer may create an odd, oversized silhouette.
Consider wearing a tie whose width complements your jacket lapel width for best results. A slim tie would look fantastic with thin lapels; on the other hand, wider lapels may call for something bigger; regular width ties might even be too large to suit some jacket styles.
These guidelines should serve only as general guides when it comes to choosing the appropriate tie width for you, but your personal style still plays an integral role. Don’t be intimidated to experiment and try something out of the norm!
Regular
Regular tie width (around 3.5 inches) conveys traditional elegance, suitable for most formal events. In contrast, skinny ties (2.5 inches or less) possess more modern appeal and can often be found adorning the necks of trendy individuals.
While knowing what’s trendy can be helpful, individual style trumps trends. Therefore, the optimal width for a tie will depend on an individual’s body type, suit style and occasion; slimmer men should consider opting for skinny ties while average or athletic men will do just fine with standard width ties.
One important consideration for men when selecting formal wear is lapel width. Narrow lapels work best when worn with narrow-striped ties while wider lapels should be worn with wide ones.
Tie length should fall at its standard spot around the belt buckle for best results. A standard length tie (57-58 inches) usually works best, though shorter or taller men may require something longer; this can be accomplished using pre-tied ties, loose knotting, or simply leaving an opening at the bottom for appearance of a tucked-in shirt.
Narrow
As with most fashion trends, skinny ties have come and gone with fashion tides; however, they seem to be making a comeback among younger men who desire a more contemporary aesthetic. Narrow ties typically measure 2-2.5 inches wide with squared-off ends; these less formal versions of silk ties can be worn with casual dress shirts, suits or jeans for an informal yet professional look.
Replicating Harry Styles-esque styles requires choosing an ideal width; be careful not to go too narrow as this could result in disproportionality across various body types.
When selecting a tie width, the most essential element is finding one that complements your overall outfit. A good rule of thumb would be matching its width to that of your jacket lapels – this will produce an aesthetically pleasing and classic appearance.
Wide ties may not be a trend anymore, but they remain fashionable. You can wear one with almost any outfit to make an eye-catching statement; pairing well with wide lapels on modern suits. They make men with wider body proportions stand out more in crowds while adding bold statement pieces. Furthermore, wide ties can also be worn for formal events – including wearing with tuxedos!
Wide
Neckties are an integral component of every man’s wardrobe, yet their width can dramatically affect their look. Wide ties add an air of sophistication while skinny ones can offer modern appeal for men who seek something classic yet different.
As with other details of fashion, tie width can change dramatically over time. In the 1960’s skinny ties were in fashion, which went perfectly with narrow lapels on jackets. By contrast, wide lapels became fashionable during the 1970’s which called for wide ties that required much wider width ties than ever before.
Tie width should usually match lapel width for an elegant appearance; however, you are free to experiment with other widths to suit your personal style.
At the end of the day, when it comes to choosing the appropriate tie width for you and your frame, always go wider rather than narrow. Slim figures may do well with thin ties while athletic builds should opt for wider neckties to enhance rather than overwhelm their figure.
Narrow ties also tend to be thicker, and this can affect their ability to knot easily. A narrow, thin tie will produce an anemic knot while wide, thick ties produce something that resembles that of an Easter present!
