The Importance of a Tie Collection
Some men may find it strange to own numerous ties. While technically, you only need one tie to "get by," I believe that just because we can do something doesn't mean we should.
It's best to cover our bases, am I right?
If you aim to build a timeless and versatile tie collection, you're in the right place.
But, before we discuss WHICH neckties you should purchase first, I think it's worth covering some important general and preliminary information about neckties.
When & Why to Wear a Tie
A true gentleman should always dress appropriately for any occasion, especially when leading an adventurous life filled with Christ-centered purpose (my hope for every man).
Whether it's a wedding, a networking event, a board meeting, a job interview, a funeral, a formal dinner, a company luncheon, or a simple business visit, having a collection of ties is essential for any modern gentleman.
Today's world has become increasingly casual, and the need for neckties has significantly diminished, especially in the post-COVID-19 era.
However, every modern gentleman should have a few ties in his collection. Ties can help command respect and showcase personal style and taste.
Neckties have evolved into accessories more than necessities, but we can still take advantage of the unique patterns and weaves that quality ties offer.
After all, our clothing communicates something about WHO we are, and a quality tie can be a powerful tool for a modern gentleman who takes his appearance seriously and knows how to dress well for any occasion.
Most suits traditionally require a necktie, although the option to go tie-less has become increasingly popular. Textured and patterned ties can complement blazers and sport coats, but these jackets are generally more casual and may not always necessitate a necktie.
Quality & Material
Regarding neckties, the QUALITY of materials and proper sizing are essential factors. Numerous tie brands are available, but one brand isn't necessarily better than all the rest just because of its "name."
Finding a quality tie is about understanding which materials make the ties look better and last longer. When shopping for a quality tie, it's essential not to be swayed too much by the brand or label.
In most cases, the best ties are made of 100% silk.
This isn't to say that 100% wool or cotton ties aren't high-quality pieces, but be sure to pay close attention to anything made with polyester, a cheap fabric that can alter the look and feel of any necktie.
While polyester isn't necessarily bad and can make ties more affordable and accessible, investing in quality by focusing on the best materials is well worth the money in the long run, especially when building a lean and versatile tie collection.
Proper Sizing
When you explore different brands, you may often encounter "OS," which stands for "one size." Typically, more traditional and classic neckties measure between 3.25 and 3.5 inches at the widest point, which is what OS usually refers to.
With advancements in fashion, clothing, and modern technology, a wider range of tie-width options is now available to accommodate various body types in men.
For instance, a slender individual might choose a skinnier tie to harmonize with his physique, while a broader man might opt for a wider tie to suit his larger frame.
In most cases, standard-sized (OS) neckties will work well for most men, regardless of their stature, but some of us have unique body types (so pay close attention to where you land in this regard).
It's worth noting that if we disregard proper sizing and wear skinny neckties when wider ones are more suitable, we might not enhance our appearance as intended...
The same principle applies to wearing wider tie widths when a slimmer width is more flattering.
As gentlemen, it's vital to prioritize consistent and harmonious dressing.
Finding the right tie size is crucial to dressing appropriately for occasions that require a necktie. Incongruency often draws unwanted attention, disrupting the consistency that any modern gentleman should strive to create in his outfits.
Recommended Brands for Ties
Some neckties are more affordable than others. As you'll see from the options below, not every tie brand is easily accessible:
- Kiton Ties - $$$$$
- Drake's - $$$$
- Fort Belvedere - $$$$
- Brooks Brothers - $$$
- Bonobos - $$$
- Charles Tyrwhitt - $$$
- Nordstrom - $$$
- J. Crew - $$$
- The Tie Bar - $$
Those Drake's, Brooks Brothers, and Kiton Ties are wildly expensive; in my opinion, you don't need to spend that kind of money to get a good quality tie.
The Tie Bar (The Best Ties for Your Money)
The Tie Bar will work just fine, especially when you're just starting.
If you are concerned about the quality of The Tie Bar being too low, don't be. You can trust this brand, full stop!
What About Bow Ties?
Bow ties are an excellent addition to every man's wardrobe, offering a look that is both dapper, fun, and sophisticated.
If done tastefully, including bow ties can elevate your look. I love a good bow tie, but admittedly, this subject is beyond the scope of this post.
Simply put, bow ties are not essential for a complete wardrobe, and I certainly would not recommend owning any bow tie before each of the five types of neckties that I will describe here shortly.
Tie CLIP or Tie BAR? Which Is It?
Believe it or not, a technical difference exists between a tie clip and a tie bar.
A tie clip has a pinch clasp with a hinge that allows it to be opened and closed.
A tie bar with a slide clasp is a hinge-less, single-piece that slides in and out of place to secure the tie to the shirt placket.
Now, I often find myself using both terms interchangeably (in fact, you'll see me do it a lot in this article).
I'm here to tell you that what you choose to say (clip or bar) doesn't really matter.
Sure, some men might make a fuss about whether it should be called one or the other, but what you choose to call it matters much less than the precise application of the device itself.
Should You Wear a Tie Clip?
While wearing a tie unclipped is becoming more common, many men still wear a tie clip because it holds the tie in place and keeps it secured to the dress shirt.
Tie clips are a surprisingly effective way to add flair to your necktie, as they come in a variety of styles and colors.
Depending on your chosen clip, you can take a reasonably traditional tie and add visual intrigue to your outfit, making it more than just a simple metal clip.
A tie clip becomes essential when wearing a two-piece suit to dinner, as you should ensure your tie does not flap freely into your food or beverage as you lean forward slightly.
While I wouldn't consider a tie clip a fashion statement, I think wearing one with a two-piece suit or elegant blazer enhances a man's style to great effect. The metal details in the clip, coupled with a lovely wristwatch, can create a lot of consistency in one's look if paired effectively.
Opting for a tie clip is a small detail, but it can make a big difference in looking dapper, ensuring that your tie stays in place and doesn't flap freely into your meal or beverage.
Of course, a man should know HOW to wear a tie bar correctly (if he chooses to wear one).
The best tie bars and clips for the money are readily available at The Tie Bar.
Tie #1: Navy Blue Grenadine Tie
A classic navy grenadine tie should be your FIRST choice due to its timeless pedigree in men's style, sophisticated texture, and highly versatile qualities.
Grenadine is traditionally a silk material with much more texture and thickness than conventional silk neckties.
This texture is great for business casual outfits that feature other types of texturing, such as hopsack, flannel, linen, etc. Consistently mixing various tasteful textures can allow cohesion throughout any man's look.
Navy grenadine ties can look particularly handsome with formal wool and worsted wool suits, whether dark navy, classic navy, charcoal, brown, etc.
The rich texture of the silk fabric in the tie adds much-needed visual interest, subtly elevating any look you have.
I think a more conventional silk tie would be fine to own. Still, concerning business casual attire, the texture of the grenadine fabric enables the wearer to dress this necktie up or down more quickly than a standard, shiny silk necktie.
Navy blue is a classic neutral color. It pairs well with other neutrals, making it one of the more versatile colors a man can own in his closet.
Neutral colors are equally timeless as they are tasteful. These are the more traditional colors in menswear, and therefore, look natural when combined.
This can be an excellent built-in "fail-safe" because you don't have to worry about (or overthink) how to pair specific garments together; instead, you can rest easy knowing they will work no matter the combinations you employ.
Tie #2: Tastefully Patterned Silk Tie
There are a few schools of thought regarding this type of tie.
One is a solid-colored tie in a tasteful hue with a much smaller pattern (like a pin-dot tie). A classic burgundy red with off-white pin dots is a great option and can seldom lead you astray (see below).
Another of my favorite options is a gold or bronze medallion-print tie, which looks brilliant when paired with any shade of navy blue.
Yellow and orange are complementary to blue, making this classic color scheme look excellent for most occasions. The subtle and/or tasteful patterns are simply the icing on the cake.
Complimentary Color Scheme (Blue & Orange/Yellow)
Tie #3: Silk Knit Tie
It's time to shift to a more casual approach.
A classic knit tie is an excellent way to elevate your look, presenting a casual yet sophisticated and intelligent appearance. Knit ties stand out in some unique ways. Given their often flat edges, they can keep things casual if you wish to avoid appearing too formal.
When building a wardrobe that can accommodate any number of occasions, it's important to have a more laid-back and "fun" necktie to round out your arsenal.
You can choose a solid color, such as navy blue, or a bold striped design in deeper shades of color. The choice is yours.
I think a knit tie in navy blue looks too much like a navy Grenadine tie, and I never mind a bit of extra boldness in the pattern (but that's just me).
This type of tie pairs well with a variety of outfits, from a navy blazer to a sport coat, as well as a Harrington or denim jacket.
It often travels very well because it maintains its shape, rolls, and folds nicely into tightly packed luggage. Due to the thickness of the knit weave, it does not become creased and crumpled.
Tie #4: Rep-Stripe Tie
Here is one of the most classic ties you'll ever see or own: the ever-timeless rep-stripe tie.
Perhaps the quintessential version of this tie type is the Brooks Brothers BB#1 Rep Tie. These can come in various colors, from red and gold to red and silver to blue and silver.
How you like your colors is up to you, but make no mistake—this silk necktie will stand the test of time for decades.
If Brooks Brothers' near $100 asking price is too high for you, don't worry; The Tie Bar has you covered with options that strike an outstanding balance of price and quality.
Tie #5: Wedding Tie
Here is a category of ties that every man ought to revere: the essential and sacred wedding tie.
The key to nailing a wedding tie is to focus on a silvery color. White and certainly solid white are much too light, while deep, steely grey is too dark.
Something in a light silver color will work perfectly.
I think the tie's fabric is also very important, in addition to being a light silver color. A jacquard woven pattern in light silver can be particularly stunning to the eye.
Additionally, a tasteful, subtle, and discreet thin stripe pattern or textured micropattern will command respect, particularly when constructed from a silk material that produces a subtle sheen that is neither too shiny nor too dull, lending the tie that little extra "glow."
My favorite of these wedding tie patterns is a silk Prince of Wales check design. I wore this type of tie to my own wedding, and it has remained a treasured piece ever since.
A Quick Note on Pocket Squares
Pocket squares often look excellent when paired with neckties. Coordinating a quality pocket square with a high-end necktie is exquisite.
Similar to bow ties, I think pocket squares warrant their own article, as there are numerous ways to fold and pair them with (or without) neckties.
For now, I'll say that a solid or off-white pocket square, made from either cotton or silk, can cover you for most occasions and serve as a blank slate to pair well with any of the neckties mentioned above.
Of course, The Tie Bar has excellent pocket square options for unbeatable prices.
Timeless Elegance
Although neckties are becoming less necessary today, a tasteful tie can add personality and visual interest to any man's outfit.
Accessories not only help to meet the occasion's dress code/guidelines, but they can also allow our personality to shine through. A necktie can be a great way to add extra flair to any man's look and communicate something about you to the outside world.
Stick to the five ties mentioned in this article, and you can be confident that you'll be covered for nearly any occasion.
