How to choose a good tie?

Question

I need to buy some ties. I was wondering what to look for when buying a tie. Do you feel silk is good ? Or should I go for something else ? Should I go for a long tie ? or a medium size ? What is the standard size for the tie ?

I want to use the tie for the business meeting.

Answer 1

In general, silk is the best for a tie, because you're going to be wearing it for a very long time, and is, in general, one of the only times you'll get to really 'express' yourself as a guy.

It depends on your work situation though, if it's a strict business environment, I'd suggest not going too crazy (unless the partners/managers like that kind of thing), and stick to simple patterns (diamond shapes, lines, vertical, horizontal), and nothing like martini glasses or naked women silhouettes.

But if you're in a more creative business, I'd go for a wilder colour/pattern - but please, no naked women silhouettes unless you work in a strip club on a regular basis. Those are never appropriate for most occasions unless you're going to a bachelor's stag party, and you want your ties to be versatile for everything in your life.

If you're starting a tie collection, start with silver/grey, and light pale blues and greens, and maybe one dark but jewel-toned (sapphire, ruby, emerald, amethyst) colour for when you wear a blazer over everything and need a pop of colour. It all depends on your hair colour, skin tone, etc as well - but I've found those colours to be neutral yet soothing. For example, if you're pale, a white or a very dark bold red colour might wash you out. I'd suggest going to a place that deals exclusively with men's clothing and hold up ties against the typical shirt you'll be wearing to the meetings (all white? striped?).

DO NOT BUY A BLACK TIE. You will look like a waiter/funeral director unless your shirt is bright.

And most ties come in one size as far as I know, unless you're taller, then you'd want to find a longer tie.. It's the way you tie and adjust the length that matters, because the end of the tie should hit the top of your belt. :)

I'd invest in about 3-5 good quality ties if you can afford it. If you can't, at least buy 2 ties that are of a good quality, and different enough from each other that someone won't notice you're wearing the same ones every day (which they probably won't..)

Lastly, take a cue from the managing partners, VPs, etc and see what kinds of ties THEY wear, and emulate them. Best way of seeing what's appropriate in your workplace and what's not.

Answer 2

When you are buying a tie you want to think of where you will be wearing it. If it is for work or something like that then you want to go with a more coservative style, as for fabric you can choose which ever material feels best to you, I like to mix it up and lastley the size depends on the knott you plan on using, if you are going for the wide spread look (windsor) then you want to get an extra long tie if you are not then go with a smaller size you also want to make sure that the tie is long enough so that the bottom point of the tie meets the clasp on your belt or mid section. Hope this helps you.

Answer 3

I don't know what country you are in but look in a fancy store first to be sure what is in style. If you cannot afford a tie there, at least you will know that much.

After that just choose according to your taste.

Under no circumstances should you let a woman pick your tie unless the only purpose of it is to impress a woman. Their taste is very different from men.