In the modern world today, the necktie is probably the ultimate men’s accessories. Wearing a good neckties signals to everyone that you care about your clothes and how you look. Whether with jeans, a business wear or a sharp formal suit, the right tie can take an outfit from schlumpy to stylish with a quick flip of the wrist. However, choosing and buying the right tie is very challenging task for many men (we will go into that in a while).

While there are many debates on the origins of necktie ranging from the Roman in 2nd AD, the Chinese Emperor in 221 BC to the neckwear worn by King Charles II of England in the middle of the 17th century, the closest forerunner of today’s necktie has to be the first school and club ties worn by the members of the Exeter College, Oxford in 1880. They tied the bands of their straw hats around their neck with a simple knot, inventing the first club tie. The modern day necktie is usually regarded as a formal wear, although it can also be used as a fashion accessory.

Most neckties today are made from 3 parts. If you look closely you will see the seams between the separate sections. Even in the neckties of high quality, these seams are machines sewn, the seam holding the necktie together on the inside, however, should be sewn by hand if the neckties is sold as “hand finished” or “handmade”.

The best of the best : Seven Fold Tie

The best neckties are made entirely of pure silk or wool containing no interlining of other material. These rare masterpieces are rather expensive and are made of a single piece of material(usually silk) folded seven times into the shape of the tie. The “Seven Fold tie” is the non plus ultra of tie-making, and the ultimate in understatement.

Types of Ties: Below are some common categories  of tie design

Solid Color – Kenneth Cole Reaction Tie, Darien Solid

Strips – Kenneth Cole Reaction Tie, Mondarian Stripe

Checks/Plaids – Kenneth Cole Reaction Tie, Brasher Plaid

Dots – Geoffrey Beene Tie, Dot

Pattern – John Ashford Tie, Miami Geo

Paisley – Tasso Elba Tie, Alex Paisley

Width of the Tie: Skinny, Slim or Wide?

The trend for widths of neckties tend to vary from year to year. You can try to keep up with the trend that comes and goes, but a good well cared for tie can often last a lifetime – you are better off finding a style that fits your  style and frame. Take a look at your wardrobe, a general rule of thumb is that your tie should be proportionate with the width of your suit lapel. If you are not wearing a suit, then it should be proportionate with your body frame.

Well, a slim necktie would fall approximately between 2 and 2.25 inches in width. Your safest bet is to go with the moderate, a contemporary favorite, width usually checks in between 2.5 and 3 inches. More traditional business style neckties are 3 inches and up, but no more than 3.5 inches across. Any bigger and we are swimming in lobster bib territory. Any smaller than than 2 inches across and you will might be mistaken as a 70s rockstar.

Alright, I am going to end this article here. More to come : Different ways to tie your necktie; Matching your tie with your shirts and suits; Proper Tie Care.

 

Source: Ties features in this post are available from Macy’s.com