Matching Ties with Shirts

There are a few simple rules to matching shirts and ties which will help you to get a combination that works. These are not hard and fast but they will give you a rough idea.

1. Busy shirt = Plain tie; Plain shirt = Busier tie. For instance, if your shirt is striped then try to tone down the effect with a plain or slightly patterned tie. If you have a plain shirt, dress it up with a tie with stripes or louder patterns.

2. Bear in mind the suit you are wearing as well. If you have a pin striped suit try to avoid striped shirts.

3. Try to pick out a colour in your shirt which matches with a colour on your tie.

4. Always wear a darker tie than your shirt, you are trying to create a contrast between shirt and tie. Wearing a dark shirt and light tie rarely works and is for the experts only.

5. Always wear a tie that is long enough for you. The basic rule is to have the point of your tie reach the upper side of your belt.

6. No matter which knot you use try to ensure that you get a dimple in the front of the tie. It is simply more elegant.

7. Yes you can wear a striped tie with a checked shirt but ensure that it is a subtle check and you are not hurting peoples eyes with the panorama you create.

8. Wear the appropriate knot for the collar you have. For instance a spread collar demands a thicker knot like a Windsor and a classic collar

My tip for buying ties: keep it simple, plainer ties or ties with sparsely spaced patterns will match with many more shirts and suits than striped or busy patterned ties.

Happy matching.
Marcus
www.bawdenbespoke.com