How Long Should a Man’s Tie Be? A detail as trivial as this can make or break an outfit. But don’t stress over this – we’ve got you covered!
For example, too short might make your stomach look bigger, and too long will make your torso look short. So how long should a man’s tie be? That’s what we’ll discuss in detail, so keep on reading!
How Long Should a Man’s Tie Be?
As a style rule, the tip of your tie should touch the upper part of your belt or waistband.
That’s it. Simple huh?
If the tie covers the belt buckle, then it’s too long. And if a part of your shirt shows between it and the belt, then it’s too short. This rule goes for both diamond tips and square tips.
Even if you’re wearing a jacket and the tip of your tie isn’t showing, you should stick by this rule.
Why You Should Stick to the Tie’s Proper Length
Fashion is all about meticulous details that can make you the subject of critics and gurus.
Style on the other hand, is about how you are perceived, and how you perceive yourself.
For instance, if your tie is a few inches shorter than it should be, it’ll highlight your belly and give the illusion that it looks larger. Also, it’ll make your shoulders look narrower as the eye is drawn away and down to the gap.
Of course, this isn’t ideal for people who may already pack a little weight around their torso.
On the other hand, a tie at the right length will make your torso look slimmer and your shoulders broader. Overall, it’ll make your outfit look neater – its all about the balance.
Another point is that people are simply used to a standard tie length. If you steer away from it, your outfit won’t be as easy on the eyes.
Tips for Wearing a Tie Properly
Here are a few tips for wearing ties that’ll make your outfit look classier.
1. Don’t Pre-Tie Your Tie
We know that it sounds tempting and much easier, but knotting your tie before wearing it is a trap that many people fall into. This is because ties have a standard length, which is 57 inches. While a 57-inch tie might go perfectly with one waistband, it might dangle a few inches above another.
Not to mention, a pre-tied tie always looks a bit creasy and stretched, affecting the outfit’s classiness.
2. Go for Discrete Patterns
When it comes to formal wear, plain or lightly patterned ties are always better. They don’t draw attention away from the suit and blend nicely with the rest of the outfit. On the other hand, bright patterns aren’t easy on the eyes and can make your outfit look a bit odd.
Ideally, you should go with calm colors and standard patterns like stripes and dots.
3. Improve Your Posture
This is such a simple thing – how many times were you told “stop slouching” as a kid?
It’s a small thing, but it makes a huge difference in how you are perceived. Straight and tall implies confidence.
If you wear your tie correctly but stand wrong, it won’t look the right length. For instance, if you slump your shoulders while standing, the tie will look longer than its original length. Generally, when wearing formal wear, you should always stand with a straight back and shoulders.
4. Choose the Right Width
Skinny ties have been everywhere for a while now. But while they’re trendy, they don’t go perfectly with all body types.
Skinny ties look odd on people with broad shoulders and a large build. Meanwhile, they complement slender bodies and narrower shoulders. On quite the opposite, wide ties look better on large people and look odd on thin guys.
Our recommendation is to stick with the standard width, which is 3.25-3.5 inches because it complements every body type out there.
5. Choose the Right Knot
There are many necktie knots that you can go for, but not all will go with your collar. Before tying your necktie, you should take a look at the collar and consider leaving some space between it and the tie. You don’t want the tie to look too tight or the collar to look scrunched.
Also, try not to leave too much space. For instance, avoid wearing a narrow knot on an overly wide collar because it’ll look odd. It might seem confusing at first, but balancing proportions isn’t that challenging once you try it a couple of times.
Generally, the most famous three knots that go nicely with classic spread collars are the Windsor, Half Windsor, and Four-in-Hand.
6. Consider a Tie Clip
Tie clips aren’t mandatory in terms of formal wear, but they add a touch of elegance to most outfits. They’re supposed to hold your tie against your shirt so that the tie doesn’t move, which means they’re ideal for windy days.
But if you decide to wear a tie clip, you should make sure it won’t shorten your tie or scrunch it. Also, put it between the third and fourth buttons of your shirt so that it’ll still show if you close your suit jacket.
Last and most importantly, make sure the tie clip’s width fits your tie. You don’t want it to be broader or narrower.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should I Wear a Tie?
Ties are strictly associated with formal and semi-casual wear. Here’s a list of some events that require wearing a tie:
- Weddings
- Job interviews
- Business events
- Funerals
- Graduations
- Courts
When Should I Wear a Tie Under a Sweater and Dress Shirt?
There isn’t a particular case when you should wear a tie under a sweater and dress shirt. You can do it whenever you feel like it. For instance, if you have a wedding or formal event in the winter and don’t want to wear a suit, then go on and do it.
Remember, stand tall and straight. You’ll exude confidence and then frankly, you can get away with most anything.
Is Wearing a Tie or a Bow Tie Better?
It depends on your preference between the two, but generally, bow ties give off more formal vibes. So in a red carpet event, your wedding, or any black tie event, we recommend you wear a bow tie. But if you have a friend’s wedding or a semi-casual event, stick to a regular tie.
Should Ties Match Suit Color?
Ties don’t have to be the same color as your suit, but they should ideally be a different shade of the same color. Although not a rule, choosing an entirely different color can prove risky, especially if you don’t know complementary and analogous colors.
Which Tie Knot Is the Most Formal?
The most formal tie knot is the Full Windsor knot. It’s wide and full-looking, goes perfectly with classic-spread collars, and is the right choice for strictly formal events.
Conclusion
Ideally, your tie should end right at the upper line of your waistband or belt buckle.
If it’s any longer, it’ll cover the belt and make your outfit look odd. And if it’s shorter, it’ll make your torso look a bit fuller. While this detail might seem insignificant, it’ll affect your overall look and can make you look un-styled.
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