7 tips for wearing neckties correctly

There are plenty of necktie shapes, colors, patterns and knot types to choose from in the men's suiting world.

Knowing how to select the appropriate tie and coordinate the type of knot to your shirt collar is an art.

Boost your confidence by mastering the art of wearing a tie.

Which tie goes with what?

It’s important to wear the correct tie for the suit and the occasion. Here are some basic guidelines to follow:

1. Formal events

Black-tie affairs almost always call for the classic bow tie, especially if you are wearing a tuxedo. However, for semi-formal affairs, a three-piece suiting option with a perfectly tied necktie of proper length and color is acceptable.

2. Skinny ties

A professionally-tailored suit with a slender, close-to-body cut is accentuated well by a skinny necktie. Finish the look with a tie bar to appear polished and sharp.

3. Colored and patterned ties

You should first consider your shirt when determining the color and pattern of your tie — and then your suit. A crisp, white shirt and a dark navy or charcoal suit will always accentuate a brightly colored tie.

Pattern layering can work when the patterns on the shirt and the tie complement one another, and a patterned tie with a white or light-colored pastel, like blue or pink, works well also.

4. Tie knots

Choose your knot type according to your shirt. A widespread collar will look better with a large and triangular-shaped knot. This type of knot also looks better with an Italian silk tie.

A straight-point collar shirt will look better paired with a narrower knot and a longer extension. A tall and lean gentleman looks better with a small, longish knot. Men that are stockier and have a thicker neck should opt for the wider knot and more proportionate tie width.

What to avoid when wearing a tie

Avoid the following mistakes when you wear a tie:

5. A tie that is too short

A tie should end near the middle of the belt buckle. If you are a taller man, purchase a longer length tie to accommodate your height so that you appear proportioned.

6. Wrinkled or stained ties

This should be self-explanatory, but wearing a tie that is wrinkled or stained will make you appear unkempt, no matter how good the rest of the outfit looks.

Wash your ties by hand and dry them by hanging them over a chair or clothesline. You can iron a tie lightly with a cool iron or a steamer if it is wrinkled. Also, store your neckties properly on a tie rack to avoid unnecessary wrinkling.

7. The wrong width in a tie

This is where choosing the proper tie is key. Skinny ties are very GQ and trendy; however, they don't work for everyone or every body type. These ties tend to look better on a man under six feet tall with a slender-to-medium build.