Gone are the extremely wide ties of the 1980s. Gone too is the early-2000s fad of extremely skinny tie (thank goodness) with slim width.
So where have we landed in 2015, and what width of tie should a man really be wearing? There’s an easy way to tell.
In fact, it’s a simple and widely recognized rule of thumb. It goes like this: The widest part of your lapel should match in width the widest part of your tie.
That’s it. Here’s a graphic courtesy of Black Lapel that further explains it:
Not that complicated, right? For most ties and lapels, this will end up in the range of 2 1/2 to 3 inches. Anything narrower, and you’re headed into 1950s fad territory.
According to GQ UK, some tie materials require special consideration. For example, a knit tie should err on the skinnier side, while one with a print should be wider.
How important is it to choose your Tie width?
The importance of choosing the right tie width depends on a few factors, including your body type, the occasion, and the current fashion trends. However, in general, it is considered to be a relatively important decision.
Here are some of the reasons why it is important:
- It can affect your overall appearance. A well-chosen width can help to balance your body proportions and create a more flattering look. For example, a wider tie can help to create the illusion of a broader chest, while a narrower tie can help to elongate the neck.
- It can make a statement about your personal style. It can be a way to express your personal style and preferences. For example, if you prefer a more traditional look, you might choose a wider tie. If you prefer a more modern look, you might choose a narrower tie.
- It can be a way to follow the latest fashion trends. The width of ties tends to fluctuate with the latest fashion trends. For example, in the 1980s, wide ties were very popular. In recent years, narrower ties have become more popular.
Of course, the importance of tie width is ultimately up to you. If you’re not sure what tie width is right for you, it’s always a good idea to ask a friend or a personal stylist for advice.
Here are some general guidelines too:
- Match the width of your tie to the width of your lapels. A good rule of thumb is to choose a tie that is about the same width as your lapels. This will help to create a balanced and proportional look.
- Consider your body type. If you have a larger build, you might want to choose a wider tie. If you have a smaller build, you might want to choose a narrower tie.
- Consider the occasion. If you’re dressing for a formal event, you might want to choose a wider tie. If you’re dressing for a casual event, you might want to choose a narrower tie.
- Consider the current fashion trends. If you want to follow the latest fashion trends, you can choose a tie that is wider or narrower than the traditional width.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a tie width that you feel comfortable and confident in.
