With thousands of ways to tie a tie, we’ve seen more bad knots than good ones. As part of our etiquette series, we’re tackling how we the modern gentleman should wear a tie.
We see it on the train, in the meeting room, in restaurants, and everywhere in between: ties of all kinds worn poorly. Wearing an exquisite tie isn’t enough. A beautiful tie loses its intended effect if it’s not worn well.
Luckily with a few extra seconds, some care, and these five tips, you will look more polished when you wear a tie.
1. Show Your Dimples
The ‘dimple,’ or the small fold beneath the knot of a tie, is an essential part of the overall look. Adding this small, yet stylish, detail provides additional visual interest that transforms the tie. It says to the world that the person wearing the tie possesses an excellent sense of style.
Dimples send a clear message: style and polish is not too much work, and it’s never out of reach.
2. Tighten that Knot
Loosely tied knots lends itself to a dimple-less over-sized knot that never looks like the intended shape. There is no rhyme or reason to have a loose tie. Take another look in the mirror, give that knot another go, and always look sharp in your tie.
3. Keep it Simple
Knots like the Eldredge are too much and risk upstaging you. Ties should always complement the wearer. Elaborate knots are flashy, flamboyant, and the polar opposite of understated style. Take a “less is more approach” and always win the day. For this reason, we always use the Four-In-Hand knot because of its simplicity and asymmetry.
4. Give Your Knot Some Room
Always consider collar spacing and knot proportions. Leave some space between your collar tips and the edge of your knot. If our signature Four-In-Hand isn’t quite suitable, try out the Prince Albert (tight, slender shape), Kelvin (full, symmetrical), Pratt (wider for spread collars), or Half-Windsor (the widest you should consider). Part of mastering timeless style is knowing how to balance proportions.
