Your Tie Guide
Fit & style

Fabrics and patterns

How formal a tie looks depends mostly on its surface. The smoother and shinier the silk, the more formal it looks, and a matte or textured tie looks more relaxed. Colour plays a part too, since dark ties look smarter than bright ones.

Fabrics

More formalMore relaxed

  • The tip of a navy silk tie with a soft sheen

    Silk

    Most ties are silk, and it works all year. The shinier it is, the more formal it looks.

  • The tip of a navy grenadine tie with an open, textured weave

    Grenadine

    A silk with an open, textured weave. Smart with a suit or a sports jacket, and best in solid colours. The finer the weave, the more formal it looks.

  • The tip of a matte navy wool tie

    Wool

    Matte and warm, for autumn and winter, and a little more relaxed than silk.

  • The tip of a navy linen tie with uneven threads

    Linen and cotton

    Light and matte. For summer and casual days.

  • The square end of a narrow navy knitted wool tie

    Knit

    Chunky, with a square end. Wool and cotton knits look casual and a silk knit is smarter. Tie it with a small knot like the Four‑in‑Hand.

Patterns

More formalMore relaxed

  • The tip of a plain navy silk tie

    Solid

    The most versatile, and the most formal in dark colours.

  • The tip of a navy tie with tiny white pin dots

    Small dots

    Small pin dots look neat and formal, and are fine for the office.

  • The tip of a navy tie with burgundy and silver diagonal stripes

    Stripes

    The classic business pattern. If the stripes are bold, keep the colours quiet.

  • The tip of a navy tie with large white polka dots

    Large dots

    Bigger polka dots look more casual, so save them for social occasions.

  • The tip of a navy tie with burgundy and cream paisley

    Paisley and florals

    Relaxed. Good for weddings and parties.

Combining patterns

Let one thing stand out. If your shirt or suit has a pattern, pick a plain or quiet tie so the two do not compete. With a plain shirt, the tie can carry the pattern. Make sure the tie contrasts with the shirt as well, or a small pattern blends into it and disappears.