Buying the Perfect Tie: The Answers to Your Formal Wear Questions

Need to buy a tie but not sure how to buy the right one? Buying a tie isn't as simple as a 5 minute trip to your local department store. It takes some time and a little knowhow to buy a quality tie to meet your needs. Whether your shopping for a special occasion or a business function these formal wear question and answers will have you wearing the perfect tie in no time.

• How long should my tie be?

The color and pattern of a tie is important, but we often fail to think about the actual length of the tie. Typically, the tip of your tie should lie right about your belt. While there room for error (about an inch or two), a tie that is not long enough will work against most body types. As a point of reference, an average size tie is about 54 inches long. When you are buying a tie, take into account your torso size as well as the size of the knot you generally use to secure your tie. Both of these factors can change the length of your tie.

• How wide should my tie be?

The width of your tie is really a personal preference. The only major rule that should govern your tie is the way it fits under your collar. When wearing a tie, the thinner part that lays under your collar should never stick out. Therefore, if you are wearing a shirt with a small collar, make sure that part of your tie is skinny enough for the height of your collar.

• Does quality count?

Sometimes, quantity is more important that quality, but that is not the case for ties. A good tie can go a long way, but a less than quality tie can at best get you through one evening and at worst unravel (literally) right before your eyes at a very inopportune moment. Ties that lack in quality may look great from afar but up close they are a mess. Low quality ties may have loose ends that will cause it to fray or rip, may not lay properly against your shirt, and will not last as long as a quality tie. That doesn't mean you need to spend a paycheck on a tie. There are perfectly good ties out there for reasonable prices. However, it does mean you need to use caution when purchasing a tie. Use these tips to find a quality tie.

• Before you purchase a tie, pick it up and really look at it. Are there any loose threads or inconsistencies in the material. Pay particular attention the the part of the tie that will be seen.

• Is it cut across the bias? This is a method used cut fabric for ties that allows it to lay straight after tying it in a knot. To find out if the tie in question is, pick up the tie and let it hang across your hand. If the tie twirls put it back and keep looking. If it hangs straight continue to the check out.

• Quality ties are generally made using three different pieces of fabric. Run your hand down the length of the tie to feel for each piece. If you can feel the pieces you have a quality tie.

• The way a tie is put together also is a good way to determine the quality of the tie. When you turn a tie over you should fine a V where the two sides come together. There will be a a stitch holding the flaps together called a bar tack. This helps a tie hold it's shape making it a quality tie.

• These pieces are sewn together and joined by a bar tack. This structure helps the tie keep it's shape. Look at the back of your tie where the two side come together forming a V.

• What color tie should I wear?

The color tie you wear can depend on several factors but here are two ways to help you choose a tie color.

• Your Date:

If you are attending an event with a date check to see what color dress she will be wearing. It's a good idea to match your outfit to hers. For example, if you are wearing a black suit, and she is wearing a blue dress, look for a tie that has a similar color scheme in it. If she's wearing a multi color dress, choose one color that stands out and buy a solid color tie in a similar shade.

• Your Suit/Shirt Color:

Is your suit black, blue, gray or brown? Is is pin striped? Evaluate your suit and find a tie that compliments the suit. If your not sure what colors go well together, bring your suit coat or shirt with you when you are buying your tie or ask the sales associate for advice.