Do You Know Which Tie to Wear with What shirt?

Section: Men's Style - Blog

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As you grow your shirt wardrobe, you'll also want to build an appropriate collection of ties to mix and match with them for work or formal occasions. Let's find out what tie to wear with which shirt, and then how to match that combination with a suit.

Of course, you want to be cost effective and efficient with your wardrobe, don't you? You know you need to be sure you have ties that can be worn with multiple shirts in your wardrobe so you’re not blowing your clothing budget on ties. Well, here are some easy guidelines to follow when picking out ties to add to your collection:

• Solid coloured ties should pick up one of the colours in the shirt.

• Solid colour or textured ties are particularly versatile as they can be worn on striped, chequered and plain shirts.

• Avoid wearing a striped tie with a chequered or striped shirt as this makes your appearance too busy. Instead, wear a solid or textured tie. (Textured ties are a single colour but have a design running through the fabric of the same colour – just like herringbone on a shirt).

• The exception to this rule is if you have a shirt with narrow stripes or subtle stripes, you may wear a diagonally striped tie – as long as the stripes on the tie are bolder than those on the shirt.

• Similarly, if you wear a chequered shirt with subtle checks, you can combine it with a patterned tie as long as the colour or pattern on the tie is bolder than the colour or pattern on the shirt. A good combination is a chequered shirt with dot-pattern tie.

• Avoid combining the shirt and tie combination above with a pinstriped or window-pane suit because now you’re treading the fine line between ‘trendy’ and ‘busy’. Wear a plain dark coloured suit, if possible, to tone down the overall look.

• Feeling adventurous? Try wearing patterned ties on plain shirts. Patterned ties such as jacquard, paisley, dot and so forth can be worn successfully with solid colour shirts – particularly plain, oxford or herringbone cloths.

• Plaid and some chequered shirts look great with or without ties – and can be worn casually as well as in the workplace depending on the individual pattern.
• Some versatile business shirt colours that can be match with a variety of ties are:
• White
• Light blue
• Grey
• These colours are suitable for all occasions be it an interview, business meeting, or formal occasion.

• Try contrasting the colour of your tie to the colour of your shirt, and even contrasting the shade or tone of your tie to the shade of your shirt.

• If the colour of your tie is the same as your shirt – particularly when it comes to solid shirts and ties – the shade should be different. For example, pair a dark blue tie with light blue shirt and navy blue or black suit.

Final Rule

When it comes to matching a suit with your shirt and tie, if you are wearing a fairly 'busy' shirt such as bold stripes or chequered patterns, then wear either a solid coloured suit or even a textured suit in herringbone or shadow-stripe patterns.

However, if you plan to wear a pinstripe suit with a busier shirt, then the pinstripes must be subtle. If you are wearing a plain shirt, then you are free to wear a bolder pinstripe suit or a suit with either Prince of Wales or Window-Pane patterns.

If you still feel confused or uncertain about how to match ties to your outfits, remember the men of Montagio are always ready to help with any sartorial challenges.BOOK YOUR FITTING today and give your wardrobe a well-deserved makeover.

Image credit: © Alexei Gridenko | Dreamstime.com