3 Basic Tie Widths for Every Man's Wardrobe

What is the Right Tie Width for My Suit?

We’ve all been there. Either getting dressed or in the store looking at ties, wondering if we should go with a thin tie, stick with the standard width, or go for the wide ties. Choosing the right tie for your suit often brings me the most thought; more than the suit, shirt, or shoes. Do you go for a subtle color, what about the trendy thin ties, or do I go with a fun pattern? The thickness of your tie can say as much as the color when considering the occasion. Like most nuances in men’s formal dress, the tie can add a lot to the conversation your attire has in any given setting.

If you’re looking for something to wear to a formal wedding, you might not want to pick the same tie as you would going out to dinner. Styles change with the times no doubt, but there are some standard rules and customs within men’s fashion that are beneficial to be aware of when dressing for an occasion. For today, let’s look at the thickness of ties: what are some of the options available, what are the common styles, what do they complement and what are some settings that they work the best in?

The Different Tie Widths to Choose From

So for ties, there are three basic widths available. We’re going to focus on the standard neckties in this article and set aside the greater conversation of “tie styles” for another time. Here in Redding, California we have probably 3 or 4 places for men to buy men’s formal wear. And when you’re looking at the racks, you’ll typically find three styles; thin, standard, and wide. The standard width tie is, well, pretty standard and will be the most common available. But don’t let that limit your options, you might want to consider trying some other options and see what expression suits your personal style and flair.

Slim or Thin Tie Width: Sleek and Contemporary

The slim ties will be our first item to look at. This style will typically run around 2 to 2.5 inches wide. Now I grew up hearing that thin ties were meant for men who had a slim build. The idea was (and sometime still is) to keep things proportional to your body and the style of suit. But the various styles of formal wear for men show us that there has always been a liking for thin ties that goes back to the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.

Films like “Resevior Dogs” showcases thin black ties in a very business formal style, particularly formal if your line of work is robbing banks. Other depictions will show Brittish school kids with thin ties and the good-ol four-in-hand knot. In contemporary style, a thin tie is perfect if your looking for a more trendy “dapper” look. This is a great choice if your having a spring or fall gathering, night out with friends, or a more casual business environment. The big thing to remember is to find a jacket that has somewhat thin lapels, the key here is proportion. And with a more dapper style, you can go with jeans and a blazer that’ll turn some heads

Standard-Width Ties: Versatile and Timeless

The Standard width tie will probable be the first and most common thickness tie you’ll find in a men’s clothing store. It’s the ol’ tried and true, the workhorse, and the GOAT of ties. They range in width from 3 to 3.25 inches so any person, of any build, can wear this tie. You can wear it with a modern ensemble or a classic business suit, and even to a dress formal event. You will never be out of place wearing a standard with tie.

For a bit of flair, you can incorporate various materials, patterns, knots and tie accessories. If you like to have a more bold tie, with fun patterns or striking colors, I’d suggest wearing more neutral colors and styles, this will bring attention to your tie without causing too much visual noise. Experiment and do be afraid to try something a little more bold than you’re use to.

Wide Ties: Classic and Distinguished

Lastly we have out gentle giant, the wide ties. These probably more so than the thin ties, you want to be intentional with their use. I’ve packed for a trip only to realize when I was in the hotel getting ready I packed a super huge tie by mistake. Wide ties come in around 3.5 to 3.75 inches wide, so while it may not seem like a large jump from a standard to a wide tie, it becomes more noticeable when you have a jacket that either has thin lapels or you have the inverse.

The 1970’s saw a huge increase in the size of suit jacket labels. They were bold and striking, the tie could add some balance to the suit by creating an even about of space when the tie and jacket lapels. This si still a great option for formal occasions, such as weddings, knights to theater, benefit dinner, or if you just a corn-fed hoss from the country.

Matching Tie Width to Suit Lapels

One crucial aspect to consider when choosing the right tie width is matching it to the width of your suit lapels. The tie and lapel widths should be proportionate to create a harmonious and balanced look. Here are some guidelines to follow:

– For slim lapels, opt for a slim tie. The narrower lapels pair well with a narrower tie, creating a sleek and modern appearance.

– Standard-width ties work well with most lapel widths. They provide a balanced and timeless look that suits a variety of occasions and body types.

– Wide lapels call for wide ties. The broader lapels require a wider tie to maintain proportionality and create a classic and elegant look.

Conclusion

Having a [wide] selection of ties will only help you when getting ready for an event. Get yourself some ties that are made from varying fabrics and colors within each thickness. Always check outyour local men’s clothing store for when ties go on sale, its a great time to stock up on some styles that you don’t normally wear. If you’re looking for a specific style to complete or add to your wardrobe, check out The Tie Room.