Ties For Short Men? 97 Most Correct Answers

For those of us who have to wear a tie every day, we still wonder if we’re wearing the right tie length. Even if you’ve never worn a tie in your life, you’ve seen the pictures of someone who looks like a little boy trying on his father’s old tie.

Wearing the wrong tie length can distract everyone around you. Here’s a guide our custom style experts have put together to ensure you find the right tie length for your body.

Ties typically have the following measurements, although it is not uncommon to find ties that are a quarter of an inch narrower or wider than the measurements listed below.

2 inches: This is considered a skinny tie. It’s a trendy width that’s usually worn for more casual attire.

2.5 inches: Also known as a skinny tie. It’s trendy but can be worn more formally than a skinny tie. This is a popular tie size for teenagers and younger adults.

3 inches: This is called a skinny tie. It’s a great intermediate width that’s not too skinny and not too wide. This tie size can be worn to give a modern look to professional attire.

3.25 inches: This is the typical width of a standard tie today. It’s a contemporary width that’s become the norm in recent years. (Standard ties used to be a bit wider.)

3.5 inches: This is considered a standard or traditional width tie. It is a common width today in traditional extra long ties where the contemporary 3.25 inch width might look too narrow.

3.875 inch+: This is a wide tie. There are men who still prefer this size, but it is more difficult to find today. Ties measuring 3.875 inches wide were considered the traditional width until the early 1920s. At this point the ties started to thin out a bit. Ties wider than this size can be found, but it’s definitely a vintage look.

A tie is a perfect accessory to pull together a formal outfit, but it has to be right. A well-fitting tie fits your body and should usually sit just above your belt or waist. When shopping for a bow tie, your choice will depend more on your neck size and face shape. If you can follow a few simple guidelines and measure yourself, customizing a tie is a piece of cake.

Eijah texts to check: For the second time, I found myself with a vintage tie I bought online that was way too short. I definitely need to pay more attention. The last time that happened I decided I wasn’t crazy about the tie anyway and gave it away to be someone else’s problem. This time however I really like the tie in question which you can see here http://www.etsy.com/transaction/50877227 Oddly like the last one this very short tie doesn’t have much or any lining in it and that’s pretty much it slim.

First question: Why are these ties so short? Are they children’s ties? Are they from the days when everyone wore a waistcoat or double-breasted jacket and ties didn’t usually go far? (If I tie it normally, it comes just above my chest.)

Second question: is there anything that can be done? I really think I could wear this thing in the summer, but the only way I can think of to wear it as a tie is to have a tailor attach a large piece of random fabric around my neck (like the solid section of a knitted tie) and hope it’s never visible. That doesn’t seem like a good idea. The only other thought that came to my mind was to take it to a tailor and see if it could be made into a pocket square, but I don’t know if that would be some kind of horrible blasphemy or what.

First, let’s address why vintage ties are so often shorter, and then address your craft project ideas.

There are a few reasons why older ties are often shorter.

People were smaller. Any vintage clothing shopper can tell you that the 21st century American man is taller than his grandfather. My grandfathers were 5’11” and 5’10” or something. My dad is 6’1″. I’m 6’3″.

Any vintage clothing shopper can tell you that the 21st century American man is taller than his grandfather. My grandfathers were 5’11” and 5’10” or something. My dad is 6’1″. I’m 6’3″. Pants had high rises. You know the classic image of an old hand with his waistband pulled up to his chest? Pants used to have a much higher rise. The tie simply had to go less far to reach the waistline.

You know the classic image of an old hand with his waistband pulled up to his chest? Pants used to have a much higher rise. The tie simply had to go less far to reach the waistline. Short ties were in fashion. Before about 1950 and especially before the mid-1930s, ties were often worn shorter, above the waistline. Take Oliver Hardy, for example. In the 1960s, a short wide tie called the Kipper had a short fashion among peacock trimmings.

Before about 1950 and especially before the mid-1930s, ties were often worn shorter, above the waistline. Take Oliver Hardy, for example. In the 1960s, a short wide tie called the Kipper had a short fashion among peacock trimmings. Yes, that’s probably a boy’s tie. It’s really, really short. A typical contemporary tie length is around 58 inches and the one you bought is 45 inches.

Also of note: This style of unlined tie was not uncommon in the 1960s and earlier, particularly for “Ivy League” styles and more casual ties.

Now: about your craft projects…

I love the creativity of the neckline, but it’s so short that even adding 10 inches to the tie would still stay pretty short unless you’re a very short man. However, I think it’s possible if you can find a tailor willing to take on an entire cockamamie project.

As for turning it into a pocket square, if the tie is big enough unfolded, that should be a fairly easy process. I would make sure there is no wear or discoloration along the creases before trying it and I would expect to pay a tailor or seamstress about $20 to curl the edges.

Here’s an epic list of the different types of ties you can wear, as well as detailed tie history and a short list of the different parts of a tie. AKA this is your ultimate tie guide.

A tie is a long piece of cloth usually worn by men to adorn their suits or formal wear in a formal setting.

For the same reason, the tie can also be worn by women. Over the years there have been different ties for different occasions.

Ties have also become an essential part of formal office attire in some settings, and some professions consider the suit and tie an unofficial uniform. Ties are usually worn over the top button or collar button of a shirt, and they rest on the button and are protected under the collar.

Related: Types of shirt collars | types of suits

Anatomy of Ties

Ties are typically 3.5 to 3.75 inches wide and 52 to 58 inches long. Ties are traditionally made from silk, but other materials are also available. The typical parts of a tie are:

The Shell: Also known as the envelope. It is the outermost fabric of a tie.

Also called envelope. It is the outermost fabric of a tie. The seam: It is about halfway down the length. Ties are usually made from 3 to 4 separate pieces of fabric that are sewn together. The seam is the point of their seams.

It’s about halfway along. Ties are usually made from 3 to 4 separate pieces of fabric that are sewn together. The seam is the point of their seams. The Neck: The center part of a tie is called the neck.

The center part of a tie is called the neck. The batting: The fabric that is enclosed within the folds of a tie. It gives a tie its shape, bulk and weight.

The fabric trapped in the folds of a tie. It gives a tie its shape, bulk and weight. The Rolled Edge: The edge of a tie is rolled to add fullness to the edge.

The edge of a tie is rolled to add fullness to the edge. The Tail: The narrow end of a tie that hangs behind the larger end when the tie is knotted is called the tail.

The narrow end of a tie that hangs behind the larger end when the tie is knotted is called the tail. The Bar Tack: A heavy stitch that holds both sides of the tie together. It also maintains the shape of the tie.

A heavy stitch that holds both sides of the tie together. It also maintains the shape of the tie. The Blade: The most important, wide lower part of a tie.

The main, wide bottom part of a tie. The tipping: The fabric sewn in under the tail and top of the tie.

The fabric is sewn under the tail and top of the tie. The Edge: The edge is the area between the edge of the tie blade and the point.

Margin is the area between the edge of the tying knife and the tip. The Hem: The hem is a finishing stitch that connects the shell to the lace.

The hem is a finishing stitch that connects the shell to the lace. The Slip Stitch: This holds the two overlapping sides of a tie with the help of a single stitch running down the length.

Chart: Top 10 Types of Ties

All kinds of ties

apron tie

The apron tie is the most common of all ties. It is a long piece of fabric that is pointed at both ends, one larger and wider than the other. The tie can be tied into several different knots, some considered more common or acceptable than others in formal settings. These styles include the Windsor or half-Windsor knot, popularized by the Duke of Windsor in the 1920s, and the Persian knot, or the simple four-in-hand knot. Apron ties come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are usually worn with formal suits.

ascot tie

The ascot tie is worn under the shirt but over the undershirt. It covers a significant part of the neckline below the chin and is knotted several times. It is worn folded and usually fixed with a shawl pin. Ascot ties generally have more colorful designs than apron ties and are considered luxury attire not appropriate for work areas.

Necktie

Bow ties are symmetrical ties that are much smaller than neckties. They are narrow in the middle and wide at both ends. They are knotted to form loops with a small knot in the middle. They are worn at highly formal events such as formal dinners, ceremonies and celebrations. They are usually worn with tuxedos.

The bow tie can be a fun alternative to the tie and can be used in a variety of settings from galas to proms to cocktail parties that require everyday wear. In the southern states it can be combined with a seersucker suit.

Bolo/bola tie

A bolo or bola tie is a tie made from a length of cord or braided leather with metal tips at either end. It usually has a metal or plastic clasp that secures it. It is also knotted under the collar and covers the collar button. These ties are usually considered jewelry and are widely available with luxurious clasps and pins. Bola ties can be crafted using bottle openers, fridge magnets, valuable coins, clips, etc. They are usually considered a casual or informal item to be worn on ceremonial occasions rather than formal gatherings.

However, since the invention of the bola tie in the 1940s, the stigma around wearing it on formal occasions has lifted and it is now considered more or less formal wear. It became very popular in the 1970s when it became the official tie of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas in 1971. The latter two signed legislation making the ties official for their states as well. Worn by baby boomers who love to pan for gold, they’ve become appropriate workwear even in the northern United States.

Necktie

A cravat is a tie that is an ancestor or progenitor of the modern necktie and bow tie. It was inherited by the military from members who wore it in the 17th century. More like a choker than a tie, it covers the entire neck. It can be made from cloth that can be wrapped around the neck or formed into a bow tie. However, the tie was usually kept plain and worn as an ornament or a sign of opulence rather than a formal uniform of any kind. It was reserved for kings and generals. It is very similar to the Ascot.

sailor tie

The sailor’s tie originated from the sailors’ habit of wearing their scarves or handkerchiefs in a knot. It is a diagonally folded shawl or black silk handkerchief worn under the sailor’s collar. It is either tied in a sailor’s knot or pulled through a strap of a blouse. It is not a requirement for the sailor’s uniform, but has been associated with sailors due to its constant presence in musicals and advertisements, as well as in cartoons.

string tie

The string tie is a tie no more than an inch wide and often black. It is worn in a bow tie style, but the opposite ends of the tie hang much lower, in some cases falling down to the lapels of the suit. It is also known by several other names such as the Southern Colonel tie, the sherriff tie, and the shoelace tie. It is most commonly depicted in the KFC logo as the style of bow tie worn by Colonel Sanders. the original originator of the fried chicken recipe.

7 fold tie

A seven-fold tie is a very thin and unlined tie that consists of a face fabric that goes through seven folds. Under certain conditions, it can even exceed seven times. For this reason, no lining is required; It has an unusually thick surface and feel compared to a regular tie.

The seven-fold tie is a laborious garment to craft, taking three and a half hours to craft. Because it is so thick and requires so much fabric and effort, it is a relatively rare tie.

Clip on tie

A clip-on tie can be a tie or bow tie that has been pre-tied and has only a hook or clip that allows you to attach it to your shirt collar. This is one type of tie to wear when you don’t want to go through the hassle of dressing up and tying the perfect knot. Bow ties may have a tie around the neck that attaches with a hook and eye.

Many people also use the clip-on tie because it irritates the regular tie, and some use it out of necessity because they are not good or bad for tying ties. Some people with disabilities also wear them for relief. Some security guards also find it difficult to put on a tie and just go with the clip-on.

Kipper Tie

The kipper tie is a tie that is very wide at one end and very skinny at the other. The tie is usually designed to be visually striking, wearing bright colors and patterns. These types of ties became common and fashionable in the 1940s and were considered part of a bold look worn by World War II veterans. They were also seen as statements against the austerity measures introduced in times of war.

Kipper ties made a comeback in the 1960s and 70s and designer Michael Fish also created a kipper tie at his establishment in Piccadilly Circus in 1966. It also became a sensation in the mid-1990s, when the 70s fashion made a comeback for a while.

skinny tie

A skinny tie is a tie whose main end is much thinner than usual. It measures about 1.5 to 2.5 inches rather than the full 4 to 4.5 inches that a regular tie front end measures. Skinny ties are highly fashionable for casual occasions, but they are much less appropriate for formal occasions and office environments. Skinny ties typically fit the hipster fashion brand and don’t fit the more classy or traditional settings of the tailoring sensibility.

Skinny or skinny ties are usually known for showing off new-age looks and fashion rather than old-school tie sensibilities. If you are going to a law firm interview or a business meeting, wearing a skinny tie is not appropriate. However, if you are going to a press party, a product launch, or a party after an awards ceremony, then wearing a skinny tie is much more appropriate and fashionable.

The skinny tie became popular in the 1950s and 1960s when bands like the Beatles started wearing it to perform on stage. They caused quite a stir, and the look was emulated by young boys looking to impress viewers who happened to be mostly female.

Skinny ties can also be worn with jeans for a stylish yet edgy look. Not everyone can pull off this look, so be careful.

Western fly

Western bow ties are a variation of standard bow ties. These are very popular in the South West. However, for other regions it may be too casual and inappropriate for formal or official attire.

Hunt Camp Tie

Hunting stick bindings are worn by riders when riding in a show ring hunting ground. They are worn by folding them down once to fill the neckline of a jacket. The two ends are joined together with the help of decorative pins.

Up Cycle Fashion Ties

Worn by women, upcycle fashion ties are usually more decorative and colorful compared to traditional men’s ties. It is usually made of different types of fabric and decorated with different patterns and designs. It has leather, stone or button ornaments and is usually knotted in the traditional way. There are other types of knots to reflect the season or the colors you want to complement, but typically fashion neckwear is worn in a traditional way.

This type of neckwear became popular in the 1960s and 70s and became part of women’s usual attire in the workplace, particularly for secretaries and stenographers etc. The neckwear worn today is usually made from recycled fabric and features a variety of designs and patterns depending on the area season and fashion. They are still typically worn by women over tops and pant suits, as well as shirts. They go with almost any color and in some cases are treated as luxury items.

bandana

The neckerchief is an overlooked option in neckwear. It’s simply a variation of the scarf or handkerchief that you can tie around your neck. Unlike the sailor’s tie mentioned above, this one is worn by men of all trades and walks of life and can be made by using a makeshift handkerchief or scarf. It can be worn in a traditional bun and can be as tight or as loose as you wish.

It is usually worn at informal events and serves as an accessory to casual wear. Therefore, it is not appropriate to be worn as part of formal attire. It is also worn by Boy Scouts and Rangers as a distinctive badge.

History of Ties

Ties originated in France in the 17th century during the Thirty Years’ War. During this war, Croatian soldiers were attacked by King Louis XIII. hired to take part in fights. These soldiers tied a piece of cloth around their necks as part of their uniform. At that time, this cloth was used to tie around the soldiers’ jackets. King Louis XIII liked it so much that he made the accessory a mandatory item for all royal gatherings. He named this neckpiece La Cravate to honor Croatian soldiers.

Since the 17th century, ties have undergone many subtle changes. To understand how the modern tie came about, we chronicled its history by decades.

1900-1909:

During this period, ties were a mandatory clothing accessory for men. The most common type of tie was the tie. The difference was in the way the tie was tied. Two decades before the beginning of the 20th century, the four-in-hand knot was invented, which remains the most common type of tie knot to this day. Bow ties and ascots were also very popular during this period.

1910-1919:

Men’s fashion became casual during this period. Greater emphasis was placed on the comfort, fit and functionality of clothing. By the end of that decade, ties were similar to the ties worn today.

1920-1929:

This decade saw a significant evolution in men’s neckties. Tie makers in New York began cutting fabrics for ties in a new way, allowing the tie to spring back to its original shape after each wear. Because of this development, many new nodes were created. Ties became a choice for many people because bow ties were limited and reserved for formal evenings and evening events.

1930-1939:

During this phase, ties became wider and featured bold patterns, and ties were worn a little shorter than they are today.

1940-1949:

There were no exciting developments in ties in the early 1940s. After the end of World War II, ties became popular. The feeling of liberation was reflected in fashion. Ties became bolder in color and pattern.

1950-1959:

During this decade, skinny ties appeared and gained popularity. This type of tie complemented tailored and more form-fitting attire. Ties were made available in different materials.

1960-1979:

During this period, ties became extremely wide, referred to as the kipper tie. The bolo tie was also created during this decade. It later became Arizona’s official neckwear.

1980-1999:

The width of the ties became a little more uniform. The patterns were relatively bold and paisley.

2000-2009:

Ties got thinner and skinny ties became popular again.

From 2010:

Ties are now available in numerous widths and lengths. It all depends on what you want to wear.

Why wear a tie?

Most men feel comfortable in casual clothes. Ties are underrated. A tie can have a significant impact on your overall personality and outlook. Below are some reasons why you should wear a tie.

Disclaimer: I’m not really one to make predictions and even follow trends. I really am not. However, I thought this would be an interesting or at least entertaining exercise in predicting what tie trends will be in store for 2022.

If anything, it will be cool to see if any of these predictions come true or not.

With that out of the way here are…

Ed Ruiz Predictions on Tie Trends in 2022

Of course, we could just as easily call this my 2022 tie trend wish list and the list would be exactly the same.

However, because I’m kind of part of this industry, I feel comfortable bringing these to market. We’ll see what sticks.

1. The wide tie stays in

Yes, I said so. And yes, I’m totally biased in my love for wider ties.

It should come as no surprise that I have already referred to even wide(r) ties, those 3.5 inches or wider, as the right width for ties in 2021.

One could easily dismiss this as one of those items on the list that are nothing but personal desires.

But no.

The truth is, I feel like broader attachments are gaining acceptance year after year. I would even start 4 inch ties being seen more often. And not getting any weird reactions, which is really outstanding and further confirms my theory.

Wide ties will prevail in 2022 because wide ties rule.

2. Pastels

Normally reserved for summer and mainly spring looks, I think there will be a more widespread interest in pastels in 2022.

That may be just me, but I have a feeling that over-saturated colors have been at the forefront of tie enthusiasts for the last few years.

It seems the time has come for the pendulum to swing back towards richer, less saturated hues.

So pastels. More pastels in ties. This is my second prediction for next year in ties.

3. Simple designs

As much as we love patterns on ties (and let’s be honest, we all LOVE patterns), I think 2022 will be full of clean tie looks.

Remember a few years, maybe even a decade, when the solid color suit and tie look was dominant?

Also remember that plain ties were an important part of this look?

Well, think something similar for 2022.

“What? Pastels and plain ties together?!” you say? Oh well.

“Pfffft! You must be crazy!” Yes, that too. Secure.

But I just see it happening… and if it’s not happening organically, then somehow, fictionally, I’m going to make it seem like it is.

That’s how much I want to see the 2022 with ties.

4. Then wide stripes will reign again

This is a trend I’ve already seen and I’m sure it will continue as part of the tie trends for 2022.

Striped ties have always been fashionable and widely accepted.

But 2022 brings a lot of very wide stripes in all sorts of color combinations (pssst… pastels!).

Super wide equal sized stripes are the trend that will define this trend.

So we know/hope that wide ties will rule in 2022, but I’ve been wondering lately will the tie ever rule the world? Hmmm…

5. Fewer flies

Unfortunately (and I mean “unfortunately”), I have a feeling that bow ties have reached a peak in their popularity in recent years.

Sure, we’d love to see everyone wear a bow tie the way they would wear a tie, but let’s not confuse our wishful thinking with the hard truth.

In fact, flies have gained a lot of acceptance in recent years, so we have to be thankful for that. I would say we should even be proud of it if we were the ones who made it possible.

However, my radar tells me that flies will take a back seat and ties will take up a larger proportion of the ties we will see.

What are your predictions for tie trends in 2022?

Enough of my selfish wishful thinking. Now it’s your turn. You can now be the egoist.

Leave a comment with your predictions of where tie trends will take us in 2022.

Do you agree with my predictions/desires? Don’t agree with them?

I want to know what you think so comment away!

And do not forget. Whatever you do, you must stay stylish!

Thank you for reading,

HE.

tendencies. They come and go. And in general you can say that most men who like the more classic side of men’s style try consciously not to fall into trend traps.

Why are we avoiding these trends?

Again because they come and go.

The tie width that’s considered a trend this year may look completely out of place next year!

That’s how fast trends move in the fashion world, and unfortunately not only in the fashion world but also in the more classic men’s style world, and how wide ties should be depending on the season or year can vary significantly.

Also Read: What is the Most Professional Tie Knot?

Is tie width really influenced by trends?

Unfortunately. Yes, tie width, or what is considered the proper tie width at any given time, can and will fluctuate as trends come and go.

Honestly, no garment seems safe from the pull of trends. Not even the suit, timeless as we may find it.

So it shouldn’t come as a surprise what people around you or even men’s bloggers consider the right tie width for a season could very soon be a thing of the past.

We just have to look into it and do our best to understand the current trends. Not to imitate them and integrate them into our personal style, but to be careful not to let ourselves be swallowed up by the trend that dominates the scene around us.

So what is the suitable tie width for 2021?

Yes, I know, I know, “appropriate” is perhaps too harsh a word when describing a concept as men’s style and trends in this area in particular. Let’s just continue with trendy tie width for 2021.

Well I have some good news and some bad news for you.

First the good news.

Also Read: 16 Must-Know Tips to Make Your Ties Last Longer

Wider bindings are making a serious comeback in 2021

That’s correct. It’s actually been a growing trend for a few years now, but I think if the trend that seemed to be gaining ground in 2021 continues then wider ties will be the go-to choice for the most style-minded men who love to to wear ties.

I see that 3.5 inch ties are sure to be a strong trend this year.

Want more good news? Of course, Ed Ruiz Menswear has some fantastic 3.5 inch ties for you all. Be sure to visit the store and navigate through the first collection, the Ed Ruiz Menswear Planets Collection.

Now the bad or not so good news.

Skinny ties can still dominate certain scenes

As you step out of the most classically oriented communities, either in person or online, you’ll find that many fashion-savvy men who choose to wear ties as part of their suit and tie ensembles are still very popular, whether skinny or even skinny ties.

Is that a terrible thing?

No it is not. A tie is still better than no tie in my opinion.

But in essence, Ed Ruiz Menswear was envisioned as a brand that embraced the wider tie from the start. These are 3.5″ or 4″ wide ties.

I’ll admit it can be a selfish reason to also encourage the rise in popularity of wider ties, but believe me when I say it really goes beyond that.

I really think that wider ties are more flattering for men than their skinny counterparts.

Yes, there is a lot to be said about every man’s body shape and how it can influence the best tie width for every man.

There is also the discussion of the width of the lapels of the jacket that the man will wear as part of his outfit.

And we will of course be covering these topics in future posts in the Ed Ruiz Menswear blog and news section, stay tuned.

on the fence? Try wider bindings in 2021

I know it’s still all speculation on my part, I understand. Although I have to say that these are educated guesses based on some clear trends that already exist, as already outlined in the previous sections.

So if you are a man who loves ties and want to keep up to date in terms of the width of your ties. Or if you just want to help cement the dominance of the wider ties this new year, I would personally invite you to try the wider variant of the ties this year.

Who knows? We can finally skip the whole trending/no-trending game and make the slightly wider ties a lasting choice for all the men’s style enthusiasts out there.

Oh that would be nice…

Thank you for reading.

Ed.

Featured in this article are the Saturn Silk Tie and Pluto Sun Tie from the Ed Ruiz Menswear Ties Planets Collection

Unless you’re in an environment where you’re expected to wear the best suits all the time, keeping track of all the style rules to follow can be a daunting task. Many of them are unspoken and you will only be informed if you get it wrong (because someone will tell you that right away) or live and work as an expert or avid fashionista.

To avoid that, we’ve taken the time to summarize the key rules of wearing a suit and condensed them into a simple, condensed cheat sheet that’s easy to refer to if you find yourself neck-deep in a three-piece suit. If you’re in the process of building your “suit wardrobe,” the good news is that you only need two basic suits that are appropriate for any occasion.

Related reading:

There are always exceptions and limitations to each of these rules, so don’t take them for granted. Adding a personal flair is key.

The basics of how to wear a suit

Your belt should be relatively thin and also the same color as your shoes.

Your tie should always be darker than your shirt.

Your tie pin should never be wider than your tie.

When wearing a vest, always leave the bottom button unbuttoned.

Always unbutton your suit before sitting down or you risk ruining it.

Always remove the stitching on the ventilation openings and the label on the left sleeve before wearing a new suit.

Never remove the seams of jacket pockets and never use your pockets, they can easily be stretched and warp the entire suit.

The intricacies of wearing a suit

The width of your tie should match the width of your lapel.

Your tie should reach just above your waistband or your belt buckle.

Your suit jacket should be just long enough to cover the zipper and bottom of your pants.

The top button of a two-button jacket (or the middle button of a three-button jacket) should sit at or above your belly button.

The sleeve cuffs should be exposed about half an inch.

Make sure your socks are long enough so that no leg is exposed when you sit.

A good tailor can work wonders on a suit you love but know it no longer fits or feels like it did before.

Stylish tips for wearing a suit

A pocket square adds an extra sparkle, but make sure it doesn’t match your tie in either pattern or fabric choice.

In general, thin lapels are more modern, while wide lapels are more old-fashioned (read: outdated).

Unless you’re attending a funeral or other equally conservative event, opt for a charcoal or gray suit over black.

For a more fashionable look, the trouser hem should hit right at the toe of your shoe.

If you don’t wear a tie, it’s best to keep your shirt collar on the narrower side.

Double slits on the back are more modern and fashionable.

Avoid excessive accessories. If you already wear a pocket square and tie bar, consider this clever pin again.

Tips for buying Smart Suits

Choose the fabric based on how often you will be wearing the suit. The most versatile option is a soft but durable wool-like Super 120 (a measure of yarn count), anything higher is too delicate for everyday use.

When buying an off-the-peg suit, one of the first things you should check is how the shoulders fit.

A collar gap between the lapels of your jacket and the collar of your shirt can indicate an ill-fitting jacket.

If you are going for a more formal business attire, opt for a two button jacket with notched lapels.

For a more casual, on-trend look, opt for a one-button jacket with peak lapels.

You should be able to slip your hand between your chest and your buttoned jacket in a way that feels snug but allows enough freedom of movement.

Visible stitches along the edges of your lapels (called a pick stitch) are no longer necessarily a sign of a well-made garment. However, they can be an attractive decorative embellishment – as long as they are subtle.

The 3 styles of suits you must have

Eric Powell, founder of Ratio Clothing, a digital and brick-and-mortar company that tailors your shirts and suits, says these two suits should be the building blocks of your suit wardrobe:

Dark year-round solid

“If you only want one suit in your closet, this is it. This is the all-purpose suit you can wear to weddings, funerals, job interviews and everything in between. Dark charcoal or navy is the trend here—not black. A black suit can look strong in daylight and is generally reserved for service personnel uniforms,” says Powell. “Keep things simple with this two button lapel. A solid fabric makes it versatile, allowing you to pair it with virtually any shirt or tie. We like a Super 110 or Super 120 gabardine that is comfortable to wear at any time of the year.”

Navy blue blazer

“Not exactly a suit, but nowadays the situation often calls for a little less than a full suit. The navy blue blazer is your friend when formality is unclear or you want to spice up your casual wear. Wear them with jeans or your finest wool trousers. Put on a tie. Or not. When you wear a navy blue blazer, you’re rarely underdressed or overdressed,” says Powell. “We like a ready-to-travel fabric like a hopsack for your navy blue blazer. Connoisseurs often opt for an unconstructed model for their all-purpose blazer. It keeps things less rigid, both literally and figuratively, and is comfortable for long days that take you from the office to a night out on the town.”

Editor’s Recommendations

Hello and welcome to Craig Ryan’s brand new blog!

Looks good, doesn’t it? We are happy that you are here. Craig Ryan has been in the menswear business in Michigan for quite some time and we are thrilled to have this new, more personal platform to share our love of all things menswear with you.

Let’s start with that. Our first task: tie widths.

(We just said how much we love menswear, and we mean business — down to the smallest detail.) Customers constantly ask us how wide their ties should be, and for good reason: Like color and fabric, the width of Your tie can transform your entire look.

While we recommend your tie be thinner than your lapel, how much thinner is up to you. Thinner ties are generally considered more fashionable, while wider ties are more traditional. To know which tie is right for you, check out our guide to the most common tie widths.

2 inch tie

A 2 inch tie is as narrow as it gets and is for the truly fashion conscious gentleman. Less tie = more statement.

2.5 inch tie

Go slightly wider at 2.5 inches and you have your classic skinny tie. GQ is a big fan of the 2.5 inch tie as it goes best with slim or fitted suits.

3 inch tie

Not too narrow, not too wide, just right. Go with the 3-inch if you want a clean cut but don’t want to look trendy.

3.25-3.5 inch tie

A tie wider than 3 inches is a wide tie. We’re not saying it’s a bad thing, just make sure you don’t look dated or goofy. Craig Ryan recommends thicker ties for larger men or men with broad shoulders.

We’ll help you find the perfect tie

Find out which ties suit you best by coming to Craig Ryan and trying our selection. We have countless sizes and styles and are happy to walk you through all of them. Call us to make an appointment or just come by. We’d love to see you.

In the meantime, leave a comment below or subscribe to our blog for more updates. We look forward to getting in touch with you here. Stay tuned!

If you want to dress up, you may want or need to wear a tie, but you may be wondering:

How long should my tie be?

Here’s the correct answer for your tie length and how to get it right every time.

Your tie should reach the hem of your pants. This is the correct tie length. If your tie touches the waistband of your pants, congratulations, you have the perfect tie length.

If your tie hangs longer than your pants, it’s too long.

If your tie doesn’t reach the hem of your pants and ends halfway down your shirt, it’s too short.

The right tie length is important. Whether you wear a suit or not, you should have the right tie length. If you’ve buttoned your jacket properly, you might just see the bottom of the tie, so it’s important that it’s not too long.

If you have your jacket open or wear a shirt and tie without a jacket, the length of the tie is clear. You don’t want it short, it looks silly. You also don’t want an extra long tie that looks like some kind of tail.

Another note: DO NOT tuck your tie in your pocket. If it’s long enough to tuck in, it’s definitely too long!

Many celebrities and television personalities wear their ties incorrectly. You will have seen Donald Trump and his long tie breaking style rules. As you can see, when he sits down, the tie seems way too long.

Talking about proper tie etiquette takes me back to my school days. We were taught that when we were tying ties. In fact, learned is the wrong word, it was rather enforced.

Back in school, anyone who didn’t have their tie the right length had to redo their tie. This would result in children in the congregation being forced to stand up in front of everyone to untie their tie and do it again.

Needless to say, the rule has always stuck with me. At least the school did something right! 😉

This way you get the right tie length every time

It’s pretty easy to get the perfect tie length every time. It comes down to trial and error.

The tie consists of two parts, which I will call the front (larger piece) and the back (thinner piece). Whichever knot you choose, make sure the front section is longer than the thin section.

How much longer depends on the type of knot you are aiming for.

Then it’s as easy as tying your tie. You can see the length and if you need to redo the tie. Adjust the front piece shorter or longer depending on how long the tie will be when finished.

After a few tries, you will see how long you should leave the front piece when you start tying the knot in the tie.

Now you know the right tie length and how to get it every time.

Here are more fashion tips if you’re looking for advice or guidance on how to simply dress better.

Eijah texts to check: For the second time, I found myself with a vintage tie I bought online that was way too short. I definitely need to pay more attention. The last time that happened I decided I wasn’t crazy about the tie anyway and gave it away to be someone else’s problem. This time however I really like the tie in question which you can see here http://www.etsy.com/transaction/50877227 Oddly like the last one this very short tie doesn’t have much or any lining in it and that’s pretty much it slim.

First question: Why are these ties so short? Are they children’s ties? Are they from the days when everyone wore a waistcoat or double-breasted jacket and ties didn’t usually go far? (If I tie it normally, it comes just above my chest.)

Second question: is there anything that can be done? I really think I could wear this thing in the summer, but the only way I can think of to wear it as a tie is to have a tailor attach a large piece of random fabric around my neck (like the solid section of a knitted tie) and hope it’s never visible. That doesn’t seem like a good idea. The only other thought that came to my mind was to take it to a tailor and see if it could be made into a pocket square, but I don’t know if that would be some kind of horrible blasphemy or what.

First, let’s address why vintage ties are so often shorter, and then address your craft project ideas.

There are a few reasons why older ties are often shorter.

People were smaller. Any vintage clothing shopper can tell you that the 21st century American man is taller than his grandfather. My grandfathers were 5’11” and 5’10” or something. My dad is 6’1″. I’m 6’3″.

Any vintage clothing shopper can tell you that the 21st century American man is taller than his grandfather. My grandfathers were 5’11” and 5’10” or something. My dad is 6’1″. I’m 6’3″. Pants had high rises. You know the classic image of an old hand with his waistband pulled up to his chest? Pants used to have a much higher rise. The tie simply had to go less far to reach the waistline.

You know the classic image of an old hand with his waistband pulled up to his chest? Pants used to have a much higher rise. The tie simply had to go less far to reach the waistline. Short ties were in fashion. Before about 1950 and especially before the mid-1930s, ties were often worn shorter, above the waistline. Take Oliver Hardy, for example. In the 1960s, a short wide tie called the Kipper had a short fashion among peacock trimmings.

Before about 1950 and especially before the mid-1930s, ties were often worn shorter, above the waistline. Take Oliver Hardy, for example. In the 1960s, a short wide tie called the Kipper had a short fashion among peacock trimmings. Yes, that’s probably a boy’s tie. It’s really, really short. A typical contemporary tie length is around 58 inches and the one you bought is 45 inches.

Also of note: This style of unlined tie was not uncommon in the 1960s and earlier, particularly for “Ivy League” styles and more casual ties.

Now: about your craft projects…

I love the creativity of the neckline, but it’s so short that even adding 10 inches to the tie would still stay pretty short unless you’re a very short man. However, I think it’s possible if you can find a tailor willing to take on an entire cockamamie project.

As for turning it into a pocket square, if the tie is big enough unfolded, that should be a fairly easy process. I would make sure there is no wear or discoloration along the creases before trying it and I would expect to pay a tailor or seamstress about $20 to curl the edges.

This is a bit of a catch-all term, but it covers some of the most common issues people have when they start wearing ties. The general idea is to make sure you have a tie that is the right length and width for your size.

For length, this means you should have a tie that is as close to the top of your belt buckle as possible. Leave yourself very little wiggle room here. If the tie goes beyond the belt buckle, or worse, not at all, you need a different size.

Fortunately, the width of a tie allows a little more freedom. In general, find a size that is comfortable for you as long as it looks like it will fit your chest properly. For wider men, consider a wider tie. For thinner men, go the other way. Try on an average sized tie (usually 3 to 3.5 inches) and see how it looks. Then look at the sizes about 1/4 inch in the direction you want until you find the perfect width for you. (See our post on tie widths for more help on this topic.)

| << Back to the articles How long should a tie be? A well-tied tie can be the unsung hero of a formal outfit – an inexpensive accessory that will instantly add a pop of color and class to your ensemble, transforming casual attire into an outfit befitting a black tie affair. Ties date back to Roman soldiers who wore specific ties as part of a uniform or as a symbol of belonging to a particular group. Over the years, ties have become associated with class and nobility, worn primarily by the upper classes of society on formal occasions. It wasn't until the late 19th century that ties became an accessory for the common man, when workers in the industrial revolution were looking for ties that were comfortable, easy to don, and last a full workday. The time-honoured formality of the tie was done away with, and men around the world added ties to their outfits. These days, a tie is rarely more than an accessory - the proverbial cherry on top of a well-put together suit. Styles change over time, and as such, the commonly accepted length of a tie has changed as well. In the 1930s, men barely wore their ties up to their belly buttons, and as the years went by, ties became longer and longer. The general rule of thumb is that your tie should sit high on your belt buckle, regardless of tie length, tie style, or your height. Caution: If you are wearing a waistcoat and do not intend to take it off, the neatness of your tie knot is more important than the length of the tie. The skinny end of your tie should never be longer than the wide end, and the skinny end should always be covered or cut off so it is not visible. But my tie is too long! If you're having trouble getting your tie the right length, it's probably time to experiment with a different type of knot. If your tie is too long, switch to a half or full Windsor knot. These knots use up more fabric and result in a shorter tie. But my tie is too short! A tie that falls over the belt does not look good and should be reserved for clowns and Merrill Hodge. If your tie falls short, try a four-in-hand knot because it uses less fabric and leaves you with a longer tie. Now that you've perfected how to tie your tie to get the right length, it's time to switch to bow ties. Much luck!