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Style Tips for Skinny Ties

skinny-tie-guideWidths on men’s neckties have changed from one decade to the next. While ties were slim and skinny in the late 1960s, they were super, 4+ inch wide in the 1980s. Today most neckties range from 3.25 to 3.75 inches, but skinny ties, those neckties that are slimmer than 2.5 inches, are also popular – especially among younger men.

I have seen quite a few fashion Faux Pas with skinny ties. Simply buying a skinny tie and wearing it with your day to day suit might not cut it. I am a tie aficionado, and I enjoy it when men know how to properly match a tie. Thus, I complied a short guide for those that want to spot the skinny tie.

Proportion
If you follow the basic rule that the width of the tie has to match the width of your suit jacket’s lapels, then you already have considered the most important thing when matching a skinny tie to an outfit. Skinny ties are 1.5 to 2.5 inches in width and will look best with modern European cut suits. Only single breasted suits with one, two, or three buttons should be worn with a skinny tie.

The Right Knot
Again, it is all about proportion. Slim ties look best when tied with a smaller tie knot. Because skinny ties create a trendy look that is rather casual than stuffy, the best tie knots are asymmetrical and worn a bit on the loose side. The perfect knot for the skinny tie is the simple four in Hand knot.

Your Body Type
Once again, it is about proportion. Skinny ties look best on thin and tall men. If you have a heavy built and a wrestler’s neck then I suggest you stick to the normal width tie. A skinny tie on a big man looks like he is choking. It just doesn’t look right.

Tie Bars & Accessories
The modern solid color skinny tie paired with a modern European cut suit is best accessorized with a tie bar and pocket square. Best are simple tie bars in either silver or stainless steel. Besides adding a classy touch to your outfit they also serve purpose. Skinny ties are lighter and tend to tangle and twist giving the ensemble a restless appearance. The tie bar will keep the tie in place. For more information you might also visit my guide on popular Tie Accessories.

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Hendrik

10 thoughts on “Style Tips for Skinny Ties”

  1. Jackie says:

    My biggest problem is finding ties that are long enough so the small end fits into the tie loop.

    1. hendrik says:

      Hi Jackie, it sounds to me that you may need longer length ties (usually for men over 6 foot 3 inches. I suggest you take a look at my Tie Length Calculator

      1. kevin says:

        you may also want to experiment with different knots. I’m 6’4″, and different knots affect that little loop part very much.

  2. Alex says:

    Thank you for your useful advice! Now I know that I made the best choice choosing a skinny tie.

  3. Jackie says:

    Is there such thing as the “double” windsor knot? And which style do most people tend to use to tie their ties?

    1. hendrik says:

      Hi Jackie, technically there is only the Windsor and the half-Windsor. Some people call the Windsor also Double Windsor since it takes two wrapping to tie this knot. Most popular is the four in Hand knot which also happens to be one of the easiest knots to tie.

  4. Rich says:

    You mention that ties in the 1980’s were 4+ inches. Probably in rhe business sector. Actually, skinny leather ties were insanely popular from 1984-1987. I was in high school at the time and had a collection purchased at the local mall. They were most assuredly a pop culture item in NYC during that time…….

    1. hendrik says:

      Hi Rich,
      Thank you for the great input! This might just inspire a new post on “1980’s Pop Culture Style”.
      Thanks
      Hendrik

  5. Roy says:

    I blog too and I am crafting something comparable to this blog, “Skinny Tie Guide – Matching Skinny Neckties”. Do you really mind in the event that I
    actually employ a little of your personal suggestions? -Roy

    1. hendrik says:

      Hi Roy,
      Thanks for the comment. Feel free to use any images from my site but please mention the source of the images on your blog/site.
      Thanks,
      Hendrik

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