While men's ties may seem like a minor aesthetic detail in the broad scheme of an outfit, few articles of fashion can boast as long and storied a history. Though the modern version of the necktie originated with 17th-century military attire, its actual origin is far ancient. China's famed terracotta army depicts officers and officials wearing a relative of the necktie as far back as 200 B.C.
So the humble tie boasts a more venerable legacy than many realize. And the way to honor that legacy is to wear a tie worthy of its past. And more important than almost any other detail is the type of fabric you choose.
Ancient neckties are, they've been made from almost every material imaginable. So to help you make the correct decision, today we'll look at popular tie fabrics and how to pair them with the proper ensemble.
Key Fabrics for Men's Ties
Whether you're dressing for a professional engagement or a more casual affair, choosing the best men's ties for your event can make you look polished and put together. By the same merit, the wrong choice can make you look amateurish or slovenly.
The first step to making the right choice is the fabric. While some materials are generally agreed to be superior to others, knowing how to pair tie fabric to a matching shirt and jacket is important as well.
With that being said, here are some of the most common tie materials you're liable to encounter.
Silk
Silk is the safe choice for almost any circumstance. And being that silk has been used in the manufacture of ties for generations, it's often the fabric you'll find men's designer ties made from.
All the same, there's more to recommend about silk than just tradition.
It's a versatile fabric that will be comfortable in any season. Silk is likewise a viable option for a variety of professional or casual applications.
Despite its delicate appearance, silk tends to be one of the more durable fabrics you can choose from. Its high tensile strength makes it resistant to pulling pressure, so you can expect silk fabrics to retain their shape better than other natural fabrics and resist wrinkling.
You'll only need to bear in mind that you'll need to pair your suit with a complementary pattern and color for the best results.
They also tend to be the most expensive material, given that it can take 150 silkworms to produce enough fabric for a single tie. While expense is probably no object, individuals concerned with animal welfare may object to the practice.
Wool and Cashmere
For the cooler months of the year, wool and cashmere are the two standards of choice.
Woolen ties will often be made from the same material as your suit jacket. Hence they will almost always be the thickest tie, which you should consider when pairing it with a jacket. Paired with a light cotton jacket, wool's muted colors and bulkier form can create a timeless sense of class.
The word cashmere is often used to refer to any softer-than-average wool. But while the two do share some properties, cashmere is its own animal. Literally, because true cashmere is sourced only from the Kashmir goat, found only in the region of Kashmir.
Cashmere is warm and soft, like high-quality wool. But it's particularly noted for its excellent draping qualities, making them a fine material for a fall or winter tie.
Cotton and Linen
Cotton and linen are the materials of choice for warm weather conditions. You'll often find both in light or pastel colors, befitting the time of year they're often worn.
Cotten is the fluffier of the two, and cotton clothing, in general, is known for being soft, comfortable, and lightweight. Linen, although often confused for a cotton product, is derived from the flax plant. It's a good bit heavier than its cotton counterpart but makes up for it by being stronger and more durable.
Between the two, cotton has the perception of being more informal, the choice of a gentleman at leisure. Wearing one with a business suit in a professional setting will often be a faux pas unless you're in an uncommonly warm climate. Linen is generally acceptable for any occasion where a lightweight suit is in order.
Knit
Knit ties tend to be less common than other alternatives. Hence many men are unfamiliar with how to wear one properly.
They're considered a casual choice, so you'll never see one as part of black tie men's attire. Although they can work with a business suit, opting for silk knit is probably the wiser choice.
One notable quality is that knit ties tend not to crease. This makes them ideal for travel.
Selecting a Pattern
As we noted, while the material is important you still need to pick the right color and pattern to complement the rest of your outfit. So we'll a brief note on various patterns and how to use them.
Solid ties are the most basic choice. Every man's wardrobe should have at least one red solid tie and one dark blue shade. Since these are your most fundamental ties, getting them in silk makes the most sense due to the fabric's versatility.
Geometric ties are an excellent choice if you want an option suitable for formal meetings but with more accouterment than a solid tie. Stripped ties are similarly an acceptable option for most business occasions.
And last, for white or black tie men's attire, a bowtie may be a mandatory part of the dress code. Despite their formal application, though, they remain a popular choice for the sophisticated gentleman.
The Clothes Make the Man
In a single year, the men's fashion market was valued at $483 billion and was only expected to grow with time.
So it appears clear that men are placing more importance on how they dress. At the same time, how you dress will influence how your colleagues perceive you.
And while they are important, selecting the correct men's ties is only one facet of constructing a proper outfit. For an overview of how to assemble the right attire, check out our guide on what to look for in a men's suit.