Suits
Ties explained: width, colour and the 4 knots worth knowing
By sneakersInn team · Updated
A good tie matches the width of your jacket lapels, ends with its tip touching the top of your belt buckle, and is darker than your shirt. Four knots cover every occasion: the four-in-hand for everyday, the half Windsor for most suits, the full Windsor for formal events and wide collars, and the Pratt for a neat, medium knot.
| Knot | Size | Best with | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Four-in-hand | Small, slightly uneven | Button-down and point collars, everyday | Easiest |
| Half Windsor | Medium, symmetrical | Most shirts and suits | Easy |
| Windsor | Large, triangular | Spread collars, formal events | Medium |
| Pratt | Medium, neat | Most collars | Easy |
How wide should a tie be?
About the same width as your jacket lapels at their widest point. Most ties are 7 to 8.5 cm wide; that suits most suits. Slim ties (5 to 6 cm) suit slim lapels and slim builds. Very wide ties look dated.
How long should it be?
The tip should touch the top of your belt buckle. Too short looks like a mistake; too long hangs over your trousers. Taller men may need extra-long ties.
Which colours and patterns should I own first?
- Navy, plain or with a small pattern. Goes with every suit.
- Burgundy. Rich and versatile; looks excellent on dark skin.
- Dark green. A softer alternative.
- Black. For funerals and black tie. See funeral dressing in Ghana.
- A textured tie in knit or grenadine for relaxed suits.
How do I match a tie to a shirt and suit?
Keep the tie darker than the shirt, and vary pattern size: a plain shirt takes any tie; a striped shirt takes a plain or small-patterned tie. See colour matching for men.
How do I tie a half Windsor?
- Drape the tie with the wide end on your right, hanging about 30 cm lower than the narrow end.
- Cross the wide end over the narrow end.
- Bring it up through the neck loop from underneath, then down to the left.
- Pass it behind the knot to the right.
- Bring it across the front from right to left.
- Bring it up through the neck loop from underneath.
- Pass it down through the front of the knot.
- Tighten gently, slide the knot up, and pinch a dimple under it.
What is a tie dimple?
The small fold just below the knot. Pinch it as you tighten. It makes the knot look finished.
How do I care for ties?
Untie them fully after wearing, hang or roll them, and never iron them directly. Spot clean stains quickly.
Questions
Do I need a tie for every suit outfit?
No. Many smart events work with an open collar. See one suit, five looks.
Should my tie match my pocket square?
They should go together, not match exactly. See pocket squares.
Bow tie or long tie?
Bow ties are for black tie and grooms who want one. See the 5 dress codes every man should understand.