Tie-wearing humans: do you often wonder what the appropriate length necktie length is and how to achieve it? Even if you have never worn a tie in your life, you have most likely seen the unfortunate case of someone else wearing a tie that looks like it is made for a clown or those adults who look like little boys trying on their dad's apparel. Many times, people, and mostly guys, get the tie wearing thing completely wrong and go either far too short or super long. If this sounds like you or someone you know, you should read on!
5 tips for proper tie length:
1. Pay attention to the size of the tie itself
Source: Oratorio
The length of the tie itself should depend on what type of knot you are going to be using. Some knots only require one or two loops. If you are tying an Italian-style knot, you are going to be using a few extra loops, which will make a traditional tie shorter than it should be. If you are tying an Italian tie [typically longer in length], with a traditional knot, the finished look may extend way past your waistline which is a big no no.
2. Make sure to have good posture
Source: Shutterstock
Once you have chosen the proper tie length, it is essential to keep good posture when getting dressed. Make sure that your posture isn't too "proper" [yes this is a thing] because you want the finished product to look good when you are walking around with your normal posture as well. Be careful that you aren't standing too rigid, but are sprucing up your usual walking/standing posture. Alternatively, slouching or hunching over may cause your tie to sit shorter on your body when you revert back to your normal posture.
3. Disregard width
Source: Shopify
When it comes to proper tie length, the width of the tie plays no part in what the finished product looks like. While the type of knot you choose and the length of the tie do matter, width doesn't matter when it comes to the appropriate length of your tie.
4. Ensure your tie matches your torso length and waistband
Source: Bespoke Unit
This means that when standing in your normal posture, your tied tie should hit right at the middle of your waistband or belt, if you are wearing one. Bespoke Unit has a super-helpful infographic explaining this concept visually. While your height and weight slightly matter, the middle of your waistband, not higher or lower, is the proper place for your tie to end.
5. Watch your tie clip
Source: Bespoke Unit
Totally get it! You want to wear a tie clip to be all fancy, snazzy, and professional. A word of caution: tie clips have the potential to shorten your tied tie. If you know you are going to wear a tie clip with your ensemble, keep this in mind during the tying process. Allow for a tiny bit of extra length at the bottom of your tie to make up for the tie clip's alternation. Once clipped, if your tie is longer/shorter than your belt/waist, make adjustments. Hit right at your middle? You're golden!
Now go out there and wow the crowd with your properly placed tie and your suave sense of style!
Victoria can be found on www.followmeaway.com