Buying & Wearing a Tie
Take a few minutes to review your goals for buying a tie. Then review how to wear your ties so you look more sophisticated.
Informed Decisions = Big Rewards
Know why you're buying a tie and what you want out of it. Always keep the end in mind. Before you buy a tie, start by asking yourself:
Know What You're Buying
You don't need to be a Grabatologist (tie collector) but you should know…
Does the tie meet the minimum requirements?
Measure It Up
The width of your tie should be about the same size as your jacket lapels. Optimum tie length depends on height (distance from the collar to the belt) and the type of knots you wear. Body type also plays a factor for tie width and length. Use the tables below as guides.
| Tie Measurements (inches) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Your Build | Width | Length |
| Slight Build (up to 5'4") | 3 to 3.25 | 54 to 56 |
| Average (up to 6 feet tall) | 3 to 3.25 | 56 to 60 |
| Tall (over 6 feet) and Wide | 3.25 to 3.75 | 58 to 61 |
| Extra Large | 3.75 to 4 | 60 + |
| Tie Measurements (cm) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Your Build | Width | Length |
| Slight Build (up to 5'4") | 7.6 to 8.3 | 137 to 142 |
| Average (up to 6 feet tall) | 7.6 to 8.3 | 142 to 152 |
| Tall (over 6 feet) and Wide | 8.3 to 9.5 | 147 to 155 |
| Extra Large | 9.5 to 10.2 | 152 + |
Tie Measurements (inches)
Slight Build (up to 5'4")
Width: 3 to 3.25
Length: 54 to 56
Average (up to 6 feet tall)
Width: 3 to 3.25
Length: 56 to 60
Tall (over 6 feet) and Wide
Width: 3.25 to 3.75
Length: 58 to 61
Extra Large
Width: 3.75 to 4
Length: 60 +
Tie Measurements (cm)
Slight Build (up to 5'4")
Width: 7.6 to 8.3
Length: 137 to 142
Average (up to 6 feet tall)
Width: 7.6 to 8.3
Length: 142 to 152
Tall (over 6 feet) and Wide
Width: 8.3 to 9.5
Length: 147 to 155
Extra Large
Width: 9.5 to 10.2
Length: 152 +
Colour and Patterns
What shirt and suit will I wear with the tie?
Your tie should contrast against your shirt. Avoid more than two patterns. And avoid wearing a patterned suit, shirt and tie.
How often will I wear the tie?
Bolder colours (red, yellow, purple etc.) are less versatile than a navy blue. People will notice when you wear it. The bolder the colour and pattern the less wear frequency.
Peace of Mind
Returns and exchange policies, packaging and shipment of the tie can tell you a lot about the care and detail the company puts into your purchase.
A Certain 'je ne sais quoi'
Although not required, any one of these characteristics adds a sense of attachment that strengthens your confidence when you wear it.