5 Ways To Style A Tie
05 August 2026 · Updated 09 October 2026 · By Tajmilkha P.
A tie is one of the smallest details in a gentleman's wardrobe, and one of the most powerful. Here are five ways to wear yours with intention.
1. Match the knot to the collar
A slim four-in-hand suits a button-down, while a fuller Windsor balances a spread collar. Let the collar's width guide the knot's size, not the other way round.
2. Let the tip graze the belt
The classic rule still holds: the tip of your tie should just reach the top of your belt buckle. Longer looks unfinished, shorter looks like you've borrowed a jacket from someone smaller.
3. Add a dimple with intention
A soft dimple beneath the knot gives a tie dimension and signals it was tied by hand, not pulled straight from a hanger.
4. Pair pattern with restraint
If your suit or shirt is patterned, choose a solid or subtly textured tie. Save the bolder prints for plain backgrounds.
5. Mind the season
Lighter fabrics and brighter tones suit spring and summer; heavier weaves, wool blends, and deeper colours belong to autumn and winter.
Putting it together: three outfits
The boardroom. Navy suit, white shirt, a textured navy or burgundy tie in a four-in-hand. A tie such as the Wanstead Navy Herringbone adds depth without adding pattern, so the look stays sharp from across the table.
The wedding. Light grey or navy suit, white shirt, and a tie with a little more occasion: a champagne jacquard, a sage paisley or a soft floral. Our wedding ties are chosen for exactly this, and the matching pocket square does the rest.
The dinner. Charcoal suit, pale blue shirt, and a richer pattern such as a burgundy paisley or a medallion. This is where you can let the tie lead, as long as the shirt stays plain.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most frequent errors are small: a knot that is too large for the collar, a tie that stops well above the belt, a pocket square that exactly matches the tie, or two competing patterns of the same scale. Fix those four and you are already better dressed than most of the room.
Frequently asked questions
Should a tie be darker than the shirt? Almost always. A tie darker than the shirt creates contrast and looks deliberate; the reverse tends to look dated.
Can I wear a patterned tie with a patterned shirt? Yes, if the patterns differ clearly in scale. A fine-striped shirt works well with a larger paisley or a bold dot.
How many ties does a man need? Start with four: navy, burgundy, a textured grey or charcoal, and one tie with personality. Browse navy and burgundy ties to build the core.
Once you've nailed these five, the next detail worth getting right is scale: read our guide to tie width and proportion to match your tie to your build and lapel.
Shop this guide
Pieces that fit the advice above: The Greenwich Navy Pin Dot Tie, The Paddington Burgundy Basketweave Tie, The Heritage Paisley Tie.
