Necktie Instructions

From LoveToKnow Men's Fashion

For many guys who are new to wearing neckties, necktie instructions are necessary so that they can understand how to select the right tie, and how to wear it correctly.

When Should I Wear a Tie?

Some jobs are flexible enough so that you can get away with wearing a business casual outfit with a tie, while your colleagues come to work in jeans and a T-shirt. At other jobs, necktie instructions are essential for dressing more formally. One of the few times it's probably best to not wear a tie is at a workplace such as a construction site where everyone works on difficult and dirty tasks, and wearing a tie might even be dangerous.

Of course, wearing a tie is expected if you're attending a formal occasion like a wedding, a funeral or a special date. But in those circumstances where you could go either way, the choice to wear a tie comes down to what a tie represents to you. To some men, a tie represents submission to structure and social rules related to necktie instructions. To other men, a tie represents empowerment and the ability to project a sense of confidence and power. Regardless, if you find yourself in a situation where you could wear a tie if you wanted to, never be afraid to express yourself with a well-chosen and well-knotted necktie.

Selecting the Right Tie

Most necktie instructions focus on the outfit to determine the color and size of the tie. Where you plan to go, and what you hope to accomplish, will determine the style.

Select The Color and Pattern of Your Tie

There are several factors to consider when choosing the color and pattern of your new tie. These may be related to the shirt and suit you'll wear with it.

You can't go wrong with ties that are solid colored, striped or dotted.
Always complement a dark shirt with a light tie within the same color family. Likewise, complement a light shirt with a dark tie.
Always choose opposite patterns. If your shirt is striped or patterned, stick with a solid tie. If you are wearing a solid shirt, then consider a striped or dotted tie. Small shirt patterns, however, such as the pin-stripe, sometimes go well with patterned ties as well, but the shirt pattern should never be too bold.
Consider texture. If your shirt is silk, make sure the tie matches the texture of the shirt. If it's cotton, pick a tie that looks like it could be made from the same material.
Choose patterns carefully based on your body type. If you are tall and angular, you'll look great with striped ties. If you are shorter and on the heavy side, dotted ties look perfect. But the safest selection for everyone is always the solid necktie.

How to Wear a Tie

In addition to the color and pattern of tie, you should also size the tie according to your body style. Regardless of your height, make sure that the tie hangs down to the center of your belt buckle, or the button on your waistband. If it's too long, it looks off-balanced and "goofy." If it is too short, the focus becomes your midsection - a major mistake if you are at all overweight. In addition to length, carefully consider width. Tie width varies depending on the time of year and current fashion. If you are too busy to follow current fashion trends, then stick to the average width of 8-9cm. An average width will insure that your tie is generally close enough to the style trends of today.

Basic Necktie Instructions

Never tied a necktie before? Don't worry, the following necktie instructions will have you tying the best-looking knots in minutes.

The Windsor Knot: Place the wide end of the tie on your right side with the wide end about 1 foot lower than the narrow end. Cross the wide end over and up through the loop. Pull the wide end up over the right side and down through the loop you just created. Then turn and pass that end back through the larger loop around your neck. Finally, push the wide end down through the front of the knot and carefully pull it tight.
The Half-Windsor: Start in the same position as above. Cross the wide end over the other end, wrap and bring it back up the other side. Turn it, wrap it around the right side of the loop around your neck and down through that loop and to the left. Bring the wide end across the front and then bring it up through the loop and push it down through the knot in front and tighten.
Four-in-Hand: Same starting position as above. Cross the wide end over and back under the narrow end and continue around to the front of the narrow end again. Bring the wide end behind and up through the loop, and then down through the front of the knot. Hold the narrow end and tighten.
Pratt Knot: Drape the tie over your neck with the reverse side facing out. Bring the wide end under the narrow end, right to left. Double up the short end of the tie to create the front loop, and bring the wide end through the back of the loop from the left side. Finally, pass the wide end down through the loop in front. Holding the narrow end, tighten the knot.

Improve Your Image

For a man, wearing a necktie is a statement that you've established yourself as an adult. It projects an image of responsibility, self-respect and confidence. While necktie instructions may seem confusing the first time you knot a tie, they become increasingly easier to follow and understand. One thing you can be absolutely certain of, when you wear a tie, people will take notice..

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