How to Choose a Necktie | By Occasion, Color, Pattern and Material
Prices, point rates and sale details in this article were checked by the mottoku editorial team against each service's official site and API (as of the last update). Always check the official sites for current prices, stock and campaign terms.
Choosing a necktie: think "90% occasion, 10% taste"
Among clothing accessories, a necktie covers very little area, yet it nearly decides the impression of the whole outfit. With the same suit and shirt, the one tie you wear can make you look "sincere" or "flashy," "appropriate for a funeral" or "in breach of etiquette." That is why the first thing to consider, before design preferences, is "where will I wear it (TPO: time, place and occasion)?" In situations such as funerals, where colors and patterns are strictly fixed, there is almost no room for personal taste.
When you choose, the points to check come down to four: color, pattern, width (the thickness of the blade) and material. This article covers everything from the tie you use every day for business and job hunting, to a bright one for weddings, to the plain black tie for funerals that you must have on hand for emergencies. For each, it explains the conditions you must not get wrong, the difference between silk and polyester, tie-specific details such as knots, width and length, and how to add to your collection without waste. Prices and specifications vary by store and season, so please check in the store or on official sources in the end.
The shortest route when you are unsure. For your first tie for business or job hunting, choose a plain navy tie, or a thin regimental (diagonal stripe). It goes with most suits and shirts. For weddings, choose a white, silver or brightly colored festive one; for funerals and wakes, a plain black tie with no sheen and no pattern is a must. If you cannot decide on color or pattern, use "will it stand out awkwardly there?" as your standard. It also helps to decide by material: polyester if you want easy care, silk if you want a polished look.
Quick reference: the colors and patterns you must get right for each occasion
The first thing to grasp about neckties is the "must not get wrong" line for each occasion. For celebrations and funerals, etiquette takes priority over taste, and getting it wrong is rude. Business and job hunting allow more room, but there are still colors and patterns that are safer to avoid.
| Occasion | Colors and patterns to choose | What to avoid and points to note |
|---|---|---|
| General business | Plain navy, small repeating patterns (komon), thin regimental stripes | Large, flashy patterns; overly primary reds and yellows. Keep it calm for negotiations |
| Job hunting | Plain navy or burgundy-type colors, or calm patterns close to plain | Character prints, large dots, very glossy ties. Sincerity comes first |
| Wedding (celebration) | Bright, festive colors such as white, silver and light blue | Not acceptable: pure black, overly plain colors, or the black-and-white "funeral" tie |
| Funeral (service or wake) | Plain black (essential) | No sheen, woven patterns or stripes. The black-and-white tie for both occasions is also not acceptable |
| Casual (jacket and trousers) | Knit ties, wool ties, brighter patterns | Quite flexible as long as it suits the occasion. A nice accent for casual clothes |
The highest priority in the table is the plain black tie for funerals. It is not "nice to have" but "trouble if you don't have it." Funerals are not something you can plan for, so even if you rarely use it, it is reassuring to keep one in a drawer at all times. Some people think the two-way celebration/funeral tie (white on one side, black on the other) can double for funerals, but ties with a glossy weave, or ties leaning toward the white side made for weddings are not suitable for funerals. Remember it clearly: the funeral tie is "plain black with no sheen."
For celebrations and funerals, "if unsure, ask." Details can differ by region, Buddhist sect and family custom. For funerals in particular, even a plain black tie is best avoided if the fabric is very glossy or has a woven pattern. When invited to a wedding, how festive you should look also changes with your position, such as the groom's side or a friend, so matching the mood of the invitation and the people around you keeps you from standing out. When you are unsure, rather than trying to get by with what you already have, preparing a separate tie that suits the occasion is safer in the end.
Knowing what patterns "mean" makes choosing faster
Tie patterns are not just a matter of looks; each one tends to give a fairly fixed impression. Once you know the meanings, you can pick "which pattern for this occasion" by instinct and stop hesitating when you buy. Here are the typical patterns, sorted by whether they suit business.
Plain (solid)
The easiest to match, giving a sincere, somewhat formal impression. It is the standard for job hunting, negotiations and any occasion where you want to look polished. Even among plain ties, one with a fine woven texture on the surface (solid in color, but with shading from the weave) looks refined rather than flat. A plain navy tie is the sure choice for your first.
Regimental (diagonal stripes)
Intelligent and fresh, the classic of classics in business. The direction of the stripes has an origin: stripes rising to the right are considered British style, and those rising to the left American style. Both are sold in Japan, but for job hunting or conservative industries, a thin, understated one is the safe choice. Stripes of burgundy or white on a navy ground work with any suit color, making it an all-rounder that is easy to use.
Komon (small repeating patterns), dots and paisley
Komon are fine patterns scattered across the tie. They are stylish without being too assertive, and suit a third tie when you tire of plain and regimental. For dots, small pin dots look refined and lean formal, while larger dots lean casual. Paisley is showy and distinctive, so it suits weddings, parties and jacket-and-trousers outfits better than business. For negotiations and job hunting, avoiding large patterns and loud colors is the safe approach.
It is also handy to remember the impression of the colors themselves. Navy is sincere and versatile, burgundy and wine combine passion with calm, blues are fresh and youthful, and gray is understated and elegant. Within the range that does not clash with your suit, working backward from the impression you want to give that day will keep you from going wrong. Whether it flatters your complexion is easy to tell by holding it up in front of a mirror.
Width, knots and dimples: the tie-specific question of "shape"
Once color and pattern are settled, the next step is the details of shape. This is a world unique to neckties, and knowing it changes how neat the result looks.
Match the blade width to the "lapel width"
Tie width (the thickness of the wide blade) falls roughly into regular (about 7.5 to 8.5cm) and narrow (a slim one of about 6cm). The standard for choosing is the lapel width of your suit. A regular tie for a suit with standard lapels and a narrow tie for a slim, modern suit makes the whole look balanced. Conversely, an ultra-thin tie with a wide-lapel suit makes the top and bottom look mismatched. When in doubt, regular width suits the widest range and is the safe choice.
The knot changes the "size of the knot"
Even the same tie gives a different impression depending on how it is knotted. The three typical knots are the following.
| Knot | Knot size | Suitable occasions and collars |
|---|---|---|
| Plain knot | Smallish and vertically long | The most basic. For regular collars. Good for narrow collars |
| Half Windsor | Medium and symmetrical | All-purpose. Balanced for many occasions |
| Windsor | Large and triangular | For wide-spread collars (shirts with a wide opening at the collar) |
The key is to match the spread of the shirt collar to the size of the knot. A large Windsor on a regular collar with a narrow spread feels cramped, while a small plain knot on a wide-spread collar leaves a noticeable gap. Learning the plain knot first and switching to the half Windsor only when you wear a wide-collar shirt is enough.
The dimple (the dent below the knot)
A small vertical dent right below the knot is called a dimple. With one, the tie looks three-dimensional and distinctly more refined. It forms naturally if, at the final step of tying, you lightly pinch the wide blade to make a ridge as you tighten. Once you are used to it, a few seconds each morning lifts your impression, so it is worth learning. Note, however, that at funerals, etiquette says not to make a dimple.
Silk or polyester: which to choose
Materials fall broadly into three types: silk, polyester and wool/knit. It is realistic to choose by how often you use the tie, the occasion, and how much effort you can put into care.
| Material | Strengths | Points to note | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silk | Elegant sheen, polished look, good color | Weak against water, stains and friction. Needs careful care | Negotiations, ceremonies, people who want a polished look |
| Polyester | Affordable, resists wrinkles, some are washable | Some products have a sheen that looks cheap | Everyday use, job hunting, people who want easy care |
| Wool/knit | Warm, casual and relaxed impression | Not suitable for formal occasions or funerals | Jacket-and-trousers outfits, casual clothes in fall and winter |
Roughly speaking, silk if you put polish and quality first, polyester if you want easy care and good value. Using polyester for business or job-hunting ties that you wear daily and wear out quickly, and silk for important ceremonies and key negotiations, is a split that is easy to keep up. Recent polyester has improved in weave and feel, and more of it is hard to tell from silk at a glance.
Silk's enemies are water and friction. Rain spots, food spills and fuzzing from rubbing can damage it quickly. If it gets dirty, do not rub it; in serious cases, take it to a dry cleaner. When you need to iron, always use a pressing cloth, a low temperature, and a light touch without sliding (high heat or direct contact removes the sheen). Even polyester loses its shape if scrubbed hard in a washing machine, so even for washable types, hand washing or a gentle cycle is safer. Knowing each material's weak points lets you keep a favorite tie for longer.
Length, number and lifespan: practical rules for keeping ties neat
The "right length" once knotted
The length after tying makes a surprising difference. As a guide, the tip of the wide blade should just reach the belt buckle. Too long looks sloppy; too short looks childish. Even the same tie changes length depending on the knot and neck size, so check the position of the wide blade's tip in the mirror each morning and adjust so the narrow blade does not hang out longer than the wide one. Tall people and people with thick necks can avoid coming up short by choosing a "long size" from the start.
How many ties are enough
If you wear a suit every day, aim for 3 to 5 to start. Wearing one tie over and over wears it out and loses its shape quickly, so you rotate several and let them rest. A recommended setup is to take a plain navy and a navy regimental as the core, then add one brighter tie and one with some variety, such as a komon. That lets you vary by day, mood and the person you meet. Separately from these, always keep one plain black tie for funerals, and one bright tie for celebrations if you have a wedding coming up. You do not need to buy a lot at the start; adding to the basics little by little avoids waste.
How to handle ties so they last
- Untie the knot the same dayIf you leave it tied, the knot's crease and wrinkles stay and the fabric is damaged.
- Store it hung (or loosely rolled)Prevents fold creases. Use a tie hanger, or roll it loosely into a drawer.
- Do not use the same tie every dayRotate several and rest each for 1 to 2 days; they lose their shape less.
- Treat wrinkles carefully: shade drying and a pressing clothHanging a tie to let the moisture out can sometimes remove wrinkles. For silk, press lightly at a low temperature with a pressing cloth.
- Do not pull too hard when tyingTightening with strong force stretches the fabric and strains your neck.
When adding more: matching the occasion and the timing
Ties are also consumables, and you add to your collection to match occasions. Knowing when demand rises and when it is a good time to look lets you gather the tie you need, when you need it, without strain.
Times that tend to be good
- Around the job-hunting season: the selection of navy-type ties and sincere colors and patterns gets deeper, and sets suited to buying several at once also tend to appear.
- Around Father's Day: gift demand brings a fuller range of quality silk and monogram-ready items. It widens your options for presents.
- Start of the fiscal year and the new-hire season: standard colors for new graduates are easier to find, which suits gathering your first few ties.
- Big sale periods: Rakuten's Shopping Marathon (Okaimono Marathon) and Amazon sale periods pair well with point rewards and bulk buying.
Splitting where you buy by purpose makes mistakes less likely
You do not need to buy everything in one place. The best way to buy differs by purpose.
| When | Suitable way to buy |
|---|---|
| Several everyday ties cheaply | Polyester sets or bulk purchases. Prioritize value and secure the numbers |
| The "must-not-fail one" for job hunting and ceremonies | Being able to check color, pattern and material in person is reassuring. Do not compromise on the plain black funeral tie |
| Gifts for Father's Day or a new job | Monogram and gift-wrap services, brands' standard colors. Match the recipient's suits |
| When you want to choose pattern and texture carefully | Check pattern size and sheen through reviews and enlarged photos. Combining with a physical store also works |
What to check when buying online. A necktie is an item where pattern size, actual width and the feel of the sheen are hard to judge on a screen. On the product page, always check "blade width (cm)," "length (whether a long size exists)" and "material," and confirm the scale of the pattern with enlarged images and review photos. Sale and point-reward conditions and periods change often, so the surest way is to check the latest reward rates and conditions on each shop's official page. Separating the consumable ties you want cheaply from the one you do not want to compromise on raises your satisfaction.
What to check before the register, in order: from blade width to the interlining's recovery
Even when you handle a tie in a store, you mostly judge it without wearing a shirt or jacket. That is why deciding the order of checking reduces hesitation. Here the items are listed starting from those that "cannot be fixed later if not checked first." When checking a mail-order product page, you can read it in the same order.
1 | Compare the wide blade's width with the lapel of the jacket you own
The first thing to look at is not color or pattern, but the width of the wide blade (the tip of the thicker end). If this is off, no matter how good the fabric, you end up looking "somehow out of date" or "somehow like you borrowed it," and it cannot be fixed afterward. Check whether it is about the same width as the widest part of the lapel of the jacket you already have.
On a product page, look for the labels "blade width" or "wide blade width." For products without a centimeter measurement, check how the neck and chest look in the photo of the model wearing it. A wide tie with a slim-lapel jacket makes only the tie stick out on the chest and the lapels lose out. Conversely, a slim tie with a standard-lapel jacket makes the knot too small, leaves a gap between the lapels, and weakens the first impression. If you have only one jacket, match it without hesitation; if you have several, choosing a middle width keeps your options open.
2 | Rule out the occasion's "landmines" first
After width, check whether the tie includes anything not allowed at the occasion where you plan to use it. This is not a matter of taste; getting it wrong disturbs the occasion itself.
| Occasion | Elements that are not acceptable there | What happens if you overlook it |
|---|---|---|
| Funeral | Very glossy fabric, woven patterns, colors other than black, lamé, white-type interlining at the dimple | Even if it looks "plain black" from a distance, the woven pattern shows up under the lights and stands out. Even if you notice at the venue, you cannot swap it |
| Celebration (wedding) | Pure black, overly plain dark colors, combinations that suggest mourning | Photos are taken, so when you look back later, you alone appear dark |
| Job hunting and information sessions | Oversized motifs, strong sheen, repeating brand-logo patterns | The interviewer's gaze falls on your chest instead of your face. Having the conversation held up by the pattern is not what you want at your first-choice company |
| Negotiations and first meetings | Color schemes close to the other side's industry uniform colors or a competitor's colors | They create unintended associations. For a first meeting with banks or licensed professionals in particular, it is safe to lean toward the conservative side |
The funeral tie in particular is an item where buying with the thought "black is fine" easily goes wrong. Even products labeled for both occasions include glossy ones leaning toward the celebration side. If you intend to use it for funerals, choose one whose name or description clearly states at least one of "plain black," "formal" or "for funerals".
3 | Check the direction of the stripes and the size of the repeat
If you choose stripes, check whether they rise to the right or to the left. British-derived regimental stripes basically rise to the right when worn, and the American style to the left. Neither is correct, but a tie that copies the colors of a specific regiment or club exactly may become a topic of conversation with someone who knows its origin. Most ties sold in Japan are not that strict, but when you meet people who studied abroad or British-affiliated companies, avoiding very distinctive color schemes saves you from needless explanations.
Another point is the size of the pattern's repeat. With komon, the smaller the dots, the more it looks plain from a distance, and the larger they are, the more it reads as a "patterned" tie. When judging from photos, look at the full-body photo rather than the model's bust-up photo. In a bust-up, the pattern looks bigger than it really is, and you get a gap where it turns out closer to plain than you expected once worn.
4 | Check by hand how the interlining recovers and how easy the knot is to make
What I want you to do in the store without fail is to lightly grip the area a little below the wide blade's upper part and let go. A fabric that recovers smoothly with no wrinkles left when you release it tends not to lose shape around the knot even after a full day of wearing. Conversely, one that keeps the mark of your grip will collect wrinkles below the knot from the first day.
Next, lightly fold the wide blade in two and see whether a natural crease (the ridge that becomes the basis for a dimple) forms in the middle. If the interlining is too thick, you cannot make a dent, and if it is too thin, the dent is shallow and disappears as you wear it. This "reaction when folded" cannot be judged from the fabric's appearance, so it is well worth doing whenever you can touch the real thing.
You cannot check the interlining in mail order, but descriptions such as "three-fold," "hand-sewn" or "interlining: wool blend" are hints. For entry-level ties with no such description at all, assume the interlining is on the thin side and the knot tends to be small; that reduces the gap when you wear it.
5 | Length, and the finish of the loop and lining
Ordinary ready-made ties are generally in the 140cm range, but for tall people or people with thick necks, the wide blade may not reach the belt at standard length. If it does not reach, you end up making the knot small to compensate, and the collar area does not look tight. Conversely, if a shorter person wears a tie that is too long, the narrow blade hangs below the wide one. The guide is that the tip of the wide blade lightly touches the belt buckle, so taller people should look for "long" or "semi-long" labels.
Finally, the back. Check whether the loop (keeper) for passing the narrow blade through is sewn on, whether the seam allowance of the lining (the tipping) is lifting, and whether there is leftover thread where the blade's stitching ends. A tie without a loop may be that way by design, but the narrow blade then drifts and slips forward whenever you move. If you will use it on days when you meet people for work, one with a loop is less stressful.
6 | Last, check for overlap with what you own
Only after passing everything so far do you check "do I already own a similar one?" The reason for putting it last is that if you do the overlap check first, you end up choosing a tie whose width and occasion do not fit, simply because it is "a color I don't have." If you already own a dark navy plain and a burgundy regimental, practical next additions are a gray komon or a navy woven plain with subdued sheen. Even in the same color family, ties that differ in sheen and pattern size work as separate ties.
The tie you bought because "black is fine" cannot be used: pitfalls unique to neckties
A tie is an item you can still wear even if you chose wrong, so mistakes are noticed late. Here are failures that actually tend to happen and that happen only with neckties.
A black tie bought for both celebrations and funerals stands out at a funeral
This is the most common one. Black ties fall broadly into the fully matte plain black for funerals, and glossy black or black with a woven pattern leaning toward celebrations. They are sometimes lined up side by side in the store, and you cannot tell them apart without looking at the tag.
A funeral tie does not reflect even when light hits the fabric, and looks like a black "surface" that sinks in from a distance. A glossy black or woven-pattern black, on the other hand, shows its pattern under the venue's lights. The buyer often does not notice, and it tends to end up as a case where they find out only when they see the photos later.
The way to avoid it is to secure a funeral tie as an independent one. Aiming for a dual-purpose one makes it half-right at both kinds of occasion. After buying, also store it apart from your other ties, in the same place as your fukusa (the cloth for condolence envelopes) and other formal accessories, so you do not have to search around when sudden news arrives. Funerals are a situation with no time to prepare, so deciding even "where it is" brings peace of mind.
Trying to make a dimple and distorting the whole knot
People tend to think the dent below the knot, the dimple, is made by pushing it in with a finger after tying. But that method pulls the whole knot to one side and makes it asymmetrical.
- Make the ridge while tyingJust before you pass the wide blade through the loop and tighten, lightly pinch the part just before it enters the knot with your fingers and make a vertical crease in the middle.
- Pull while keeping the creaseWithout letting go of the pinch, pull the narrow-blade side downward and tighten the knot. The crease is fixed inside the knot.
- Lastly, bring it up to the collarLift the knot up to the top button and adjust only the balance of the left and right collars. There is no need to touch the dent here.
When you cannot make the dent, the cause is often not technique but the fabric and interlining. Entry-level ties with thin interlining and polyester satin with an overly smooth surface tend not to hold a crease. Rather than retying again and again thinking "I'm just bad at it," it is quicker to assign that tie to calm, plain-leaning uses and wear another tie on days when you plan on a dimple.
Choosing a glossy tie for job hunting
A job-hunting tie is judged in both your ID photo and face to face. Flash is used when photographing, so a glossy fabric blows out to white around the knot and the color becomes hard to tell. This is where the phenomenon of a blue tie looking light blue in the photo comes from.
For job hunting, choose a woven fabric with subdued sheen, a thin stripe or small komon pattern, and a dark navy or burgundy-type color. Choosing from the viewpoint of one tie that holds up in both photos and interviews reduces hesitation. Conversely, at somewhat softer occasions such as get-togethers after receiving an offer or exchange events at an internship, a brighter tie is fine, so if you add a second tie during your job hunt, that is the direction to go.
Choosing polyester "because it's cheap" and the knot loosens
Polyester resists wrinkles, is relatively resistant to getting wet, and is a low-burden material to care for. However, smooth-surfaced types let the knot slip, and by the end of the day the neck area may have loosened. If this happens on a day full of meetings or presentations, you keep retightening it and cannot settle down.
If you choose polyester, look for one with an uneven weave rather than a smooth satin-like surface. Fabrics with structure on the surface, such as jacquard or herringbone, hold the knot better. Conversely, even silk that is extremely thin and soft has the same problem, so it is more accurate to see this as a matter of "surface friction" rather than the name of the material.
Trying to remove a water stain and spreading a ring stain
When you drop soup on it during a meal, dabbing it with a wet towel is the worst response. Silk is weak to water, and as the moisture dries, substances are left in a ring at the edge of the fibers. A ring that stands out more than the original stain after drying is, in most cases, caused by this treatment.
On the spot, only remove solids with dry paper, and do not rub or add water. The quickest route is to take it to the cleaner dry after you get home and tell them what was spilled. Washing the spot yourself can also cause the washed part alone to shrink and the pattern to shift, because the fabric is cut on the bias (diagonally).
Removing it still tied, then wearing the same tie again the next day
If you pull the tie off over your head without untying the knot and hang it as it is, the mark of the knot stays in the interlining and does not come back. Tie fabric is cut on the bias, so it easily remembers its stretched shape.
When you take it off, untie it by reversing the steps you used to tie it, then rest it overnight, not hung, laid on a flat surface or lightly folded without rolling. Wear a different tie the next day. Just this "no consecutive days" rule makes a clear difference in how long a tie of the same quality lasts. If you wear a suit daily, a cycle of at least three ties spreads the load per tie.
You changed the lapel but left the tie as it was
When people buy a new jacket, few review their ties as well. But as mentioned earlier, the width of the wide blade and the lapel width are linked. Wearing a wide tie bought a few years ago with a recent slim jacket is quite obvious to everyone but the wearer.
When you get a new jacket, lay the ties you own on the lapel one by one that same day. Side by side, the ones that fit and those that do not separate clearly. For a tie that no longer fits, it is better to store it for another jacket with a similar lapel width, or decide to let it rest rather than force its use; the overall look will end up better.
Frequently asked questions
What color should my first tie for business or job hunting be?
A plain navy tie or a thin regimental (diagonal stripe) is the safe choice. It goes with any suit and shirt and gives a sincere, calm impression. For job hunting in particular, avoid flashy colors and patterns, and start with one all-purpose navy tie. Once you are used to it, adding burgundy or a komon widens your range of impressions and makes mistakes less likely.
Is a black funeral tie the same as the black-and-white tie for weddings?
They are not the same. Funerals and wakes require a "plain black" tie with no sheen and no pattern, and glossy weaves or striped ties are not acceptable. The common black-and-white (white on one side, black on the other) tie sold for both occasions is often made leaning toward weddings, and some are unsuitable for funerals. It is reassuring to always keep a separate "plain, matte black" tie for funerals.
How should I choose the width of a tie?
The basic rule is to match the lapel width of your suit. Standard lapels go with regular width (about 7.5 to 8.5cm), and a slim, modern suit goes with narrow (about 6cm), which makes the whole look consistent. Be careful, because an ultra-thin tie with a wide lapel looks mismatched. When unsure, regular width works across the widest range and is safe.
How can I make the knot bigger or smaller?
It depends on the knot. The plain knot is smaller and vertically long, the half Windsor is medium and symmetrical, and the Windsor is a larger triangle. Match it to the spread of the shirt collar: a larger knot for wide-spread collars and a smaller one for narrow collars looks tidy. Learning the plain knot first and switching to the half Windsor only on days with a wide collar is enough.
Should I make a dimple (the dent below the knot)?
For business and celebrations, making one adds depth and a refined look, so it is recommended. It forms naturally if you lightly pinch the wide blade to make a ridge as you tighten at the last step of tying. However, at funerals and wakes, etiquette says not to make a dimple. The key is to use or skip it depending on the occasion.
Should I buy silk or polyester?
Silk if you value a polished look and quality, polyester if you want easy care and good value. Silk has good color and sheen but is weak against water, stains and friction and needs careful handling. Polyester resists wrinkles, and some are washable, so it suits everyday use and job hunting. Silk for important occasions and polyester for business ties that wear out is a split that works without strain.
What are the tips for making ties last, and how long should a tie be when knotted?
Do not wear the same tie every day; rotate several and let them rest to prevent loss of shape. Untie the knot the same day and store the tie hung (or loosely rolled). Silk is weak to water and friction, so for stains do not rub them; take the tie to a cleaner. As a guide to length, the tip of the wide blade should just reach the belt buckle when knotted. Too long or too short looks sloppy, so adjust it by where you tie.
Is it OK to wear a knit tie for business?
It depends on your workplace, but a knit tie with a square-cut end is a casual-leaning accessory. It suits days spent only inside the company or relaxed outfits after the Cool Biz season, but it is safer to avoid it for first meetings, for finance and licensed-professional clients, and at formal occasions. If you use one, matching it with a soft jacket such as tweed or cotton helps it blend in.
Can I wash a tie at home?
Silk ties are not suited to home washing. Because the fabric is cut on the bias, getting it wet can shrink parts of it and shift the pattern, and it may not return. If it gets dirty, take it to the cleaner dry. Some polyester ties carry a water-washable label, so check the care label.
Does the tie have to be white at a wedding?
It is not required these days. For relatives of the couple or a guest of honor, white or silver-gray is safe, but when attending as a friend, silver, light blue and pastel dot patterns are also common. What to avoid is plain black and dark, matte colors. If the invitation gives a specification, follow it first.
Should I bring a tie during the Cool Biz season?
When visiting a place whose policy you do not know, it is reassuring to carry one in your bag. If everyone on the other side goes without ties, go in without one; if the senior people are wearing one, you can put it on before entering the room. When carrying it, roll it up into a small pouch or use a dedicated case, and the marks from the knot and wrinkles are less likely to form.
What should I do when the narrow blade hangs longer than the wide blade?
The basic approach is to take a longer length on the wide blade when you start tying. First line up the tip of the narrow blade a little above the belt, and tie while leaving the wide-blade side long, and it becomes easier to adjust. If it still does not work, the tie may be short for your build. For taller people, choosing a semi-long or longer length often solves it.
* This article is for reference only. Sale dates, point rates and campaign terms can change, so check each store's official page for the latest details.