How to Match Ties to Shirts

There are so many ties out there. What are the rules? How many should one have in their wardrobe?  How do I mix and match? 


Basically how many ties depend on how often you wear them! Have an assortment of formal evening ties and day wear ties. Your collection of ties should compliment the range of shirts and suits in your wardrobe. Let the texture on the tie be very judicious and avoid anything too bold. 


With Plain White Shirts:

If you want to show off your stylized tie, put on a clean white shirt. Typically any color tie goes with a white shirt. Use this as a chance to bring out your bold ties to make a statement. A silk tie works for most occasions.  

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 Solid color shirts:

A plain shirt with striped tie is the most common thing. However, there is no reason why you shouldn’t try anything beyond that.  With solid color shirts such as pale yellow or blue you can either match or wear contrast colors. Nonetheless, it requires some thought as the colors should complement each other. Hues like soft blue, light tan or pale pink can be easily coordinated with patterned ties. Coordinate colors that necessarily are not of the same hue but which visually complements each other. For instance, you can team a pale pink shirt with a navy blue tie or a pale tan shirt can be complemented with a brown tie. 

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Striped Shirts:

For a striped shirt, check on the colors in the shirt. Based on the colors, coordinate a tie accordingly. For a striped shirt, you need to play it safe as the tie should complement the shirt in terms of color and pattern. For instance, if the shirt is in stripes, you can choose a tie with box patterns or with polka dots. This tends to break the continuity of the stripes on the shirt by introducing a contrast pattern on the tie. Another option let the leading color of the shirt be the accent color of the tie and vice versa. For instance, you have a pale blue shirt with navy stripes; try to find a navy tie with pale blue accents.

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You can also use diagonal striped pattern on the tie. Diagonal stripes are always classy and elegant. However the stripes on the tie and the stripes on the shirt should differ in sizes. The rule of the thumb is to wear it in 2:1 ratio. If the stripes on the shirt is ¼ inch than the stripes on the tie should be ½ inch.  This helps the tie to stand out rather than getting lost with the pattern of the shirt. 

Checkered Shirts:

The same rule applies to checkered shirts as in striped shirts. When the pattern is in checks, you can opt for a tie with diagonal stripes. But make sure that the color of the tie coordinates with that of the shirt.  Boxes and polka dots are also recommended but assure that the pattern on the tie is bigger than that of the shirt. While coordinating checks and stripes just remember this rule: smaller on the shirt, larger on the tie.  

 Patterned Shirts:

Mixing patterns is also a bit of trial and error. Try matching patterns on patterns with different sizes. Wear a soft striped shirt with perhaps thick diagonal striped tie. Follow the rule of keeping the larger pattern on the tie, the reason being if the patterns are too close it appears drab and dowdy. 

 Finally, it’s not about rules but the more about experimenting for a classier look. Hence the key is to experiment; keeping the above tips in mind and you will set style for style.

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