Are you planning to wear a suit? If so, you should consider accessorizing it with a tie. The right tie will define your neckline while adding new colors and visual elements to your outfit in the process. Granted, you can often create an attractive formal outfit using nothing more than a two- or three-piece suit. With a tie, however, you'll create a cleaner and more cohesive outfit that projects a fashion-forward appearance. To choose the right type for your suit, though, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the various types. Below are some of the most common types of men's ties.
Cotton Necktie
Cotton neckties, not surprisingly, is one of the most popular types of ties. Like other neckties, they consist of a long and narrow piece of fabric that's worn around the collar of a dress shirt. While neckties are available in a variety of fabrics, cotton is an all-around great choice. Cotton neckties are soft, lightweight, breathable and inexpensive -- a combination of characteristics that typically won't find in neckties made of other fabrics. If you're struggling to choose a tie to wear with a suit, you can rest assured knowing that a cotton necktie will work.
Leather Necktie
In recent years, leather neckties have become a popular alternative to traditional cotton neckties. Available for sale here at StudioSuits, the
Leather Tie features a genuine construction of napa sheepskin leather. Rather than using a traditional fabric like cotton or linen, it features a genuine leather construction. The use of leather enhances the physical properties, as well as the appearance, of the Leather Tie. Most men will agree that leather neckties are softer and suppler than traditional neckties.
If you're going to purchase a leather necktie, though, you'll need to use care when cleaning and maintaining it. Leather doesn't hold up well when exposed to heat or moisture. While washing a cotton necktie in hot water shouldn't cause any harm, washing a leather necktie in hot water may damage it. Therefore, you should follow the manufacturer's instructions as indicated on the care tag to determine the safest and most effective way to clean and maintain your leather necktie.
Cloth Bow Tie
You'll also find cloth bow ties available for sale. Bow ties, of course, differ from neckties by featuring a bow-like design. They are typically tied using a shoelace knot. To wear a cloth bow tie, you simply tie the fabric around the collar of your dress shirt, finishing it off with a shoelace knot in the front. Once complete, it will define your necktie while helping to create a more attractive and formal appearance in the process.
Cloth bow ties have been around for centuries. According to Wikipedia, some of the first cloth bow ties appeared in the 17th century, during which they were worn by Croatian soldiers. Since then, cloth bow ties have become a staple accessory in men's formalwear. You can find them sold and worn in dozens of countries throughout the world.
Wooden Bow Tie
While not as popular as cloth bow ties, some men prefer wearing wooden bow ties with their suit. As shown below, wooden bow ties live up to their namesake by featuring a wooden construction. They aren't made of traditional fabrics like cotton or linen. Instead, wooden bow ties are made of real wood. Some wooden bow ties are made of cedar, whereas others are made of white oak or teak. Regardless, they are all made of real wood.
A wooden bow tie is a bold fashion statement. In the past, all bow ties were made of conventional textiles. Over the past few decades, though, more and more manufacturers have been making and selling wooden bow ties. Wooden bow ties feature the same shape and overall appearance as traditional cloth bow ties. They are distinguished, however, by their wooden construction.
Ascot Tie
A lesser-known type of men's tie is the ascot tie. In case this is your first time hearing about it, let me explain. Also known simply as an ascot, an ascot tie is a type of handkerchief-like material that's worn like a necktie. It's folded in front of the shirt collar, at which point it defines your necklike -- just like other types of ties.
While ascot ties are popular during the late 19th century and early 20th century, however, they've since faded from the limelight. Nonetheless, if you're tired of wearing a traditional necktie or bow tie day after day, you might want to try an ascot tie. It's a fun alternative that could prove well worth the investment.
Clip-On Necktie
Of course, there are also clip-on neckties available. As you probably know, clip-on neckties are characterized by their simplistic method of attachment that involves the use of a clip. Rather than tying it into a knot, you can clip it onto the front of your dress shirt.
Clip-on neckties offer an unparalleled level of convenience when compared to traditional tie-on neckties. Many men struggle to tie their necktie. They'll spend 10 minutes or longer pulling and tugging at their necktie, only to create a disheveled knot that reflects poorly upon their personal style. With a clip-on necktie, you won't have to worry about tying your necktie into a knot. You can simply attach it to the front of your dress shirt using a clip.
Which Tie Should I Choose?
With so many different types of ties, how do you know which one is best? Ultimately, it depends on your personal style what you are trying to achieve. If you prefer sleek and modern-looking clothes, you may want to choose a black slim-fit necktie. If you have a more traditional style, on the other hand, you may want to choose a bow tie. Just remember to choose a tie that matches the suit and dress shirt with which you plan to wear it. If it doesn't match, you'll struggle to create an attractive and complete suit outfit.
