DESPITE WHAT fashion trends decree each season, ties—like the best suits—aren’t going anywhere. And that’s a good thing. With conventions around neckties becoming laxer, if anything, this should encourage you to inject some personality into your wardrobe.
But let’s get the serious stuff out of the way first: Even though we’re living in a more tolerant menswear era, we’d still suggest you don’t flout a dress code—like the one at work expecting you to put on a tie, or the invitation to an event asking you to show up in one.
And even though we may loath to admit it, most of these policies around appropriate attire does make sense. Let’s face it—there are few items of clothing as transformative as a tie. Broadly speaking, it’s often a defining piece when it comes to distinguishing a more laidback look from a formal one. It conveys power and professionalism.
On the lighter side, if you have the freedom to dress how you please on most days, count yourself lucky—and take pleasure in it. Perhaps don’t be so quick to dismiss ties as stuffy and obsolete. Consider investing in a fine tie or two if you don’t own any. As an accessory, a tie can add just the right amount of character to a look. We’d even go as far as to say that the right tie could be a defining highlight of a great fit.
So, no matter whether ties form part of your everyday attire or if you only don them on special occasions (heck, you might even delight in sporting them by choice), there’s a vast selection of ties out there for every conceivable affair and, most importantly, enough variety to match whatever your personal style demands. Here are our picks of the best ties for men.
When it comes to ties, it can hardly get more high-end than Charvet. So eminent and exceptional are the brand’s ties that the word “charvet” has developed into a common term for the special kind of silk fabric used to make ties. If you’re going for opulence in name, you might as well go all out—like this rust-colored jacquard silk tie featuring a classic paisley medallion design.
Knitted ties match well with more easy-going outfits, especially if they’re made from a textured wool, so keep these for more relaxed settings. Choosing one by Italian fashion house Missoni—famous for its decorative knitwear designs—will make for a chic addition to any wardrobe.
Sometimes all you need is a go-to tie to get the job done—and this one will deliver. Thanks to its classic style, black color and just the right amount of luster, you’ll be donning this tie anywhere and everywhere when the dress code requires it. What’s more? It’s absolutely affordable.
Combining the iconic herringbone pattern together with benchmark silk fabrication, this teal tie will work wonders dressed up or down. And because it’s carefully hand stitched, it’s less rigid than machine-made equivalents, resulting in easy-peasy tying on.
Crafted from pure worsted wool, this lightweight tartan tie by the American designer sees the timeless Scottish plaid pattern translated into a multihued neckwear piece like no other. Oh, and the purposefully frayed edges? We love it. If you’re a fan of making a style statement, this tie is bound to make a fashionable splash.
Neutral but not boring, burgundy is a workhorse color that goes with everything. Bonus points that this low-priced tie is available in an array of sizes.
If you’re hesitant about dipping your toe into paisley, aim for a design featuring just a couple of shades in the same family, like this tonal taupe version.
Tommy Hilfiger is all about modernizing typical officewear. This necktie may feature a traditional gingham check, but it’s the accessory’s overall sharp-cut silhouette that elevates the patterned piece.
A knit tie is best suited for more casual fits, but one in pure silk will upgrade any item to the next level, giving it a proper feel that’s smart enough for most workspaces. Think, for example, of pairing a silk knit tie with your favorite button-down, like an Oxford shirt.
Repeat after us: A navy tie will never go out of style. Add some texture to the mix, like a plush velvet, and you’ll up the versatility factor of the tie.
Materials
Polyester
Length
Unavailable
Width
3-3.25”
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Charles Tyrwhitt Fish Out of Water Motif Print Silk Tie
Charles Tyrwhitt Fish Out of Water Motif Print Silk Tie
If having to sport a tie once in a while has you feeling like—yes, you guessed it—this aptly named neckwear, at the very least this eccentric tangerine and sky blue tie will make for a great conversation starter.
Bernd Fischer is a freelance writer based in London covering style for Men’s Health. Before relocating to the United Kingdom, Bernd was a Content Editor at GQ Middle East in Dubai, having previously served in the same role at GQ South Africa in Cape Town. He has written for Paper, The Manual, Mic, Splinter, and the South African editions of Glamour and House & Garden. Bernd is a graduate of Columbia Journalism School in New York.
As Men's Health's Deputy Editor, Commerce, Christian Gollayan oversees all shopping content on menshealth.com. He relocated back to New York by way of Portland, where he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian's work has also been featured in InStyle, Food & Wine, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.