How To Wear A Skinny Tie

I have noticed a lot of online queries about how to wear the skinny tie and where to buy them. A skinny tie is a fashion forward trend so it should probably stay out of the office. You may wear a thin-ish tie since it is a more modern look, but a skinny skinny one will make you look too trendy, ergo pathetic. This is particularly true if you look like a jock or are plump. Your size will emphasize the slimness of the tie.

For out on the town you can dress up the skinny tie by pairing it with a classic button down shirt of a solid color. Your skinny tie can be patterned or solid. If you want to wear a patterned shirt with a patterned tie you’ll want it to be incredibly subtle. A nice example of this is Ryan Gosling in his GQ spread.

If you want a more a casual look for your skinny tie wear whatever you like. When wearing a tie in a casual manner it is about being funky and having fun, as long as the shirt has a collar. I find it very annoying and far too trendy to wear a tie with a tee shirt. Not even a rock star can pull this off. You can see here that Justin Timberlake has completely embraced casual dress with the skinny tie. Sport a vest, mix your patterns, roll your sleeves…whatever you like.

On the occasion when a suit is necessary the skinny tie is so hot and so easy. Wear it as you would any other tie. As you can see Brad Pitt here is looking fabulous in this perfect fitting black suit, traditional white button down and black skinny tie. Gorgeous!

Now how long should a skinny tie be? whether it be casual or dress, tie it so that it sits directly above your belt or waist line. Don't let it go past your belt and don't have it rest higher than three inches above your belt.

Where to get the skinny tie and which to get? I love solid colors, subtle patterns and pointed ends. I am not a fan of the square ended tie, but it’s not a sin. In order to find one, steer clear of department stores with the exception of Nordstrom’s, but even Nordy’s is limited. You can try youthful stores like Armani Exchange and Express Men, but online stores are best, like Tie Guys, Dance Store and Men’s Flair.

Comments

[esther]

is black colour tie, meant for under-taker?
i got a black shiny skinny tie for my boyfriend, and i just heard it's meant for undertaker, is it true?

[Vanessa]

Hi Esther,
An undertaker dresses very similar to a waiter, a gentleman at a black tie event or, in the less rigid funeral home, simply business clothes. So, there are no specific rules about a black skinny tie. If your boyfriend wears it with a blue, green, red or grey collared shirt (avoid white), no one will think he is bringing death, I promise you. If it still makes you two uncomfortable, get another tie with a subtle pattern. Let me know if you have anymore questions : )

[jrey]

hey i got a skiny tie patterned with a dark grey suit and im planning on wearing a shirt dress shirt under for my prom.
My question is do I undo te top button on my dress shirt when wearing it? or do I just button it all up like how I would wear a normal tie and dress shirt? thanks!

[Vanessa]

Hi JRey.
For a sharper look you will want to wear it as you would a normal tie with your shirt buttoned completely. Later if you get really hot or just want to relax feel free to unbutton your top buttons and roll the sleeves, but if you start out like this you will appear as if you are trying too hard instead of a stylish fellow. Have fun!

[Kj]

I have a skinny J. Crew tie thats green blue and a fine yellow strip. green and blue are thick. what color shirt would go best.

[Vanessa]

Hi KJ,
Green, blue or yellow would be great choices for a shirt to go with your tie. You will want to choose a shade that matches exactly the color in the tie or a shade that is obviously not the same shade. For example if the blue in the tie is baby blue will want to wear a shirt in that exact shade of baby blue or you will want to wear a deep blue shirt like midnight or royal blue. Let me know if you any more questions.

[Tom]

I have a skinny red tie and i'm not really sure what to match it with. any suggestions?

[Vanessa]

Hi Tom,
A red skinny tie is a bold statement that will go with most any button down shirt. Try wearing it out to a fashion forward club, restaurant or evening out. Red goes with a solid black, midnight blue, white, lavender, or even tan. If you have any questions about which color in particular let me know, otherwise just go with a standard solid, slim fitted button down.

[Adam]

What is the appropriate width of a skinny tie? I see a website selling them in inch and a half, 2 inches, 2 and a half inches and am unsure which one to get.

[Vanessa]

Hi Adam,
The thinner the tie is the trendier it is. I prefer a skinny tie to be 2 to 2 1/2 inches because it is fashionable without being too trendy. Let me know if you have any more questions.

[Jnr]

Hi V,

Also sent you an email - so apologies if u get this twice :-)

I read your recent write-ups about skinny ties; it was very helpful and well written. I think there's a shockingly few amount of male accessory review/tips websites or fashion blogs that give a female perspective. I know because I look!

So I just got a couple skinny ties - Royal Blue, and Orange and although I haven't worn them yet, I intend to soon; however I'm a bit.. wary of a Fashion faux pas - as you mentioned that they should "probably stay out of the office". Is there any situation where I can wear these to the office?

Here's my planned ensemble:

White dress shirt [fitted], folded sleeves, with jet-black pants [also fitted], and black leather shoes. The shirt sleeves dont necessarily have to be folded up. What do you think?

I've got a lean athletic build, you can check out my blog here: http://philantr0py.spaced.live.com - I posted a related entry just today.

Jnr.

[Adam]

What colour skinny tie would best suit a charcoal colour pin stripe suit with a slim fit white shirt?? Going to a wedding and need help!!!
Thanks

[Vanessa]

Hi Adam,
I would recommend a red, royal blue or black tie would look sharp. Have fun at the wedding. Let me know if you have any further questions. Thanks for reading!

[Angela]

Hi,

With a skinny tie, can you just wear any white-collared shirt with it or should the collar be smaller than usual? In other words, is there a specific type of shirt-collar style you should be wearing with a skinny tie?

Thanks,

[Vanessa]

Hi Angela,
A standard collared shirt will do just fine. There is no need to look for a button front with a smaller collar, although you should probably avoid a giant collar... unless that is the fashion statement you want to make. Let me know if you have any further questions. Thanks for reading!

[kj]

hi, what colour skinny tie can i wear with a white shirt and black trousers.its for a wedding reception, so help is much needed.
thanks

[dam]

Is it alright to still use an ordinary tie these days?

[Vanessa]

Hi Dam,
Absolutely, if you don't feel comfortable wearing fashion forward items, by all means wear what puts you at ease. The least stylish look is awkwardness or insecurity. Confidence and comfort is key.

[Nick B]

Hi.
What looks the best material in a Skiiny tie, silk or polyestor? Also how long should the shorter bit of the tie be, should it be longer than the fatter part of definatly shorter? Should you also be able to see it, or hide it by tucking it into one of the top buttons?

[Vanessa]

Obviously silk will look most quality, but I don't mind polyester myself as long as it doesn't look cheapy. As for the skinnier portion of the tie. As long as it is shorter than the fatter part of the tie and is hidden directly behind it your fine. It is the fatter part of the tie that counts. It needs to hit just above your belt buckle. The shorter portion is then tucked into the slot attached behind the fatter portion of the tie. You could also use a stylish tie clip that holds the two parts of the tie together. If you are very short waisted you can then tuck the shorter part of the tie into your button front shirt.

[Mos]

Hi,
Can a slim tie be worn with a spread collar shirt?

[Vanessa]

Hi Mos,
Yes it can. No "rules" against, it will look just fine. Thanks for reading!

[dan]

hey what colour top goes best with a red skinny tie ?? oh and what kind of top is best(for casual wear)

[John]

Hey V. This website has been a great help to me in everyway.

Question: Im a pretty built guy with a 44" Chest. Do you think I can pull off the Skinny Tie/White shirt look? I was thinking white dress shirt, tucked into my black editor dress pants with the skinny tie buttoned up. I have the setup but it just looks a bit different when I put it on.

Any help is appreciated.

[Vanessa]

Hi John,
Thank you for reading, I am so glad I can be of help to you. As for your skinny tie question, you can still wear a skinny tie, but try looking into a tie that is not so skinny. A 2 1/2 to 3 inch width tie would be good for you simply because your size will dwarf any tie that you wear. Let me know if you have any further questions.