Silk necktie
This luxurious accessory is perfect for professionals or anyone attending formal events, adding a polished touch to their attire.
Style, Jewelry & Accessories
Neckties
5 kinds worth knowing, 8 picks, and what to check before you buy.
Ties still get worn by the people who need them most: anyone with an office dress code, a wedding on the calendar, or a standing Sunday-best habit. The ties that actually get used go with shirts and suits already in the closet, so think about that wardrobe before the pattern. A plain silk necktie in a deep colour is the safe, often-worn choice. A knit necktie or a bow tie suits someone who already dresses with some personality. If you can, check a few of the ties he wears most: width, colour and texture tell you more than any trend does.
Kind 1 of 5
The classic silk tie
Silk is the standard for suits and dress shirts. It has a gentle sheen, holds a knot well and drapes cleanly. It suits someone who wears a tie to work, to church or to formal events. Deep navy, burgundy and small repeating patterns go with the most shirts. Before buying, look at the width of the ties he already owns and match it roughly. Also check that the tie feels substantial rather than thin and flimsy, since heavier silk ties hold a better knot. A fun pattern can work too, as long as it fits where he actually wears ties.
Playful patterned necktie
Perfect for those with a vibrant personality or a specific hobby, this tie allows individuals to express their unique interests with a touch of fun.
Kind 2 of 5
Bow ties for weddings and flair
A bow tie fits formal evenings, weddings and people who like a slightly dapper look every day. Self-tie bow ties look more natural and are the choice of people who already wear them. Pre-tied or clip styles are easier for anyone who only wears one a couple of times a year. Check whether he needs black for a formal event or wants colour and pattern for everyday wear. Also check that the neck strap adjusts to fit his collar size.
Classic bow tie
A timeless choice for formal occasions, this accessory adds a distinctive and dapper flair to any tuxedo or suit ensemble.
Kind 3 of 5
Knit and textured ties
Knit ties have a square or pointed tip and a nubby texture that looks relaxed next to a blazer, an oxford shirt or a sweater. They suit people whose workplace has a smart casual dress code, and anyone who finds shiny silk too formal. Linen and wool blend ties fill the same role: linen for warm weather, wool for fall and winter. Before buying, think about the season and his usual jackets. Solid colours in navy, green, grey or brown get worn most.
Knit necktie
Ideal for individuals who appreciate a relaxed yet refined look, this tie offers a unique texture that stands out from traditional silk.
Linen necktie
Perfect for warmer weather or casual events, this tie offers a relaxed yet refined look with its distinctive natural texture and lightweight feel.
Textured wool blend necktie
This tie provides a sophisticated and warm aesthetic, making it an excellent choice for colder seasons or for adding depth to a smart-casual ensemble.
Kind 4 of 5
Skinny ties for slim suits
Skinny ties are cut narrower than a standard tie and look right with slim-fit suits, narrow lapels and a younger, sharper style. They can look out of place with wide lapels or a broad frame. Before buying, check his jacket lapels and the width of the ties he already wears. If his ties are all standard width, a skinny tie may end up sitting in the drawer. Solid dark colours and subtle textures keep a skinny tie easy to wear.
Skinny neckties
This contemporary style suits fashion-forward individuals looking for a sleek and minimalist accessory to complement slim-fit suits and casual outfits.
Kind 5 of 5
Solid black and plain colours
A solid black silk tie is a wardrobe staple for funerals, formal events, uniforms and some performance or service jobs. Other plain colours work the same way, going with nearly any shirt and never clashing. They suit people who wear ties a lot and need dependable basics, rather than people who want something to talk about. Check the finish, since a matte black looks more sombre and a satin sheen looks more like evening wear, and match the width to what he already owns.
Essential solid colour necktie
An indispensable wardrobe staple for any professional or style-conscious individual, offering endless pairing possibilities with various shirts and suits.
How to choose neckties as a gift
- Look at the ties he wears most often and match their width, since that fits his lapels and build.
- Choose colours that go with his usual shirts; navy, burgundy and grey work with almost everything.
- Match the fabric to the setting: silk for suits and formal events, knit or wool for smart casual days.
- For someone who rarely wears ties, one versatile solid tie beats a bold pattern.
- If buying a bow tie, decide between self-tie and pre-tied based on how often he wears one.
Usually safe to skip
- Novelty ties with jokes or cartoon prints usually get worn once as a gag, then forgotten.
- Very bright or loud patterns rarely match a working wardrobe and often stay in the drawer.
- Skinny ties for someone with wide-lapel suits look mismatched and tend to go unworn.
Questions people ask about neckties
- What colour tie is the safest gift?
- Navy is the easiest choice, followed by burgundy and charcoal grey. These go with white, light blue and most patterned shirts, and they suit both office wear and events. A small, subtle pattern in one of these colours adds interest without making the tie hard to pair.
- Is a knit tie appropriate for work?
- In most business casual and smart casual offices, yes. Knit ties look good with blazers and oxford shirts. For very formal settings, job interviews or conservative dress codes, a smooth silk tie is the more fitting choice.
- Should I buy a pre-tied or self-tie bow tie?
- If he wears bow ties often or likes classic menswear, choose self-tie, since it looks more natural. If he only needs one for the occasional wedding or formal event, a pre-tied style saves him learning the knot.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
Everything else
All neckties picks
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