All men have the potential to look classy when wearing a necktie. Unfortunately, the wrong necktie can also make you look unimportant, immature, or even shady.

If you’re a business professional, your necktie makes a statement about you before the first handshake is even made. A necktie represents not only the personality of the wearer, when paired perfectly and tied correctly it also demonstrates a professional and sharper image.

A quality necktie is an investment of a lifetime, so here are some tips on how to buy a necktie that would make you a proud wearer, time after time.

The first question a gentleman should ask regarding a few prospective choices in neckties would have to be quality. A good tie is of woven silk. Polyester ties should be avoided at all costs, as they tend to wrinkle easily and permanently.

Colour

Venture for some plain coloured ones and avoid neckties with cartoon characters, animals or those in bright neon colours. Striped ties are safe and a striking choice because they not only provide a degree of contrast within the necktie itself, but they are useful in pulling the entire ensemble together in a more cohesive fashion.

Size

You don’t want a super-wide necktie unless you’re going to perform in a circus. You also don’t want a skinny tie, unless you want to look like a kid. You want a nice medium width and don’t forget to take your chest and shoulders into account. Just because it’s wide on the mannequin doesn’t mean it’s going to be wide on you.

 Length

Do not wear a tie that stops above your bellybutton, you will look ridiculous. And don’t wear one that can get stuck in your zipper, either. Down to your belt will suffice.

Necktie tacks, chains, slides – avoid these unless you’re a village chief. Otherwise you will just look like you are trying too hard.

Skinny ties;

Men of smaller stature look better wearing narrow ties over those of standard width because of their body type. Slender and youthful types look great in thin ties for the same reason big men don’t.

Take the time to figure out what type of men’s neckties work best for you.

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