Choosing the colour of your tie can feel tricky if you are not used to wearing ties. For this reason, we will hereby start a series of articles where we share our thoughts on how to choose and wear ties. This first part will be about how to think when choosing the colour of your tie. None of our forthcoming statements and recommendations here are regarded as universal truths. Our recommendations are based on our own long-time passion for wearing ties in various situations and ways, in a fairly timeless style and manners, that have served us well over the years..

Considerations when choosing your tie

There are many ways to choose the colour of your tie. Some common considerations are the context and situation in which you will be wearing your tie, and whether there is a dress code to follow? Most of all, the choice of your tie should reflect your personal style and preferences, as far as it is suitable. Dress codes usually give quite direct and explicit conditions for the tie you are expected to wear regarding colours, and potentially patterns.

Safe tie colour choices

In this first editorial, we will foremost address how to choose the colour of your tie. There are a number of classic choices that will always be right and work with most colours of siot jackets and blazers. Burgundy ties are probably the most classic example. They can be worn with navy and grey as well as brown or black suits. The burgundy tie is a safe choice, but beware, as you also may end up be one of 80% of all men present wearing a burgundy tie, a white shirt and a grey, navy or black blazer. Alternative tie colours that give a similar result are ties in dark navy, deep olive green, rusty orange, dark aubergine or why not a dark brown?

Ties in brighter and bolder colours produce eye catching combinations. The tie colour you choose is dependent on so many factors, where your personal preference often is an important factor. Theoretically spoken, the clothes you wear give a more formal impression, the darker the colour of your tie. Brighter tie colours can also add a summer-like feeling. Lighter shades of pink, purple, yellow or green can add some punch to your suit combination. With these brighter tie colours you migh want to consider using a more understated white pocket square, to balance the amount of colour.

Choosing a light or dark tie

When it comes to solid colour ties, the contrast between the tie and blazer plays a key part in your combination. Generally, we recommend creating low contrasts, meaning that the colour of your tie should not be dramatically much lighter or darker than the colour of your coat. Low contrast combinations render low key, timelessly stylish combinations, especially suitable for new situations where it is good or safe to blend in and remain looking well dressed. A safe starting point is to always strive for a tie darker than the shirt you wear, and not dramatically brighter than your coat.

Solid ties with woven textures

Solid coloured ties can become far more interesting if woven in patterns like herringbone, paisley or other textures. This way, your tie is brought to life and given visual depth without adding more colours to your ensemble.

How to wear patterned ties

When wearing patterned ties, it is nice if a colour in the pattern of your tie, is also found in the fabric of your shirt or/and blazer. An easy, basic way of practising this way of thinking is to wear polka dot or striped ties with white dots or lines, with a white shirt. The white details of the pattern create a pleasant visual harmony and balance with the white shirt fabric.

Wearing ties with coloured patterns

Next step in this way of thinking regarding patterned ties, is to try ties with patterns containing other or more colours than white. A navy tie with warm yellow medallions, like our SULPUNTO will harmonize nicely with warm beige or light brown blazers, as they connect nicely with the colour of the tie’s medallions. This navy tie will of course also look great with a brown, grey or navy blazer. If you, in addition to this wear a beige vest or cardigan between your coat and shirt, both colours of your tie connect to the colours of the rest of your ensemble (style-nerd term for “outfit”).

If your tie consists of several dominating colours, it looks good to wear it with a blazer the same colour as one of those found in your tie. A good example is our TRIO BROWN that works very well worn with both navy and brown blazers, as well as greyish beige coats (this colour usually called “taupe”).

With these words we are ending the first part of our Tieroom tie academy. There are of course endless additional factors that can be addressed on the topic of choosing the colour of your tie. Please let us know your thoughts or ask any related questions you may have in the comments below! We will be more than happy to continue an interesting discussion, and answer to the best of our abilities!