Silk is a very specific fabric. Silk ties are thus a very specific type of tie that lend themselves especially well to more formal occasions, such as gala events, important business meetings and, especially, weddings.

In this article, you’ll discover more about silk as a fabric and the wonder of silk ties. You will get insight into how you can best show off your quality silk tie at special events, be it an industry awards show or a fancy wedding.

Silk Ties In All Their Glory

There is something eternal and very appealing about silk as a fabric. Its natural sheen, smooth texture and durability have made it a perfect fabric for accessories such as ties. Silk exudes refinement and good taste, even a higher status, and that is reflected in the ties made from this wonderful and versatile fabric.

Versatility is indeed one of the hallmarks of silk and is why it is so often used for making ties. A silk tie’s versatility can be seen in the way it blends in beautifully with a monotone shirt as easily as it contrasts with a check pattern shirt. They also move with ease against the chest, unlike cotton blends or wool that can sometimes hang rigid and even look ‘stiff’ or unyielding. Silk never does that.

Possibly silk’s most versatile feature is that it can be worn at any time of the year. It can look cool and breathes well as a fabric during warmer months and can offer visual warmth to a suit or overcoat during winter. That is not always the case of other fabrics. For example, wool is clearly a fabric better-suited to colder weather, while some cotton blend or synthetic-fabric ties look cheap against heavier fabrics such as wool or cashmere.

Silk easily retains its vibrancy and precision of any colour or hue, as well as any pattern, however intricate or complex it may be. Nothing gets lost in either detail or depth of colour when printed in silk. Another interesting feature of silk ties is that they are super easy to knot, whatever style of knot is being used, with the knot kept in place throughout the day.

What Fabrics Go Best With A Silk Tie?

So, what fabrics go best with a silk tie? Remember, silk is incredibly versatile, and that includes what fabrics you can wear it with. For example, a silk tie in a solid colour, such as navy blue or scarlet red or a discreet floral pattern, can look excellent with winter wools. The thing about silk ties worn in colder months and with heavier fabrics is that they look luxuriant and rich. They also add needed depth and warmth to an otherwise ‘dour-looking’ suit or blazer in black, grey or navy blue.

Conversely, a thinner silk tie in literally any colour, hue or even pattern can elevate a springtime cotton suit, turning it into something more stylish and elegant. Add a silk handkerchief and you have added panache, while a silk neckerchief can make a man look raffish yet sophisticated in a vintage, 1930s sort of way. Even linen, that most casual and laidback of fabrics, can be uplifted by adding a silk tie that has been tied loosely.

An alternative to pure silk ties are those offered in silk-wool blends. The wool in these ties ensures that the tie will feel and look heavier, making wearing them in autumn or winter a better bet. They will also have less movement to them compared to silk ties, which is why they are best worn with heavier fabrics.

An interesting option is to wear a silk tie with gabardine. This is a fabric in a durable, twill-worsted wool, which is why it’s often associated with raincoats and rainy weather. Pairing a gabardine coat with a silk tie may be an unusual choice, but a bold and stylish option nevertheless.

As for linen, opting for a tie in a rougher-textured silk such grenadine silk, such as garza fina, is a terrific choice. For a more exotic look, shantung silk can pair beautifully with linen. Textured silk ties can also look excellent with finer sports coats in cashmere or light wool. They can even look great with tweed blazers in autumn hues.

What Events For A Silk Tie?

Silk has always been associated with formality and prestige, although never forget just how versatile silk can be. One occasion in which a silk tie is always welcome is the business or professional event, be it a boardroom meeting or conference, or even an interview for that matter. If you need to convey professionalism and competence, then a silk tie achieves just that. Patterns, be they stripes, dots or medallion motifs, are best kept discreet. A good width of tie for a business event is typically between 7 and 8.5 centimetres.

Special events, such as gala events, formal dinners and weddings, often call for stricter dress codes. A man cannot go wrong with a silk tie. In the case of weddings and more casual affairs, such as upscale cocktail parties, a bow tie in silk could be your best choice.

Ties and bow ties for weddings are themselves a wonderful sub-genre of the tie world! Just look at our selection of wedding ties to see what we mean. Nothing looks more sophisticated at a wedding than a gentleman wearing a neck accessory in pure silk. Still today, many men feel their best (and safest) when wearing a black silk bow tie with their suit.

For more casual affairs or outings, you can experiment with silk ties or bow ties in bolder colours and more quirky patterns. Printed silk ties can be especially stylish at luncheons or daytime get-togethers.

There’s a reason why we at Tieroom have such an extensive collection of silk ties! It’s because no other fabric feels like it, looks like it and moves like it. Silk ties are a must-have for any gentleman’s wardrobe.