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Stuff You Need to Know About Wearing a Tie

11/17/2012

6 Comments

 
I thought I'd lay out some crucial, basic tie-wearing tips I've been asked about.  Even if you know nothing else about ties, you need to know this stuff:

Q: Where should my tie end? 
A: At the middle of your belt.  Most people know not to let it land too far above the belt, but letting it land a couple inches below is just as bad.

Q: But then I have to re-tie my tie about 20 times to get it right.
A: Yeah, at first--eventually you'll get good at it, though.  This is the price we pay for looking dapper.  Just be glad no one's making you wear high heels.

Q: How wide should my tie be?
A: If the tie is between 2.5 inches and 3 inches at the widest point, you're good.  This is a "narrow" tie.  A skinny tie is about 2 inches wide at the widest point.  I'm not against skinny ties per se, though I think some caution is prudent.

Q: What's the most common butch faux pas you see re: neckties?
A: Okay, admittedly no one actually asked me this, but I feel compelled to share.  At fancy events, I often see butches in too-wide ties that land a couple inches below their belts.  This makes a butch look like she's raided her father's closet.  Please stop.

Q: I never know what knot to wear.
A: A four-in-hand is the easiest to learn, and safe for all except the most formal occasions.  If you're going to learn only one knot, this is the one.  Have a friend teach you, or watch this British guy, whom I find amusing.  And: practice, practice, practice!

Q: What's the deal with the "dimple?"  Do I need one?
A: Yup, you do.  A "dimple" just means that if your knot doesn't do it naturally, you push in the fabric right below the knot.  Here's a picture. 

Q: Do I need fancy shoes?
A: Absolutely not.  As long as your look is pulled together, there are all kinds of different ways to dress down a tie.

Q: You've suggested wearing a loosened tie.  How loose is too loose?
A: I undo the top button of the shirt, then pull gently at either side of the collar.  You're going for this or this, not for this.

Q: Is it okay to wear a tie bar?  Where do I put it?
A: Sure.  Just make sure it's not wider than your tie, and wear it between the third and fourth buttons of your shirt, clipping the whole tie to the shirt.

If you have any more questions about tie-wearing, just let me know.  Meanwhile, I'd love it if you'd send me pictures of yourself in a tie.  I'll post a bunch of my favorites as fashion examples for BW readers!


6 Comments
Jenny Jane Young
11/17/2012 06:10:12 pm

Your little purple tie avatar needs a dimple!

Reply
Butch Wonders link
11/18/2012 02:50:54 am

Ha--good point! That's actually a Windsor knot, though, which doesn't absolutely require a dimple (though a dimple is fine). See: http://www.necktieaficionado.com/How-To-Tie-Windsor-Knot.html

;)

Reply
Amber link
11/18/2012 12:26:13 am

I've only ever worn a tie as part of my burlesque routine. Watching the video you provided of the British man, I realized that I'm apparently doing it wrong by only wrapping the tie around once when I knot it. Ah well, the thing comes off rather quickly, so..

Reply
boo
11/19/2012 03:18:26 am

Wow!!!
That was AWESOME!!!
You should give out Certificates for
Neckties 101 Proficiency!!!
You Rock!!!

Reply
liann key
11/19/2012 01:34:35 pm

i would like to send you a tie pic, but the link above wont let me. what email can i send my picture to?

Reply
BW link
11/19/2012 02:24:08 pm

butchwonders [at] yahoo [dot] com. :)

Reply

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