Four-in-hand: The four-in-hand tie is the standard men’s necktie. Often made of silk, these ties can also be made out of silk-like synthetics, cotton, linen or wool. The fabric is cut in three segments on the bias — diagonally from the fabric — which lets the tie lay flat. These ties are always lined to help the fabric knot properly. Four-in-hand ties usually range in length from 55 inches to 60 inches, with big-and-tall ties coming in at about 62 inches. Different lengths work for men with different heights and allow for different knots to be tied. The width of ties changes with fashion; the classic width is 3-1/4 inches, but you may see trendy ties as narrow as 1-inch wide.

Six-fold and seven-fold ties: Made using the traditional method of folding a square of silk six or seven times, these luxurious neckties are not as common and can be quite expensive because of all the silk required to make them. Six- and seven-fold silk ties are not lined.

Bow ties: Available in two styles, the straight batwing or the more familiar butterfly, bow ties are a jaunty alternative to regular ties. A popular element of black-tie dressing, bow ties are right at home with a tuxedo and cummerbund. Bow-tie lengths are the same sizes as dress shirt collar lengths. If you haven’t worn a bow tie before but would like to try it, practice tying one around your leg just like you would tie your shoes.

Choosing the perfect neckwear Ties have been used to show club affiliations, family background, team spirit and more. Every tie sends some kind of message, so make sure your tie is saying what you want it to say. Here are a few things to consider when you’re choosing which necktie to wear:

Solid ties: Solid ties are the simplest to coordinate with your button-down shirts and suits. A patterned shirt or a white shirt could each work with a versatile solid-colored tie. When pairing a solid tie with a patterned shirt, choose a color that is in the pattern. With a white shirt, choose a color that complements your suit or blazer.

Striped ties: Striped ties are a tradition in menswear, and a striped tie is almost always appropriate. A striped tie can be worn easily with a white dress shirt, but you can also wear a striped tie with a striped shirt as long as the colors are complementary and the stripes are not the same size. If you’re wearing a striped tie with a striped shirt, make sure your suit is a solid color, so the look isn’t overwhelming.

Patterned ties: Paisley, polka dot, abstract designs, even flowers decorate some ties. Patterned ties follow the same rules as striped ties: Make sure the pattern isn’t the same size as a pattern on your shirt and choose a pattern in complementary colors to your shirt. Patterns in subdued colors can be appropriate for more formal occasions, but save the pink flowers for a garden wedding.

Novelty ties: Ties with prints featuring holiday themes, sports teams or cartoon characters should be reserved for light-hearted occasions. Novelty fabrics, like snake skin or stingray skin, also make for ties that can’t always be worn as office wear. Depending on where you live, you may also consider bolo ties — which consist of a braided leather string with a decorative clasp — to be novelty ties, so you’ll want to consider the occasion and the location before you choose to wear one.

Caring for neckties Remove it carefully: When you take off your tie, undo the knot by doing the knot steps backwards. Don’t pull the thinner end of the tie through; this will cause the fabric to wear out quickly. Professional care: Occasionally your ties will need to have stains removed, and you’ll want to have your ties dry cleaned whether or not they’re made of silk. This will help your ties retain their shape and luster. Store them properly: Hanging your ties on a special tie hanger will let wrinkles fall out. Make sure not to overload the hanger, as this can cause more wrinkles. You can also roll your ties up loosely and keep them in a drawer. Knit ties should be rolled for storage, not hung.

Common neckties questions

I have a vintage tie I really like, but I think it may be too wide to wear now. What can I do? While traditional ties are about 3-1/4 inches wide, the width of your tie just needs to reflect the width of your lapels. If you want to rock the retro style, wear your vintage wide tie with a vintage suit. If it’s just the fabric that you like, you can take your tie to a tailor. It’s very easy for a tailor to narrow down or even shorten ties, and it shouldn’t be very expensive.

How can I keep my silk ties from wrinkling when I pack them for business trips? Prevent wrinkles by gently rolling your ties up and tucking them into a shoe. You don’t want to iron silk ties, as this could ruin them, so if you still end up with some wrinkles, try hanging your tie up in the bathroom while you take a shower; the steam should release the wrinkles gently.

Does my pocket square need to match my tie? Traditionally, men have always matched their pocket squares and neckties, but if you’re not a traditional guy, you don’t need to match them if you don’t want to. If you want to wear a pocket square with your tie, and you don’t have a matching one, you can’t go wrong with a plain white handkerchief, but feel free to mix prints or solids that are in the same color family — if the occasion isn’t too formal.

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