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The Perfect Shirt and Tie Combo - Part II: Texture

Posted by Joe Button on

In the first part of this series, we took you through some of the colour and pattern combinations that worked for ties and shirts. In this next part, we will go through the importance of the texture of your tie against the rest of your outfit.

Most ties are either made of silk or satin. There’s nothing wrong with these fabrics and it is because the texture is rather flat and plain that it allows for some crazy and interesting prints and patterns.

The difference that a textured tie makes is it creates dimension to an otherwise “flat” outfit. In many cases, the tie is worn with a shirt and a suit, both of which are rather flat garments lacking depth. Here, a textured tie creates a look of visual complexity that a silk or satin tie cannot achieve.

A lot of people wearing ties are restricted to cotton shirts and worsted wool suits. Pairing this with a wool flannel, cashmere or tweed tie in the winter months adds a bit more flavour to an otherwise ordinary getup. It allows you to achieve a seasonal look especially combined with patterns like plaid, herringbone or checks. Here is a basic list of recommendations for textured ties:

Texture

  • If you are new to textured ties, start with a solid colour. Navy, black and charcoal coloured ties are easy to match with shirts
  • Textures that work for winter months: wool flannel, cashmere and tweed
  • Textures that work for summer months: linen, madras and seersucker
  • Knitted ties have become extremely popular (throwback 80’s style) in the last few seasons. The flat-headed knitted ties have been particularly popular. These ties look best when slightly narrower (2 – 2.5 inches). Whilst wider variations are available, they are probably more appropriate with a double-breasted jacket or jackets with wide peak lapels

Some shirt and tie combinations that work well

  • Textured tie with a tweed jacket
  • Polka dot knit tie with a solid shirt and a cardigan


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