Tie or no tie — this is a question that a man asks himself ever more often in the business world.
More and more men today are doing without the tie.
A widespread justification is that they do not want to look uniform. They strive for dynamism and individuality, but is doing without this accessory really the right way? Is it truly a sign of individuality if today every second man reaches for a dark suit and a white or blue shirt without a tie? Anyone who does not wear a tie today is, in most cases, simply too lazy to. It is not the tie that is „out“, but the double Windsor knot that a 35-year-old once learned from his father. Of course you are also accepted in many industries without a tie — but is it really enough for you to be merely accepted in your job?
Men’s fashion follows a simple rule of thumb: when the economy booms, style suffers. In the period before the bursting of the dotcom bubble, it was chic to wear T-shirts full of holes under expensive suits. A fashion faux pas. If you look at the highs of the DAX index and the men on the streets, we are currently heading back onto that same course. Once the bubble bursts, everything looks different: in bad times, a man must present himself more assertively, fight for contracts and possibly for his job. Then one dresses up more carefully.
It is not without reason that ties are also present at every major fashion fair this year. A tie is and remains, even in 2018, a symbol of power and individuality.
Anyone who wishes to move through daily life in a fashionable and stylish manner should invest some time in the selection of their tie, because it is precisely the decision on the right tie that can lend an outfit a fashionable and individual touch. The year 2018 lets all fashion-conscious gentlemen breathe a sigh of relief, for this year grants fashion freedom. Feel free to use this freedom — especially when it comes to choosing the right tie, creativity and courage are permitted and even desired.
Experiment with colours
Show courage! Even if your suit is rather classic and understated, a colourful tie can set individual accents. This year the colour palette ranges from radiant blue through mauve to vivid yellow. Various — preferably luminous — shades of blue remain in focus in 2018.
Use the colour of your tie to give expression to your mood each day and to stand out from the grey mass. Bear in mind, however, that every colour can trigger certain feelings — blue, for example, radiates reliability and trust, while red stands for dominance and strength.
Patterns are welcome on ties too
If you prefer to avoid bold colours, you can make a fashion statement with patterned ties. There are no limits to your choice of pattern this year. However, keep in mind that large patterns can take the seriousness away from a tie. It depends here on the occasion and the desired effect. In leisure time, large patterns often go down very well, while for important business appointments it may make more sense to opt for a plain tie. Plain, however, is not to be equated with boring — different weaves and yarns can also lend individuality to a plain tie.
But caution: if your choice falls on a patterned tie, then the rest of the outfit should be kept rather plain. A good pattern mix succeeds only for styling professionals, but with appropriate fashion sense it is possible and on trend this year too.
No „oversized ties“
Narrow ties are still on trend in 2018, but the tendency is slowly moving back towards somewhat wider ties. Anything up to 8.5 cm is permitted and on trend this year. When it comes to the width of the tie, however, keep your body size in mind: broad and large bodies also require a wider tie. A tie chosen too small in relation to the body can quickly look ridiculous.
The length of the tie is a source of heated discussion every year. Let your tie end a few centimetres above the waistband. If you are particularly tall, even the length of the tie can become a problem, because the standard commercial tie is on average 145 centimetres long. If this standard length is not sufficient for you, do not compromise — have an individual tie made .
Choose all other accessories to match your tie
A pocket square is a must this year, too. In terms of colour, it should pick up the tone and style of the tie, creating a harmonious overall picture. Fashion sense is required here as well.
No tie — also a statement
In only a few professions is a man today still required to wear a tie at all times. Here you should nevertheless be aware that wearing no tie is not a sign of individuality — rather, it lets you disappear into the broad mass. No tie can also be a statement. If you forgo your tie, do so deliberately and not out of convenience. Leaving off the tie lends your look a particular nonchalance. Is nonchalance also appropriate in your job? In that case, you should choose the rest of the outfit very carefully — the finest quality, a perfectly fitting suit, and casual accessories are a must. Yes, going without a tie can under certain circumstances be fine — but the good news for all tie-wearers: they simply look better and more stylish.
The tie is in focus in 2018 and demands to be chosen with great care and consideration. Once you have decided on your it-piece, it comes down to tying it properly. The tie knot, too, has a great influence on visual effect and is a science in itself.
Further reading
If you are looking for the perfect business look, this article may also interest you.