How to Fit a Tie

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

A tie is a perfect accessory to pull together a formal outfit, but it has to fit right. A good fitting tie will complement your body and should typically fall right above your belt or waist. If you're purchasing a bow tie, the selection is more based on your neck size and face shape. If you follow some simple guidelines and are able to measure yourself, fitting a tie is a breeze.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Selecting a Traditional Tie Length

PDF download Download Article
  1. Measure your height. If you’re unsure of your height, you can look at your driver's license or ID to get your last recorded height. If you don't have an ID or driver's license, you'll have to measure yourself. Knowing how tall you are will help you determine how long your tie should be.
  2. You can measure your neck with a tape measure or go to a tailor to get it measured for you. Wrap the tape measure around your neck to get its circumference. The average neck size is between 14-20 inches (35.56-50.8 cm) in circumference. If your neck is on the larger side and you're tall, consider getting a longer tie. [1]
    • If you have a neck that's larger than 20 inches (50.8 cm) and you are over 6 feet (182.88 cm) tall, you should purchase a tie that's between 61-63 inches (155-160 cm) long.
    Advertisement
  3. A short tie is around 53-55 inches (135-140 cm) long and fits well on people who are shorter than 5 ft 9 in (175 cm). If you get a longer tie as a shorter person, it will fall too low and will look unprofessional. [2]
    • If you have a thicker neck but are short, you may be able to use a standard-sized tie.
    • If you are 5 ft 8 in - 5 ft 9 in (168-175 cm) you may be able to get away with purchasing a standard sized tie and using a larger knot, like the Windsor knot . A large knot will cause your tie to hang higher. [3]
  4. If you're between 5 ft 9 in and 6 ft 3 in (175-190 cm) tall, you should purchase a standard tie. Standard ties are between 57-58 inches (145-147 cm) long. [4]
  5. A long tie is approximately between 61-63 inches (155-160 cm) long. If you’re a taller person, then you’ll have to compensate by buying a larger tie so that it doesn’t look too short when you wear it. [5]
  6. The tie should come right at the top of your belt buckle. [6] Try the tie on and see where the bottom of the tie falls. Wearing a tie that’s too short or too long looks unprofessional. [7]
    7. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Choosing a Tie Width

PDF download Download Article
  1. [8] Larger and broader people usually look good in ties that are 3.25 to 3.75 inches (8.25-9.52 cm) wide. If you’re a very broad person, get a tie on the wider end at around 3.75 inches (9.52 cm) wide. [9] The average medium shoulder width for a man is 19.25 inches (48.89 cm). You can measure your shoulder width to determine if you're broader than average.
  2. If you're on the thinner side and are shorter than 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m) tall you should consider purchasing a skinnier tie for a trendy look. Usually, skinnier and shorter people look good in ties that are 2–2.75 inches (5.08-6.98 cm) wide. Measure your shoulder width to see if the measurement is smaller than the average shoulder width, or 19.25 inches (48.89 cm) wide.
    • Skinny ties can also look good on thin people who are of average height or taller.
  3. Use a ruler or tape measure to measure the top of your lapel, at the widest point. This measurement should be close to the width of your tie at its widest point. Keep the tie width and the lapel width close. [10]
    • For example, if the widest part of your lapel is 3 inches (7.62 cm) wide, you should get a tie that is also 3 inches (7.62 cm) wide.
    • Sometimes the numbers won’t match up exactly. In this case, it’s okay to go up or down a fraction of an inch to match your lapel width.
    4. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Getting Fitted for a Bow Tie

PDF download Download Article
  1. Getting a measurement of your neck will also determine what sized bow tie is appropriate for you. A bow tie should be around 14-15 inches (35.56-38.1 cm) longer than the circumference of your neck. [11]
    • Small bow ties fit 14-15 inch (35.56-38.1 cm) necks and are 36 inches long.
    • Medium bow ties fit 15-16.5 inch (38.1-41.91 cm) necks and are 37 inches (93.98 cm) long.
    • Large bow ties fit 17-18.5 inch (43.18-46.99 cm) necks and are 39 inches (91.44 cm) long.
    • Extra large bow ties fit 19-20 inch (48.26-50.8 cm) necks and are 41 inches (104.14 cm) long. [12]
  2. Small bows on people with large builds and round faces look too small and unprofessional. If your face is as wide as it is long, you have a round face. Usually, people with round faces have small foreheads and a small, curved jawline. Compare the bows while you're looking for bow ties and choose one that is larger. Search for bow ties that have a larger bow on them. [13]
    • Read how to determine your face shape for more guidance in figuring out your face shape.
    • You can see if the bow is larger on self-tie bow ties by taking a look at the width of both ends of material on the bow tie.
  3. Large bows will put additional attention on your small build and make you look younger and smaller. If your face is longer than it is wide, you have a slim face. Look for bow ties with slim bows and compare them with other bows that you can purchase. Choose the bow tie with a smaller bow. [14]
  4. Look in the mirror and determine if the bow tie looks good on you. If the bow tie extends past the edges of your face, it may look too big. This is a general guideline that can help you choose a bow tie that complements the size and shape of your face. [15]
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Where should a tie hang?
    Candace Hanna
    Professional Stylist
    Candace Hanna is a stylist and style expert based in Southern California. With 16 years of experience in the corporate fashion and personal styling realms, she runs Style by Candace, a personal styling agency that focuses on helping individuals find their personal expression through clothing. Her work has been featured in magazines such as Shoutout LA and VoyageLA.
    Candace Hanna
    Professional Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Your tie should end just above the top of your belt. If it's any longer or shorter, try adjusting it.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
  • Question
    When should I wear a skinny tie?
    Candace Hanna
    Professional Stylist
    Candace Hanna is a stylist and style expert based in Southern California. With 16 years of experience in the corporate fashion and personal styling realms, she runs Style by Candace, a personal styling agency that focuses on helping individuals find their personal expression through clothing. Her work has been featured in magazines such as Shoutout LA and VoyageLA.
    Candace Hanna
    Professional Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Skinny ties work best if you have a narrower frame. If you have a broad frame, go with something wider.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Tie a Tie
      The Easy Way to Tie a Perfect Bow Tie
      How to
      Tie a Full Windsor Tie: 8 Easy Steps
      How to
      Wear a Sweater over a Dress Shirt
      How to
      Wear a Cummerbund
      How to
      Make a Bow Tie
      How to
      Make a Cravat
      How to
      Wear a Tie Tack
      How to
      Wear a Tie Clip
      How to
      Tighten and Adjust a Bow Tie
      How to
      Make a Dollar Bill Bow Tie
      How to
      Fold Ties
      How to
      Make a Tie
      How to
      Wear a Bolo Tie
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.sizechart.com/tie-length/index.html
      2. ↑ http://www.sizechart.com/tie-length/index.html
      3. ↑ http://www.realmenrealstyle.com/how-to-buy-necktie/
      4. ↑ http://www.sizechart.com/tie-length/index.html
      5. ↑ http://www.sizechart.com/tie-length/index.html
      6. ↑ Candace Hanna. Professional Stylist. Expert Interview. 12 April 2019.
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOADIxjYYAo&feature=youtu.be&t=1m37s
      8. ↑ Candace Hanna. Professional Stylist. Expert Interview. 12 April 2019.
      9. ↑ http://www.realmenrealstyle.com/how-to-buy-necktie/
      1. ↑ https://blacklapel.com/thecompass/ask-a-black-lapel-stylist-tie-width-how-slim-or-wide-should-you-go/
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAnb2OCGzQ0&feature=youtu.be&t=11s
      3. ↑ https://bowtie-expressions.com/pages/bow-tie-sizes-styles
      4. ↑ http://www.beautiesltd.com/category/bow-tie-width-size-style
      5. ↑ http://www.beautiesltd.com/category/bow-tie-width-size-style
      6. ↑ http://www.realmenrealstyle.com/bowtie-infographic/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 35,067 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement