How to Wear a Loose Tie

Co-authored by Melissa Young

Last Updated: January 30, 2024 References

So you’ve got a killer outfit together, but you’re looking for that something extra that will take it to the next level. Enter the humble necktie. Yes, it’s true! What was once a sign of boring conformity has been repurposed as a symbol of stylish rebellion. No matter the event or the outfit, you can instantly add an air of laid-back relaxation by wearing a loose tie. It’s much easier than you may think, and there are a few tips that can help you nail the look.

1

Break out a loose tie look for casual or relaxed settings.

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Loose ties aren't appropriate for formal or professional events. A loose tie instantly gives you a laid-back, relaxed vibe, which can be a great look if it matches the occasion. After-hours events, casual dinners, or informal parties are all great reasons to wear a loose tie. ^{[1]
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- Don’t wear a loose tie for formal or professional events such as business meetings, weddings, religious ceremonies, fine dining, and job interviews. These moments really call for a crisp, tight tie.

2

Go with the simple and reliable Windsor knot.

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There’s a reason it’s the most common knot used for ties. Drape the tie around your neck so the wide end is over your right shoulder, then cross the wide end over the narrow end near your collar. Loop the wide end through the neck loop of the tie, bring the wide end underneath the knot, and then feed the wide end over the neck loop to make a symmetrical knot. Finish the knot by pulling the wide end over the front of the knot, bringing the tie through the bottom of the neck loop, and pulling the tie down through the loop in front of the knot. ^{[2]
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- The Windsor knot is easy to tie and it works well on any neck and face type.
- Make sure the thin part is a little shorter than the wide part and don't let the tie hang past your belt buckle.

3

Loosen the knot after you tie it.

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Once you’ve adjusted the knot, tug it gently to loosen it. Grip the knot with your dominant hand, but don’t squeeze it or you could ruin it. With your other hand, hold the thin part of the tie. Then, gently tug the knot away from the collar to loosen it while you keep the tie centered. ^{[3]
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- It can be helpful to button your shirt all the way up while you’re tying your tie, but once you’ve got the knot finished, pop that bad boy open. ^{[4]
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- Adjust the loose knot so it rests just below your shirt’s top button for a laid-back, comfortable loose-tie look.

4

Select a tie that complements your outfit.

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Choose your clothes first, then your tie. Make sure the colors match or correspond and don’t clash. If you’re wearing patterned clothes, you can pick a patterned tie if you like, but make sure it matches and enhances it. If you’re wearing a plain white shirt, you can wear pretty much any pattern or color tie with it.
- You can pair almost any color with a neutral color outfit. For instance, if you’re wearing a dark navy suit and a white shirt, you can choose a dark tie to create a more professional look or a bright tie for a vibrant splash of color.
- A basic rule of tie-wearing is to never wear a shirt and tie with the same pattern. ^{[5]
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5

Pair a loose tie with a dressed-down outfit.

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A loose tie adds a relaxed energy to your ensemble. You don’t have to save your ties for special or formal events. If you want to add one to your outfit, go for it! Wear a tie with a button-down, denim jacket, or a polo shirt. Put one on for a night out on the town or to grab lunch with a friend. ^{[6]
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- Complete your outfit with jeans and sneakers for a casual vibe.
- Ties were once symbols of conformity, of the straight and narrow. But these days, adding a tie to your look can be a sign of rebellion—especially a relaxed and loose tie.

6

Opt for a jacket or blazer for a semi-professional touch.

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Keep the tie loosely knotted and add some formality. A loose tie will make sure you still have a relaxed and confident style, but a traditional suit jacket, sport coat, cardigan, or blazer will give you an extra element of formality. The juxtaposition of a loose tie and a more formal jacket can give a more rebellious type of look. ^{[7]
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- To complete your outfit, wear slacks and dress shoes.

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Do you have tips on matching an outfit with a tie for women?

Melissa Young
Freelance Fashion Stylist
Melissa Young is a Freelance Fashion Stylist based in Atlanta, Georgia. With over 10 years of professional experience, Melissa's objective is to elevate people's confidence and comfort through the power of fashion. Her professional background is in commercial styling and she has extensive experience in styling for editorial, television, and film. She has styled for brands including Diageo Crown Royal, Hilton Hotels, IHG Hotels, and Getty Images, and has been featured in several publications, including PUMP Magazine, Moevir Magazine, and Upscale Magazine. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of South Carolina.

Melissa Young

Freelance Fashion Stylist

Expert Answer

You can start by pairing a white button-down top with a playful tie. Whether it's a navy tie, a black one, or even a charming plaid design, you can match it with jeans and throw on a black blazer over your shoulders. For a trendy twist, consider adding a black hat or a beanie to the mix; there are numerous ways to experiment with ties. I'd suggest sticking to the classic white button-down, but you can switch things up by pairing it with a black miniskirt and knee-high boots for a sporty vibe. I'm a fan of a bobcat or a fitted cap to add an extra edge, but I wouldn't go as far as a full suit with a tie. While that's an option, my recommendation is to have fun with it and embrace the unexpected. A combination of jeans, a buttoned-up shirt, and a tie can look effortlessly stylish and cute.

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Keep in mind that if you’re going for a super-professional look, a loose tie isn't the best choice.

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How to Wear a Loose Tie

Steps

Break out a loose tie look for casual or relaxed settings.

Go with the simple and reliable Windsor knot.

Loosen the knot after you tie it.

Select a tie that complements your outfit.

Pair a loose tie with a dressed-down outfit.

Opt for a jacket or blazer for a semi-professional touch.

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