A Buying Guide to the Perfect Men's Suit

Men's suits, to the uninitiated, seem to belong in a secretive world full of pinstripes and tailors. It's not surprising, conside used for suits, it can get difficult to fully describe one if you're not used to it. Here's some of the jargon that you can expect to hear from both your tailor and the department store salesman.

Lapels
Lapels are often mistaken for the collar because of its position. The lapel is that pair of triangles of fabric that extend from the front of your collar into your chest area. Though they're not paid a lot of attention, the kind of lapel on a suit has a large influence on how it will look.

Notch lapels are the classic choice on suits; there's no way that you can go wrong when you have those two equal notches on your suit jacket. An edgier, more modern option, meanwhile, is the peak lapel, which has the upper lapel extending some way further than the lower one. Try the peak lapel if you want something slightly out of the ordinary of if you are dressing up in a tuxedo. For more information you may also want to read the post on Mens Suit Labels.

Sleeves
As a good rule of thumb: A good suit should show about a half inch of shirt cuff when worn. Though the adage still works well today, you now have a much wider range of options to work with when discussing the sleeves on your suit jacket.

You could, for example, go with a slightly shorter jacket sleeve that shows even more cuff. This is fairly common with European tailoring, which plays with the lengths of the different limbs. Longer jacket sleeves are also becoming common, especially since more and more people are wearing their suit jackets over regular short-sleeve tees – to create a sportier and more casual look.

Vents
At the back of the suit jacket – right over your derriere – is a slit or pair of slits. These are the vents of the jacket; they don't contribute much to the jacket style-wise, but they do help in hiding or accenting certain assets, as well as making movement easier.

Single vents, commonly known as center vents, are the classic, and all-around favorite option for suits. It's very hard to go wrong with center vents, and chances are that your tailor will recommend it. Double vents or side vents are a great way downplay a larger-than-usual butt or unusually small waist.

Buttons
The type of buttoning and the number of buttons used are one of the most noticeable characteristics of a suit. Choose the style that best compliments your body type. Besides the number of buttons, experst speak of single-breasted and double-breasted suit jackets. Although still used, the later was once popular in the late 80s. Today most suits are single breasted.

Three-button jackets and blazers, once considered a relic of the 90's, are making a big comeback especially on the American market. A three-button notch lapel blazer makes you look every bit the respectable Wall Street banker. Go for the three-button option if you have the regular body type and a well-proportioned physique.

Vertically challenged guys, meanwhile, will want to go for the two-button variety. Having just the two buttons exposes more of your shirt and tie, which is why it's a popular trick in men's fashion to make guys look a bit taller in the torso. A close-fitting two-button peak lapel jacket has been a very popular look in magazines these last few seasons.

Learn the lingo before you even take your first trip to the store. A tailor or salesman will be more likely to take your preferences seriously when they see that you know what you're talking about.

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Patriotic Neckties

Elegant Ties For 4th of July

Although so-called "Novelty Ties" have a somewhat tacky reputation, and are not ties that are suited for the office, special holidays are an exception. The 4th of July is one of such days. Although hopefully no-one actually has to go to the office on this Holiday, the days leading up to it give a perfect opportunity to wear a red, white, and blue tie. While big-picture ties, such as one with an American Eagle, might be perceived as slightly tacky, a traditional striped tie in "American" colors would be a perfect fit. At Ties-Necktie we picked a red & white striped necktie for the occasion. To see a larger image of this tie, and/or to order this tie, simply click on the picture.

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Dress Tips For Tall and Thin Men

Thin men that are also tall can look goofy when dressed in the wrong type of clothing. On the other hand, knowing what colors, fabrics, and styles match this physique, can create a very stylish and model-like look. This article is the last of our four part series on: How to Dress For Your Body Type.

The Clothing "DOs" For Tall and Thin Men:
If your goal is to add extra weight to your frame, or at least make it appear that way, then horizontal stripes on clothing will be your best choice. The best colors are lighter shades - something that can be a little tricky when dressing in suit and tie. When dressing for business best are light gray suits, tan and beige suits (best for the spring and summer months), and medium-navy blue suits. If you wear a tie, then striped neckties are best. Also great are alternating colors in jacket and pants. Blazers made from a heavier twill fabric are an excellent choice here.

The Clothing DON'Ts for Tall and Thin Guys:
If you feel like your height might make you look almost too thin, then there are a few types of clothing, colors, and styles you may want to stay away from. First of all, avoid vertical stripes such as pin stripes on suits. In addition dark clothes will slim you even further. Your pants should fit at the waistline and be at the right length. Pants that are too short will look like that there are no pants available that would fit you. For your neckties choose a smaller tie knot that is in better proportion with your thinner and longer looking neck. The Four in Hand Knot would be a good choice. If regular sized ties don't fit, then you may want to consider extra long ties - usually a good fiot for men taller than 6 foot 3 inches.

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How to Dress Advice For Bigger Guys

Dressing well is more than just picking expensive designer clothes. The key in dressing well is understanding what colors compliment your color profile as well as knowing what cuts and styles flatter your body type. This brief article will teach bigger men how dressing well can help loose a few pounds - or at least it will look like it.

The Clothing "DOs" For Big Men:
The easiest way to reduce some inches on the waistline is by choosing the right patterns and colors on your clothing. They key is to make the body look longer, which in turn will make you look thinner. The best pattern to do this are pin stripes on suits and shirts. As far as colors are concerned, dark colors are best. You may have heard that "black makes thin" - although in business dark navy or dark charcoal gray suits are better suited.

As far as cuts are concerned, it is key to choose clothing that doesn't make you look like a stuffed sausage. So, besides choosing wider cuts, pleated pants as well as suit jackets that have wider cuts on the sides are going to be your best bet. For the dress shirt choose a collar spread that is much wider, and match this with a more voluminous necktie knot like the Double Windsor Knot - this will make your neck look thinner, and your clothing will look more proportionate to your body type.

The Clothing DON'Ts for Bigger Guys:
The biggest NOs are horizontal stripes, and clothes in lighter colors - both will add pounds to your waistline. In addition stay away from clothes that are to tight. If they don't fit anymore it is time to either loose some weight or to buy new clothes. Wearing clothes that are too tight will make you look like a stuffed sausage. Last but not least, stay away from lighter fabrics.

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Dear Valued Customer,

We are excited to announce that we recently updated our order tracking system. Although we did provide the tracking information previously, the new system will give you a faster, and a much more convenient way to track your order. As soon as the order is shipped an e-mail will be send to you with a link to track your order. Order tracking is available for rush and standard shipping, and even for shipments to PO Box addresses.

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Dress Tips For Thin Men

Dressing in Suit and Tie For Skinny Men

Dressing well means knowing how to coordinate colors and patterns, as well as knowing how to match clothing styles to one’s body type. This article is part of our four part tutorial series on “How to Dress”. While our last article covered Dress Tips for Short Men, this article will be helpful for all skinny and/or skinny and tall men.

The Clothing "DOs" For Skinny Men:
When you are skinny and like to add a few pounds to your statue than you can accomplish this by choosing particular types of clothes, fabrics and pattern – something much healthier than doing to the next fast food chain. The key to slightly add width to your figure is by choosing particular patterns, fabrics, colors, and styles of clothing.

As far as patterns are concerned, best would be horizontal stripes. But since this pattern is almost never found on dress shirts and suits, wider striping patterns will have a similar effect. An alternative to wide striping patterns are larger checks on dress shirts. Heavier fabrics are best since the extra thickness adds more width to your figure. This might be a little challenging for people that live in warmer climates. For those, lighter colors are best suited. In addition, recommended are natural fabrics that allow to “breathe” and will add additional comfort.

Finally you can use color to add some weight to your figure. It is not the shades that matter here, but more so the contrast between light and dark between colors and different clothing items. Before you go to the extreme of wearing a black suit with a white dress shirt, you may also want to read a little bit on your “Color Profile” to learn how to Find Your Perfect Color in Clothing.

The Clothing DON'Ts for Thin Guys:
When you consider the tips above, chances are you will be on the right track. The worst things skinny man can wear are narrow vertical striping patterns as those will further lengthen your figure. In addition, thin fabrics and clothes that are too loosely cut are considered a Faux Pas style for the skinny guy. Also, stay away from pants that are too short, as well styles that have a high buttoned cut -such as the 4-buttoned suit jackets.

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How Short Men Should Dress

Dressing well doesn't just require some basic knowledge on how to match colors and different patterns, or how to combine different clothing styles. What is equally important is knowing what type of clothes look best on your body type. This tutorial will teach shorter men how to dress in a way that is flattering to their body type.

The Clothing "DOs" For Shorter Men:
When dressing in suit and tie, best are lighter color shades. White or light blue dress shirts, and light gray, tan, beige, and navy suits are best. Best are dress shirts that are pattern-less. If the solid white or solid light blue dress shirt is to boring looking then choose a very narrow striping pattern. The narrow stripes will add one or two extra inches to your statue - or at least it will appear that way.

Choose a suit that is single breasted with medium height notch lapel. Preferred are two button suits although a 3 button suit might work well on men that are both short and thin. As far as pants are concerned choose a straight cut. Pleats and pants that are too baggy will widen your figure and therefore make you look even shorter.

The Clothing DON'Ts For Short Guys:
Avoid clothes that will widen your statue something that will make you look shorter. Big No-No's are wide striping patterns and horizontal stripes. Avoid double breasted jackets and suits with a peaked notch lapel. Another thing not-to-wear are bow ties and suspenders.

Finally avoid too much of a color contrast between jacket and pants. The light pants and navy Blazer look won't do if you are shorter than 5 foot 4 inches. Another thing to consider is the fabric pattern. Thicker and heavier patterns are less suited for shorter guys.

Suggested Readings:
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Deciphering Dress Codes

A party invitation in the mail can be as much a cause of excitement as it can worry. You're not a social outcast just yet, but a single fashion faux pas at this event could easily turn you into one. Understanding the dress code reminder that comes with any invitation is your first step toward preventing your own pariah-dom – or just looking good at a party.

Coming in Casual
Unless you're attending a lunchtime house party with a select group of intimate friends, you shouldn't take 'casual' in its strictest sense. No, your shorts, deconstructed denims and tattered round neck tees won't cut it for this dress code. You'll have to bring out clothes that are a little more formal, especially for 'smart' casual events like cocktails.

Start with a good, clean shirt with a light or bold colored pattern, but leave the neckties and the jacket at home. The un-sombre color of the design keeps your shirt happy and light without making you look boorish. Skipping the tie, the jacket and the closed top button lets you look casual yet presentable at the same time. Roll up the sleeves to really make yourself comfortable – all without offending the host.

Business Formal
In this case, you'll have to tone down the 'formal' in the term; it's more about keeping yourself incongruous at the workplace than anything else, really. Business formal usually involves a classic cut two piece suit, a solid shirt and a simple tie. You could wear items that are a little flashier, but it could end up making you look downright foolish. Business formal can also be stated as 'semi-formal' or 'business attire.'
One rule of fashion thumb for business formal is to look at how your nearest male boss dresses, and then try to dress either similarly or more subtly than he does. He probably has a better idea of the kind of attire that's appropriate for the company's dress code. Besides, it's rarely advantageous for you to look sharper or more attractive than the boss.

Bringing Black Tie
The penultimate in formality, black tie is a dress code that's not to be taken lightly. In the world of men's fashion, a black tie event leaves very little for improvisation or creativity; formal pants, a dress shirt and a bow ties are all imperatives, to be topped off with a tux or a dinner jacket. And while a cummerbund is traditionally part of the black tie ensemble, contemporary men's fashion institutions have lately been ditching it altogether.

A 'creative' prefix to the black tie dress code gives you a little leeway with assembling an outfit for the occasion. There are myriad ways to make the most of your creative license, but you should never take steps that are too risky. Going with white patent leather wingtip shoes instead of the usual black, for example, is widely accepted; novelty ties aren't.

If you're stuck for ideas on creative black tie, grab a bowl of popcorn and watch a major showbiz awards show. Media stars like John Legend, Justin Timberlake and Kanye West should give you a few ideas on pulling off a unique yet fashion-forward look. Take Legend, for example: he rocked the Grammy Awards 2007 red carpet with a very formal black tie ensemble – sans cummerbund – and an informally open black bow tie and shirt.
Unless you're the Richard Branson type and have your own island as a handy escape, social events are an inevitable part of life. Love 'em or hate 'em, wearing the right outfit to the right event is the key to getting invited – and noticed – by the host ever again.

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Your Ties-Necktie Team

How to Tie an Ascot

An ascot tie is a formal type of neckwear that looks like a cross between pashmina scarf and traditional necktie. While it is much less common today than it once used to be, formal occasions such as a weddings and a day at the Horse race track in England might just be a perfect occasion for this unique type of neckwear.

The ascot is either worn tugged inside the dress shirt with top 2 buttons un-buttoned, or tugged into a waistcoat (when dressing for formal events). For the later a decorative tie pin is commonly chosen to both secure the ascot, as well as to add additional elegance and style.




How to Tie an Ascot:

1. Lay the ascot around your neck with one end hanging just a touch lower than the other (by about 5-6 inches).
2. Cross the right side of the ascot over the let and back underneath.
3. Continue the wrapping all the way around and back behind the ascot.
4. Loop the right side (used in the wrapping) through the loop at the neck.
5. Bring the right end of the ascot over the left and and slightly tighten it (much less then when tying a necktie).
6. Give the look a final adjustment.

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Save an Extra $10 on Neckties

At Ties-Necktie we wanted to say thank you to all our readers, customers, and visitors, and we decided to offer three $10 coupons once a month. Please be advised that each coupon only works once. To activate it please write down one of the codes from below and enter it during checkout. $10 will automatically be deducted from your order

$10 Off Coupons:
VQL429
VQK845
VQK386

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The Perfect Tie For Fathers Day

Find a Tie That Fits Dad's Style & Personality

Father's day in 2009 is June 21st. Neckties are a classic fathers day present any dad will love. If our wide selection of designs, colors, and patterns got you confused on what tie to give, then here are some suggestion.

The Daily Tie Wearer
If your dad wears a suit and tie to work on a daily basis then chances are that he already has a wide selection of ties in his closet. Pay attention to what color neckties he likes to wear and what patterns he prefers. The best neckties worn for business are classy, elegant, and not too flashy. Best patterns are stripes or a fine foulard pattern. The featured tie on the left is perfect for the spring & summer months. It is a tie that is trendy and modern, yet elegant and classy enough for any business function. The tiny pink polka dots on this tie add a lively touch to the navy blue background. Your dad will love it!


The Special Occasion Tie Wearer
If Dad only wears a tie to special events, family functions, church, and other festivities, then an elegant, somewhat formal tie will be the best choice. The featured tie is an excellent choice. The dark-orange color is a perfect match with or without suit, and will look nice in any season of the year. The fine pattern on the tie adds intricate detail. It is classy and elegant - simply perfect for any special function.




The "I Never Wear a Tie" Dad
Convince him that a tie is a fashionable clothing accessory by getting him a truly stunning necktie design. The deep burgundy color on the featured tie will immediately call his name when he fist opens his closet in the morning. The finest silk used to make this tie gives of a brilliant shine that is complimented with a modern Italian striping pattern. How can your dad resist wearing such a tie?





Your Ties-Necktie Team - Home of Finest Neckties on the Web

New Necktie Design by Cavallieri

A Stunning Fabric Combination of Wool and Silk

Last week we received a new collection by designer Cavallieri. While most of these designs follow the trademark-look of the label, modern Italian striping pattern that is, there was one design that immediately caught our attention. What is so unique about this tie is not the pattern or the color combination but the choice in fabrics. The fabric combines a worsted wool yarn, and a much finer and more delicate silk yarn. Unlike neckties made from Irish Poplin, the access fuzz is not torched but left in place. This gives the tie a softer and thicker feel at the black stripes while the brown is much smoother, and has the typical shine we know from a traditional silk tie.

In addition, the pattern on the black stripes alternates between a fine basket-weave and a much smoother weave. If you would like to see a more detailed look of this tie please click on the image at the top. Because this tie has already sparked so much interest we decided to expand this collection. In about three to four weeks we will be carrying this tie in four more colors.

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Wedding Neckties

Tips to Outfit a Wedding Party With Matching Neckties

At Ties-Necktie we are regularly asked if we can help outfit weddings with matching neckties - something we really enjoy doing. If you are currently planning a wedding than you may know that this task can be quite challenging. We have compiled a list of common questions and things to consider when trying to find the right neckties for your wedding.

The Right Color Match
Most weddings have a particular color theme that is found on table decorations, invitations, the wedding cake, and of course also the clothing. When it comes to neckties most are looking for a tie that matches the bridesmaids' dresses. This can be a lot more challenging than it seems. If the dresses are fuchsia than the tie has to match. Ties that are slightly off color can really create disharmony - something that will look a little odd in the wedding picture.

At Ties-Necktie we arranged our Neckties Sorted by Color. We carry over 1,000 different neckties in stock and chances are you will also find your color. In addition we offer a flexible 30-day return policy. If you think a few ties might work, then why not order them all, and send the ones back that don't match.

Longer Neckties
You have found the perfect color match on the neckties for your wedding! Now you realize that one of the groomsmen is a giant at 6 foot 5 inches. The regular length tie will not work! Since the selection of longer ties is much smaller it might be difficult to find a matching XL size tie. Although we carry over 100 different Extra Long Ties in stock, the one you are looking for might not be there. There is still something that can be done! The regular length necktie might actually work if a smaller necktie knot is used. The best tie knot for this situation is the so-called Kent Necktie Knot. This knot takes less length of the tie and will work for tall men wearing normal length neckties.

Neckties For The Ring Bear
It is obvious that an adult size tie will not work on a child. A much shorter and narrower tie is needed! The selection of Kids Ties is usually even smaller than those for the big & tall. Although we do carry some Neckties For Kids in stock, chances might be that you won't find a matching tie for the ring bear. What do you do? We suggest to order an additional regular length tie. That way you have the fabric that matches all the other neckties. Take this tie to your tailor and ask him/her to shorten it and re-cut it to make it slightly more narrow. A kids tie should be 46"-48" in length and about 2.5" wide - a perfect fit for any child from 4'5" to 5'3"


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Floral Design Ties by Chevalier

Brand New Necktie Collection by Chevalier

Dear valued customer. We recently received a newly released collection by designer Chevalier that is characterized by their intricate floral patterns. As one would expect from Chevalier the patterns are not printed on, but created by weaving dozens of different silk yarns into one beautiful fabric. The fabric is first cut, and then sown by hand into the finished necktie. Neckties by Chevalier are pieces of art any man will appreciate wearing.

Above are sample pictures of the new collection. To see a more detailed view and/or to purchase the tie, simply click on the image. The pattern of the tie resembles fine cherry blossoms. The slightly more irregular pattern on these ties will match excellent with dress shirts that have larger checks or wider stripes. For an even more sophisticated look we recommend combining these ties with one of our matching solid color Pocket Squares.


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Different Types of Neckwear For Men

Find the right kind of tie for any occasion

When it comes to neckwear men have far more choices than just neckties. Not only are there different styles of neckties to choose from (skinny vs. regular width for example), but there are also other, completely different styles of ties available. Below is a quick guide that will help you find the perfect tie for any occasion.




Business Wear
For business the only type of neckwear to choose are classic neckties. Best are classic colors and patterns. Lighter color shades are best worn in the spring and summer while darker shades are more suited to the winter months. Best patterns are foulard and classic stripes. The only acceptable fabric is silk or fabrics that look similar to it. Leather, knit, or cotton is out of place.

Opera Attire & Formal Balls
Formal attire will require a bow tie. Traditionally there are two colors to choose from: Black and White. Black bow ties are worn with a classic tuxedo, a look that is often times referred to "Black Tie Attire". The white bow tie is even more formal and traditionally matches with a tailcoat jacket - a look referred to as "White Tie".

A Trip to The Rodeo
The so-called Bolo Tie is often times considered a clothing accessory for western wear. It is common in Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. Unless you are an Oil Tycoon or a southern business owner, the Bolo Tie is not a suited choice of neckwear for business. Wear the bolo tie to a trip to the Rodeo, a Theme Party, or Halloween.

Formal Weddings
Read the invitation carefully! If it reads "formal attire" required then you should wear a bow tie, or at least a formal necktie. Solid color ties in shades of silver or best for formal neckties. Black is the traditional color for bow ties, but if the event is during the day and in the spring or summer lighter colored bow ties can be chosen as well. For very formal weddings the so-called Ascot Tie is worn in combination with a certain type of tailcoat called "Morning Coat".

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