Tie Tips

1 As the tie is worn at eye-level and in the centre of your body, it is the most eye-catching piece of your ensemble.

2 Always buy your suit first, then a tie and then the shirt. Now you have more options for the tie, instead of restricting it to match your suit and shirt.

3 The three classic ties you need to own are: a diagonally striped one (in blue, red or maroon), a small polka dotted one and one in self texture.

4 Never wash your tie, or even dry clean it; spot clean a stain. A tie is made up of three fabrics — silk, terry wool (on the inside) and a synthetic base — all of which have different shrinking rates. Washing or dry cleaning will spoil its shape.

5 The tie can be matched to the shirt or suit; all three must be from the same colour family for formal occasions.

6 Tone-on-tone ties are best suited to formal social events, such as wedding receptions. The tie should be the same colour as your shirt (or the closest hue) with a self detail such as an interesting weave or paisleys.

7 Polka-dotted, diagonally striped and ties with small motifs are best for work.

8 Contrast a black suit with a grey shirt and a red or maroon tie. A grey suit can be worn with a light blue shirt and a dark blue or indigo tie. Wear a neutral coloured shirt with a navy blue suit and a blue, black, red or maroon tie.

9 A bright yellow tie must be restricted to a white shirt, but any coloured jacket will do.

10 A soldier cut tie — with a symmetrical taper — comes out with more body from the knot. This makes it more suited to threepiece suits. Use the four-in-handknot so that the knot isn’t bulky.

11 A bottle shaped tie suits most corporate wear and should be tied in a Windsor or half-Windsor knot for body.

12 Slim, straight cut ties, in experimental textures such as knits suit young, casual dressers. You can wear it with a short-sleeved shirt. Ideally, wear it loose or askew with the top button of the shirt open.

13 Novelty ties shaped like a bottle or guitar and with motifs such as cars or hearts are great for working holidays or uniforms.