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How long is a tie supposed to be?

The Cotton Team
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If the length of the tie can be summarized by one sentence, this is: every inch changes. Go too long or too short, and not only have you taken a social faux pas (with possibly obscene consequences), but you're also looking like you can't dress.

Naturally, choosing the correct tie length is a task involving a lot of shopping and trying on the items in store whether you are shorter or taller than usual.

However, irrespective of how high you are, one of the most common blunders a man may have made is the improper tie length.


How long is a tie to be worn?

Strictly speaking, one should touch and slightly overlap the top of the wristband (or pants). Specifically, you should go directly to the middle of the belt or waistline with a diamond or a spike, regardless of the natural position you hold onto. You should just graze your pants waistline with a straight end - an old style that has come back.

When you can see some shirt fabric between its end and your waistband, your tie gets too short. Historically this appearance was appropriate, but a longer length became a common during the 20th century.

On the other side it is plainly too lengthy to see the end from underneath your jacket or waistband. Two tie blades of substantially differing lengths can be found on yourself, too.

made in British Tie
made in Britain Ties

Tie Length Throughout History

The links dating back to the Roman Empire, when soldiers carried them as part of their uniforms, are solely cosmetic. It emerged subsequently as a ceremonial adornment for the ruling class, but by the 19th century, the proletariat used to wear it regularly. And it became the part of men’s fashion accessory 

Looking back to the 20th century, the tie was considerably smaller than today: it only fell into the navel during the 20s and 30s, if not a higher touch. By contrast, pants tended to be hit slightly higher in accord with today's norms – if not upwards in the natural waist. As such, a link length should be modified in response to changes in waistband heights and hair during the next few decades.

How knots affect the length of the tie

What is the number of loops required for your tie? The more you do it – as is typically the case with Windsor and Half Windsor knots – the longer it must be. Extra fabric folds can result in a shorter length in some circumstances, which is great if your torso is also short. Most guys, on the other hand, end up with a tip that extends up to an inch above the waistband of their trousers.

When it comes to knot preference and length, trial and error is the only way to go, which is why coming to a physical store is suggested unless you know exactly what length in inches you need.

The material of the tie, on the other hand, will have an impact on the appearance of the knot. Thicker, heavier fabrics or ties with extensive interlinings usually result in a bulky, wider-appearing knot that will stick out against your shirt collar, around your neck, and waistcoat for all the wrong reasons.

Lighter materials usually produce a cleaner finish with multi-loop knots. For heavier-weight ties, a single-loop, simpler knot is preferable.

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Made in Britain Ties
Thanks, as always, for reading.
The Cotton Team!
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