average man needs nautical training just to be able to
make it to work in the morning. Having said that, as
a South African male you have probably endured at
least five years of compulsory tie-wearing during your
highschool years, so you should be familiar with the
common Four-in-Hand knot at least. In fact the Fourin-Hand together with a Half-Windsor are the only
knots you will ever need. That’s good enough. Get a
mirror and get practising.
Stray from these suggestions and
people will prefer to talk to your
supervisor:
images courtesy of label orange
• The bottom of your tie should just touch the
middle of your belt buckle. Styles and shapes
change, length doesn’t.
• Skinny ties are only for fitted and personallytailored suits that are in proportion with the tie.
• The material tag on the back of the tie does not
need to be used to tuck in the thinner end of
the tie. In fact, let it fly loose!
• Ties are fragile. Take them off gently and never
ever leave them knotted.
• Roll your ties. If the tie is creased, hang it for
a day to let the crease fall out, then roll the tie
loosely around your hand. Never hang knitted
ties, as they will stretch.
• Matching the colour of your tie to the colour
of your shirt, even if they are slightly different
shades, is dated. Don’t do it.
• The only embellishments you are allowed are
a solid gold or sterling silver clip. That’s it. No
exception.
The guys at Cravatta Pelliano have taken a bold step forward
in resurrecting the tie with a product range of striking Italian
knitted ties named after some of the most stylish fictional
characters. The young Dutch company even offers a range
of colourful bowties for those brazen enough. They are now
available in South Africa and you can purchase one of these
badass yet stylish ties at www.labelorange.com.
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