Make Buying And Wearing Youth Ties Fun For You And Your Son

The selection of kids’ ties available has never been better, so most parents of young sons will be in the youth tie market sometime soon. However, younger boys have a well-earned reputation for loving being dirty and disliking dressing up. There are several ways, though, to make your youth tie experience painless, and maybe even fun. 

Establish A Positive Tie Attitude

While some men and boys see ties as restrictive, there are many who recognize the style and enjoyment that ties can bring to their wardrobe. Whether in real life or on television, point out men who wear ties well.  Maybe a favorite teacher sports a variety of fun, colorful neckties. Perhaps a well-liked character always wears a bowtie, such as Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat, Bill Nye the Science Guy, or Sesame Street’s Mr. Hooper.  It isn’t hard to find kid’s ties that mimic styles of men your son admires, and the appeal of looking like a role model will likely make him more open to ties. Approach the idea of wearing a tie as a fun opportunity, not apologetically. 

Give Your Child a Choice

The well-known book Parenting with Love and Logic  points out that giving children choices results in less confrontation and gives the child a sense of ownership of his own choices. So, when it comes to choosing a kids’ necktie, bring the child into the process. Instead of saying, “put on this pink tie for Easter,” a child is much less likely to resist the question, “Would you like to wear a yellow tie, green tie, or blue tie for Easter?” 

Also, take into account whether your child would be more enticed by the endless options of online kids’ neckwear shopping or by the more tangible, immediate experience of visiting a store. Tie-oriented websites such as tiecoon.com, neck-wear.net, and thetiebar.com have a wide youth necktie selection, offering 48’ ties to fit boys 6-12. Choosing a tie is probably the most fun part of shopping for boys’ dress clothes, so involve him in that part, then finish the outfit based on his choice. 

Make Comfort a Priority 

When selecting youth neckwear, comfort should be a top priority. For a younger child to enjoy wearing a necktie, he cannot feel constrained or uncomfortable. Clip on youth ties are a great option, since they clip right to the shirt collar without encircling the neck. Pre-tied kids’ bowties usually allow for easy adjustment for comfort too, and they are less likely to interfere with your son’s activities. Any pre-tied tie or bowtie also has the advantage of being taken on and off quickly. Little boys aren’t known for their love of standing still, so the faster the tie comes on and off, the better.

Purchasing an inexpensive kids’ tie may make you less concerned about the tie getting damaged or dirty. If doesn’t get reprimanded every time he eats, runs, or plays while wearing a tie, he will likely feel more comfortable about the experience. He won’t associate a tie with no fun and sitting still.

If your son does find his necktie a bit uncomfortable, let him know how long you expect him to wear it, why, and when he can reasonably take it off. For example, you may explain that he should wear his tie while at the synagogue for his cousin’s Bar Mitzvah to show respect, but he can take it off on the car ride over to the after party.

Provide Positive Feedback 

When your son dons his kids’ neckwear, pile on the praise. Give him specific compliments, such as, “That orange tie makes you look so grown up!” or “you look very handsome in that nice grey bowtie!” If your son has positive early experiences with kid’s ties, you can enjoy the variety of adorable and dapper youth neck wear for years to come.

When you want to dress up the little man in your life and transform him into a little gentleman, tiecoon.com has the selection of boy’s ties that you need.

When Do You Need Long Ties, XL Ties, or Large Ties?

Most men may assume that an extra long tie is only necessary for men who are extremely tall or unusually rotund. However, 6’7” men aren’t the only ones whose style would get a boost from an XL tie. The men’s fashion community seems fairly united on the acceptable length for a neck tie, and a number of things could prevent your tie from reaching quite to that perfect zone. Most experts agree that the tip of a tie should fall somewhere between the top of the belt to no more than an inch below it. If there is a visible stripe of shirt between your belt and the tip of your tie, a large tie might be the answer. 

Defining an XL Tie

The typical length of a tie is about 58 inches. There are different standards for what exactly is considered to be a long tie or an XL tie, but in most cases we're talking of ties that are between 63 and 67 inches long. This might sound like a lot of tie, but your tie may need to cover more ground than you think before it reaches your belt. The extra few inches could make a big difference.

Height

It is recommended that men taller than 6’2” should consider purchasing an extra long necktie. With the average height in the U.S. at 5’9.3”, this recommendation applies to a significant piece of the population. Your individual body shape should also be taken into account. If you have a longer torso, the need for a large tie is more likely, whereas long-legged men who are on the border height-wise can likely get by with a regular tie. Thinner men choosing an XL tie for height alone should double check that the width is not being increased along with the length. Many brands maintain the same width, but a few note an additional width, which may overpower a narrow wearer. 

Neck Size

Coming in below the 6’2” mark does not remove you from the possibility of needing a long tie, however. If your neck size is larger than average, encircling your neck may be using up too much of the tie’s length. It is also recommended to wear an extra-long tie for six foot tall men with a 19” neck.  If your neck is that size or larger, double check where your tie tips are hitting you to determine whether you need a larger size. 

Body Size

An especially muscular chest or a larger stomach may also result in the need of a larger tie. A gap between tie and belt can draw attention to a larger midsection that one might rather downplay. An extra long tie can create a continuous line rather than serving as an arrow pointing directly to the stomach.

Knot Choice

One more factor that might shorten your tie is your choice of knot. Logically, fuller, more complex knots take up more fabric. The full Windsor knot, for example, includes more fabric than the typical four-in-hand knot. So, if you are adding extra flair at the top of your tie with a specialty knot, don’t counteract the effect at the bottom of the tie by committing the faux-pas of a too-short tie. 

The main factor that should guide the XL tie decision is where the tip of the tie falls. Next time you put on a tie, double check where it hits you. If it’s too short, you don’t have to sacrifice style for length. Once you begin specifically looking for extra long ties, you will discover that you have nothing to lose by going XL.

For all your long ties needs head to www.tiecoon.com/longties and create your own style. Choose from a plethora of colors and patterns or design your own.

Building a Quality Neck Wear Collection

Most men have a few ties in their closet, but many will come to a point where those three wrinkled, cheap neckties just won’t cut it anymore and a real neckwear collection is needed. Most likely, he has landed a new job where ties are part of the daily wardrobe.  Whatever the reason, it’s time to begin building a collection of excellent neckties.  But where does a man begin? Stores and websites offer every type of neck tie, from skinny ties to bowties to striped ties to pink ties. Beyond the vast array of styles, prices also range from discount neckties under $10 to luxury neckwear upwards of $200. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but a few simple tips can get a man on the road to a lifetime of tie-wearing success. 

Basic Solid Ties

Flashy orange or checkered purple neckwear may be tempting, and they have their time and place. However, it is best to begin with basic solid ties. Many fashion experts advise wearing a tie that is darker than one’s shirt, so black ties, dark blue ties, or various shades of red ties are the perfect place to start. These solid neckties are very versatile, so they can be paired with several different shirts and suits. Lime green neck wear may catch attention, but that might not be a good thing for someone with a small tie collection. Wearing an unusually colored tie twice in one week may be noticeable, but black and blue neckwear provide a professional look while remaining relatively inconspicuous. These starter ties should be viewed as a wardrobe investment, so choose high quality ties that will withstand the test of time. Look for fabric that feels smooth to the touch, and make sure the fabric is heavy and thick enough to drape nicely and hold a strong knot shape. Ties of a moderate width, about 3.25’, are unlikely to go out of style, while the slim tie trend may pass. These basic neck ties will provide the foundation for a collection of good ties. 

Adding Colors and Patterns

Once a man has a few solid neckties that can be used in most situations, variations can be added. Solid silver or purple neck wear could add variety while maintaining some versatility. Subtle striped or dotted ties that coordinate with the wardrobe also make more of a statement without running the risk of going out of style next season. Typically, a solid tie of any color should provide contrast with the shirt. A solid blue shirt with a salmon stripe could easily be paired with salmon neckwear, or perhaps a grey tie with small salmon dots or other pattern. For those gradually building a professional wardrobe, it may be wise to keep purchases within a few color families for matching purposes. At this point, versatility should still be a consideration—a gold tie that only matches one shirt won’t get very much mileage and won’t be much help as an option on a daily basis. Experimenting with different forms of neckwear, such as the bowtie or the skinny tie, could also come in at this point. Either of these pieces in a versatile color could add variety to the day-to-day wardrobe.

Adding Flair

When the tie collection provides enough practical choices for everyday wear, the necktie wearer can consider adding some trendy or unique neckwear.  When purchasing these pieces, quality should be considered, but since they may not be worn as long as the timeless ties, they needn’t be seen as a major investment. As long as the craftsmanship is passable, the fabric doesn’t wrinkle too easily, and the knot isn’t conspicuously unshapely, these relatively cheap ties will serve their purpose for the few years they are in style. More dramatic patterns, such as paisley ties or ties with dramatic stripes, dots, plaids, or florals, would come in at this stage. A quick look online demonstrates the fun that can be had with neck wear, as you can find ties of every color and pattern, including many that make a strong statement. As mentioned earlier, skinny ties, about 2-2.5 “ wide, are indeed in fashion, and can create a modern look when paired with a more modern suit. Bowties are back as well, and they are available in almost every striped, dotted, or plaid option imaginable.  Depending on the occasion, then, the complete neckwear collection will give a man the option of looking trendy, professional, subtle, or bold, all in the choice of a tie.

For all your neckwear needs head to www.neck-wear.net and create your own style. Choose from a plethora of colors and patterns or design your own.

The Slim Tie Story

If you've picked up a magazine or even been out and about lately, you've likely noticed that skinny ties are back. For many men over sixty, this brings back vivid memories of the 1960s, when skinny neck ties were all the rage, and slightly younger men might flash back to the 1980s. But this accessory's history goes back even further. It has been reinvented many times, and likely will be many more. 

What Defines a Skinny Tie? 

The generally agreed upon width of a regular tie is about 3.25". Most tie vendors label ties under 3" as slim or skinny ties, with the slimmest measuring just 1". These ties can be purchased in almost all of the same fabrics as a typical tie, and their lengths are usually to be similar to their wider counterparts". They tend to be produced in plain colors or possibly stripes, since there isn't much space for a pattern to be developed. Patterned designs can easily be found, though, on websites such as tiecoon.com. 

When Did Skinny Ties Originate? 

Many sources trace the thin neckwear trend back to the 1920s when "string ties" were trending. In his article "The History of Skinny Ties," Cliff Spears cites diminished resources in Europe following WWI as the reason these "budget ties" became popular. The traditional pointed tip was even sometimes flattened to make production cheaper. By the 1940s, though, ties were at their widest, doubling the width of string ties at over 4". 

When Else Have Slim Ties Been Stylish?

When Beatlemania struck the United States, skinny ties were not far behind. A number of iconic photographs capture the Fab Four wearing slim black ties and white shirts. The Rat Pack could also be seen sporting a similar style, and Elvis Presley perpetuated the slim tie trend before going wider in the "70s. For a decade, then, from the late 1950s to the late 1960s, ties of about 2" sold well, with some going even slimmer, down to 1" in width.  These ties sometimes had a flat end instead of a pointed tip, though vintage ties of both types can be found. 

Slim neckties made a comeback in the "80s as well. In the early "80s, thin leather neckties trended, often paired with patterned shirts. Musicians such as Billy Joel also returned to thin neck wear. Neckwear then widened again throughout the "90s. 

What is the Place of the Slim Tie Today?

The skinny tie is often labeled as retro, with TV shows like Mad Men bringing back some 1960s style. However, the skinny tie has come into its own once again, and can be justifiably called modern. In her posting "The Case for the Skinny Tie," Megan McLachlan credits designer Hedi Slimene with the beginning of the slender neck tie resurgence, followed by Prada and Buckler. Countless celebrities have been spotted in skinny styles, such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert Pattinson, Ryan Gosling, and Justin Timberlake. Their easy availability at retail stores and their common appearances in offices and beyond assert the fact that they are more than a retro fad. 

Advice for Wearing Skinny Ties

Slim ties popularly contribute to an overall streamlined and sleek look. To pull off a skinny tie, everything from jacket lapels to pant legs to shirts to collars should generally be slim or small as well. It is suggested to make a simple, loosely tied four-in-hand knot, to keep the knot as effortless as the tie itself. Larger men should stay on the larger side of the slim tie trend, as not to create too great a contrast. 

If you do invest in skinny ties, don't get rid of them if fashion shifts back to wider ones. If history repeats itself, you'll be on the cutting edge in about twenty years when slim neckties cycle back again.

For all your slim ties needs head to www.tiecoon.com/narrowties and create your own style. Choose from a plethora of colors and patterns or design your own.

Spice Up Your Solid Tie Collection By Exploring A Variety Of Fabrics

Solid neckties are an important part of any man’s neckwear collection. But an absence of polka-dots or paisleys doesn’t need to result in a dull assortment of neckwear. First of all, the vast array of bold colors currently available means that a collection could include a rainbow of options, even if solely comprised of solid ties. Beyond the color options, purchasing solid neck ties in a variety of fabrics can add plenty of depth and texture as well. When broadening your fabric horizons, remember that different fabrics, like different colors or prints, may be better suited for certain seasons or occasions.

Silk

Of course, when most people picture a tie, silk is likely what comes to mind. For more formal occasions, nothing beats the classiness of a shiny black solid tie against a light shirt, or a bold blue or even pink solid tie contrasted with a black shirt. If the silk is high quality, even plain colors shine with depth and nuance. In addition, a solid color doesn’t necessarily need to mean plain. Many silk ties offer a subtle design or pattern within the fabric, keeping the tie a single color, but adding interest. 

Silk ties also have the advantage of being acceptable in all seasons and for all ages, and they will likely hold their quality and shape for years. There’s a reason why silk has been the go-to fabric for print and solid neckties for so long. Satin shares many advantages with satin. Polyester and microfiber also imitate many features of the silk tie at a lower cost, and can be similarly worn.

Cotton

On the more casual side, cotton solid ties can signal simplicity and approachability. Especially good for the summer months, this lighter, flatter fabric maintains the class of a tie while becoming much more versatile. For example, a cottony orange solid tie with a white or checked cotton shirt and rolled up khakis can easily go to the beach or a picnic without looking the least bit pretentious. Because of its casual nature, cotton ties could be worn a bit shorter than the conventional waistband-length requirement. Some ironing may be required, but the work is worth it for the unique look that cotton ties offer. 

Knit

The knit solid tie isn’t technically a separate fabric; most knit ties are made from either silk or wool material. Knitted ties, often associated with the Ivy League, represent an alternative construction, in which the weave of the fabric is thick enough to be readily visible. Instead of appearing smooth and flat, the entire tie has a bumpy, woven texture. With this feature, even a simple grey or brown solid necktie can draw attention and compliments. This is another tie that falls a bit more on the casual end of the spectrum, but it does have the potential to be dressed up depending upon the rest of the outfit. It probably shouldn’t be chosen for more formal or serious situations, but a knit dark or black solid tie does work with a suit in more casual suit situations. Adjectives like alternative, unique, daring, and individual often turn up in association with this tie choice, so it is a sure way to make a statement.

Wool

Like the knit tie, the wool tie can also offer unique texture. The former problem of wool being scratchy and uncomfortable has been solved by blending other fabrics with wool. More associated with fall or winter, and more often found in darker colors, the wool solid tie is appropriate for many situations. It can complement a heavier suit easily, but its more rustic finish also opens it up to be worn casually. Any color solid necktie in wool will have a subdued and subtle appearance. Wool ties may be either woven or knit, with knit typically holding their shape a bit more reliably. A skinny wool solid tie serves as an alternative to those who find wool heavy or bulky. This heaviness, though, can equate to warmth and softness which are very appealing in colder climates. Another bonus of wool is that it is fairly water resistant. 

Sometimes, choosing a different fabric can make more of a difference than changing a color or pattern. A single-fabric tie collection explores only one facet of the multi-material world of solid neckwear.

For all your solid tie needs head to www.tiecoon.com/solidcolorties and create your own style. Choose from a plethora of colors and patterns or design your own.