Guide to Neckties: How to Match Shirts and Ties

Whatever the season and whatever the fashion trend of the moment, there are a number of golden rules that you should follow that explain exactly how to match shirts and ties. We’ve all been there. You’ve gone out and bought some fantastic new shirts and ties that you are really proud of and want to show off to the world. On their own, they look simply stunning, but together they go together about as well as a tuxedo and a baseball cap. What do you do?

To the untrained eye and the unenlightened, the matching of a shirt and tie can be a men’s fashion nightmare. Here is a guide to neckties that uncovers some golden rules to follow so you can create great shirt-tie combos each and every time.

1. If in doubt, go white….

If you have chosen a necktie from Malebox’s signature range of silk ties that sports a vibrant, distinct and attention-grabbing colour, you might want to go with a safe bet to show it off – that safe bet comes in the form of a white shirt. A white shirt will match perfectly any tie.

2. Solid Colour Shirts are Easy….

Choosing a shirt that has one solid colour is easy to match to a tie. There are classical colour coordinations that are as impressive today as they have been in previous times. For example a pale blue shirt will go nicely with a yellow, navy or burgundy men’s tie. Similarly, a pale pink shirt will go nicely with a navy or burgundy tie. Likewise a tan shirt will go nicely with darker tones of colour such as browns.

3. A Casual tie for most seasons….

If you are looking to use men’s ties as a fashion accessory and not necessarily as part of a formal outfit then one of the best ties to go for would be a skinny midnight tie that will pimp your look in an instance. Perfect with a white/grey shirt and generally lighter shades of shirt.

4. Complimenting patterned shirts isn’t too hard…

Having checkered or stripey shirts can be a great look. But at the same time, they are the men’s ties that are arguably the hardest to compliment with a tie. However once you know this little rule you’ll find matching them a breeze. The trick: take a step back and look at the shirt from a distance. From here you’ll be able to see the dominant colour and choose a tie that matches with that colour perfectly. Once you’ve done that you should choose a tie that has a corresponding pattern – no plain colour ties as a general rule. The pattern of your tie should stand out and provide a key point of difference from your shirt to make the combined look work great.