When it comes to neckwear for your suit there are a number of options, ranging from casual to semi-formal to formal.
Neckties
A necktie, or just often simply called a tie, is the most common and popular neckwear style for men. It is a long piece of cloth that often is wider at one with a point. It is tied around the neck under the collar and knotted firmly with the long ends left to hang in front of the shirt.
There are many ways to tie a tie, but the most popular are the four-in-hand, the windsor and the half-windsor.
The necktie is the most common neckwear for business and semi-formal attire.
Bow Ties
While sometimes seen as a bit silly or old-fashioned, a bowtie is a must for truly formal events. It is usually associated with black tie and white tie dress codes.
Black bow ties are the most common, and often worn for formal occasions with a tuxedo, but if you want to have a bit of fun with your suit you could try a coloured or patterned bow tie if you don’t feel like wearing a traditional tie.
Bowties can come pre-tied as a clip on or as the traditional self-tie.
Cravats & Ascot Ties
A cravat is like a cross between a scarf and a necktie that is knotted around the neck either under your shirt with one or two of your shirt buttons left undone, or under your collar. Cravats are wider and are tied to create volume compared to a standard necktie.
The Ascot Tie is a type of cravat made famous by the Royal Ascot horse race, where it is the dress code for men to wear with a long morning coat jacket. The Ascot is slightly different to a cravat in that it is often pinned rather than just loosely tied. Formal ascot ties are also often worn like a traditional tie under the collar and above the shirt which is fully buttoned up. In this case wearing a waistcoat is advisable so you can tuck the ascot tie into it.
While cravats can be a fairly casual option, depending on the colour and suit you wear them with, an Ascot tie is usually only worn now to formal weddings and formal daytime events such as the Royal Ascot race meet.
Bolo Ties
A bolo tie is a piece of leather or braided cord that is fastened with a decorative clasp at the neck. Invented in Arizona in the early 1940s, the bolo tie is usually associated with American western wear, however it is an option if you want to add a twist to a suit or blazer.
Scarves & Neckerchiefs
A scarf is a great option if the weather is cool, or if you are going for a casual look. There is no set way to wear a scarf with a suit, you can either drape loosely around your neck, loop it around your neck, and even wear it in addition to a necktie for warmth. For a more formal look go for a solid dark colour, and for a fun casual look play with patterns and brighter colours.
A neckerchief is a small type of scarf that is square. It is usually folded diagonally in half, rolled and then knotted tight around the neck under your shirt with an open collar.
So which neckwear option should you choose?
Really it is up to personal preference, your style and the event you are attending. For example you wouldn’t wear a bolo tie to a formal wedding, or a neckerchief to an important business meeting. So once you know what event or occasion you will be wearing your suit to you can then choose the appropriate neckwear.
If you are looking to buy check out our ties and cufflinks page for retailers who have neckwear available options online.