TIMING
They say that timing is everything. If that is true, then giving yourself enough time is just as important. The worst thing a prospective Gentleman can do is rush out of the door with a badly tied tie and expect that it won’t make a difference to how others perceive him. This is a big mistake. Great care and consideration should be taken in first choosing the appropriate tie knot and then giving yourself ample time to tie it correctly. You may have to tie it a few times to get it right – allow time for that.
THE MIRROR – A GOOD FRIEND
Using the mirror is essential. This may seem obvious but it is still worth a mention. I don’t know how many times I have seen young men with disheveled looking ties that look like they have been tied at a red light on the way to a party. Get in front of the mirror, it will be your best friend when you’re tying your tie. It will help you to see whether the tie is the correct length. Too short equals geek. Too long says, “I’m hiding something”. Getting the length right is essential to good grooming and one of the first things a Gentleman gets right. If your tie is crooked and badly aligned, you will see it and make the adjustment.
THE FINISHED PRODUCT
When you have finished tying your tie, it should look neat and symmetrical. The wider end should completely cover the thinner end. If the thinner end is longer, then it should be tucked into your shirt at the midway point. The bottom “V” part of the wider end should be hanging just over your belt buckle…not too far though.
AFTER THE PARTY
When all the fun is over and you’re removing your tie, great care should be taken. Don’t copy the tie abusers shown in many of the Hollywood movies. They do what they do for effect. You however should treat your tie with respect. The correct way to remove your tie is to gently loosen the knot and remove your tie as if you were repeating the tying steps backwards. As soon as you have the tie well loosened and ready to hang it, consider rolling it up and laying it on its side as a storage option. It will keep the tie in pristine condition.
This article was written and produced by the creators of Gentlemanjoe.com and Silkties.org
