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While the desire to dress to the nines in a formal capacity may wax and wane over time, the business casual revolution has taken gentlemen's dressing by storm, and rightly so.
After all, who wouldn't want to show off, without feeling (by their standards) limited by the nature of men's formal attire. The knit tie.
There are few items that can help a gentleman dress up a casual outfit or dress up a formal ensemble like the knitted tie.
The rise of the knitted tie has been synchronous with the evolution of business casual attire, as the knitted tie can be considered the epitome of " Casual Dapper."
Knit ties can elevate any look with variation in texture and a sense of casual elegance!
Whether you're looking to dress elegantly for a night out with friends or a date. Whether you're looking for refined, casual elegance for your next cocktail party.
A knitted tie can suit you in a wide range of occasions, while drawing attention to your ensemble that other combinations wouldn't necessarily do.
This comprehensive guide to the knitted tie covers the anatomy of a knitted tie, the circumstances in which it can be worn (almost always), and how to wear it for maximum effect when dressing smart or casual!
A knitted tie, as the name suggests, is a tie that has been knitted rather than woven.
Knitted ties are characterized by an open weave, narrow blade (usually around 6 - 6.5 cm) and square ends (as opposed to the triangular, pointed ends you typically see with jacquard weave or twill printed ties). silk).
These are the same characteristics that make a knitted tie ideal for casual wear.
Knitted ties can have a crisp texture and finish, or a smoother finish.
Crispier knit ties, as we'll see below, bring more textural variation to your ensembles. As well as depth, and are more appropriate in more formal settings (although they can certainly be worn informally!), while softer knit ties are better suited to more casual events.
However, please note that while crisp knit ties can be worn in more formal capacities, they should not be worn for everyday work, a job interview or a black tie event.
The most formal occasions should be reserved for traditional ties.
High quality knitted ties are made from silk, but you can also choose wool and cashmere.
Like its woven or printed silk counterparts, the knitted silk tie can be worn all year round without taking anything away from your outfits!
While knitted silk ties can be worn all year round, knitted wool and linen ties are more reserved for the winter and summer seasons respectively, given their unique characteristics in insulation, weight and texture!
Knitted wool ties are a heavier fabric, with wool having more insulating properties. Knitted wool ties also add texture variation and depth to your ensembles, which is ideal for layering during the fall and winter seasons.
Linen knitted ties, like their standard counterparts, will breathe more easily thanks to the linen fabric, and will also be lighter, making them ideal for the spring/summer seasons.
It is important to note that there are a plethora of knitted ties made from synthetic materials on the market, such as polyester, but you should be wary of them. The texture will obviously be closer to plastic, which will affect the overall drape and breathability of the tie!
However, the type of occasion you are dressing for should also be taken into consideration. In this regard, a 2.5 inch knitted tie almost always does the trick, as it's the perfect mix between the width required for a more formal event (usually more than 3 inches) and what can work in settings more relaxed (about 2 inches).
Since knitted ties are rectangular in shape and therefore have the particularity of not tapering towards the top of the torso, the width of the tie you choose is all the more important as it can unbalance the proportions of your body.
If you are of a slim build, a tie knitted around 6cm should work best, while if you have a slightly wider build, 6.5cm will be optimal for you.
The reason we would opt for narrower ties over their silk counterparts and formal ties is that knitted ties are generally used in less formal occasions.
In this regard, a narrower width gives a sense of nonchalance, which is perfect for informal occasions.
However, the type of occasion you are dressing for should also be taken into consideration. In this regard, a 6.5cm knitted tie almost always does the trick, as it is the perfect mix between the width required for a more formal event (usually over 7.5cm) and what can work in more casual settings (approximately 5 cm).
With the growing popularity of knitted ties, these unique men's fashion accessories are now available in a wide range of patterns, including solids, stripes, polka dots, anchors, zigzag stripes, among others.
Their unique finish, texture, shape and suitability for a casual environment has helped introduce tie designs such as horizontal stripes and zigzag stripes not typically seen on more formal ties.
For those starting out with knitted ties, I suggest opting for a few plain ties, like navy and burgundy, and working your way up from there.
These exquisite plain pieces can be paired with a plain, striped or micro-checked shirt.
They can also work with more sophisticated clothing options like polka dot or paisley shirts.
This is what makes it the perfect accessory for a daytime event or an evening out!
Solid knit ties give a sense of casualness and casual elegance.
Once you become more comfortable with knitted ties and matching tie patterns, knitted ties in stripes, polka dots and other patterns are exquisite and stylish pieces to add to your ensembles!
Patterned knitted ties, such as the polka dot tie above, can really make your ensemble pop!
Since knitted ties are on the less formal end of the neckwear spectrum, they can be used to dress up a suit or elevate a more casual outfit.
While knitted ties are not typically worn in a formal business setting, they are ideal for less formal and casual outfits , like chinos with a button-down shirt and blazer at a wedding or evening event!
Knitted ties go perfectly with casual outfits!
Since knitted ties are casual in nature, they pair best with more casual ensembles.
Replacing a woven silk tie with a knitted tie while keeping your formal suit and dress shoes on is not the best option.
Chinos, casual jeans and even jeans are ideally worn with knitted ties, given the difference in texture of knitted ties.
Knitted ties look fantastic with casual outfits such as a denim shirt and cardigan.
Now that we have gone over the basics of wearing a knitted tie. What are some style tips that will help you head to your next party looking head and shoulders above the rest (if not literally, then figuratively!).
The following tips will help you maximize your casual yet elegant look, so you'll look like you're dressed like a prince without even trying!
Effortlessly chic. Who wouldn't want that? Seriously ?
Given the casual nature of a knitted tie, plus its shape (rectangular) and texture (thicker with an open weave than standard silk ties).
A simple knot is your best option . Pair this bow with other considerations below and you'll be well on your way to casual chic, effortless chic, or nonchalant chic!
Knitted ties, given their casual characteristics, are best worn with a simple knot.
If you're going more formal for your evening, a knit tie knot can work wonders, and will absolutely highlight the dapper side of your look.
A knit tie knot can take your style to the next level!
One of the best ways to achieve a nonchalant look with a knitted tie is to let the back end of the tie (not the thin end in this case!) hang loosely.
If you adjust the length of your tie before tying your knot, you can have the back end slightly longer than the front end, resulting in a casual, elegant look that can only be executed with a knitted tie!
Knitted ties can be just as stylish, if not more so, when worn outside of the conventional rules!
If you want to wear a knitted tie all year round, it is best to opt for lighter knitted ties , in pastel colors, during the spring and summer months, and for more earthy tones like olive green, burgundy and rust during the fall and winter months!
And it's over for this time! I hope you enjoyed reading this article as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Knitted ties are one of my favorite types of ties, and they're a really fun way to further engage in experimentation with your wardrobe.
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