The four-in-hand, the dimple, the length. Plus the rooms where an open collar looks sharper.
A tie is the one accessory most men were taught by someone else. Here is the short refresher.
The knot
The four-in-hand is all you need: slightly asymmetric, slim and easy. Pinch a dimple just under the knot before you tighten it.
The length
The tip should touch the top of the belt buckle. Any shorter and it looks borrowed; any longer and it looks careless.
Tip to buckle. Every time.
Pattern and texture
Match the weight of the tie to the weight of the cloth: silk grenadine with worsted, knitted or wool ties with tweed and flannel.
When to leave it off
With a soft-shouldered blazer and an oxford shirt, an open collar is smarter than a half-hearted knot.
