How to wear a wool tie?

msulinski · Nov 28, 2012

I am looking for some wool ties for fall/winter, but I am not sure how to wear them. Many of the wool ties out there seem to be skinny. I generally don't wear skinny ties, but was wondering if wool ties are supposed to be slightly skinnier than regular ties (2.75") (I asked this question in the Quick Questions thread too).

I am also not sure what textures should go with what. Can I wear a worsted wool tie with a worsted wool suit? Or should I be looking for different textures? What about a flannel tie with a worsted suit? Is that too casual? Should the tie fabric always be more "refined" than the jacket fabric, i.e. silk tie, worsted jacket; worsted tie, flannel jacket, etc.

steffenbp11 · Nov 28, 2012

In my humble view, wool ties are always more casual than a silk tie. I wear them a lot during fall and winter, but only with my flannel suits ot with a tweed SC like below. I wil wear a silk tie with a flannel suit, but not the other way round. But I'm no expert...

I also find, that the selection of ties wider than 7 cm is limited, but if you look around, they are out there.

Quadcammer · Nov 28, 2012

wearing one now. Depends on the texture, but I like the contrast of a worsted suit and a puffier wool tie.

If they are worsted wool ties, I don't think you'll have trouble pairing them.

I'd wear a wool tie almost every day if I could, I really like them.

add911_11 · Nov 28, 2012

Wool tie are more flexible, you can wear it causally with blazer or odd jackets, sometimes it also works for worsted wool suiting.

Just wear one if you think it looks good, I will shy from ties less than 3 inches in width.

cptjeff · Nov 28, 2012

Yes, wool ties are supposed to be skinnier. Traditionally, anyway -as with just about everything, somebody's played around with it. the reason for that visually is that the texture is heavy enough that you don't need the width to have a similar visual impact. Practically, wool ties aren't always made with the same method as most silk ties, and it's easier to make those ones narrower.

As for what you wear them with, heavier and rougher fabrics, and they're very much at home worn a little less formally under a sweater.

hugh51271 · Dec 28, 2012

What is the consensus with wearing a wool tie with a tie clip?

Eustace Tilley · Dec 28, 2012

hugh51271 said:
What is the consensus with wearing a wool tie with a tie clip?

Not a good idea. Wool ties are associated with casual / country wear. Tie clips are a formal accessory. The two just don't go together - like a wool tartan shirt with french cuffs.

Ianiceman · Dec 28, 2012

Paul Winston sells lambswool ties in 'normal' width (about 3.5 inches I think).

His website is crap but he is a very nice fella if you get him on the phone and will despatch swatches or product the same day. I've done business with him a few times and met him too at his closet of a shop in New York. Always a pleasure to deal with.

tonylamer · Dec 28, 2012

Isaia makes, what I believe to be, the best wool tie out there in a regular (3.5"-ish width). I've been wearing them exclusively for about the past six weeks. There's one for sale now on the B&S, and they should run about $100/tie. They bridge the gap between worsted and flannel suiting. They also make flannel ties, which go well with flannel and brushed-wool jackets.

If you want a more formal wool tie, check out Brioni's 100% cashmere stuff. They make them in 3.5". I bought this one recently, and it's gone over very well:

Eustace Tilley · Dec 28, 2012

Ianiceman said:
Paul Winston sells lambswool ties in 'normal' width (about 3.5 inches I think).
His website is crap but he is a very nice fella if you get him on the phone and will despatch swatches or product the same day. I've done business with him a few times and met him too at his closet of a shop in New York. Always a pleasure to deal with.

PW is a good guy.

DerekS · Dec 28, 2012

i find myself reaching for wool ties before my silk ties. I rarely wear suits and am mostly in a sportcoat about 90% of the time. wools give a nice texture IMHO

How to wear a wool tie?

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