Are knit ties considered formal business atire?

[TheTakeover]

Im looking at the Ralph Lauren Black Label knit ties ($95) and I really think this will modernize my outfit a little. But I dont want to look a little too casual. When is a good time for a knit tie? Or are knits ties no different from normal silk ties?

 

[alliswell]

They're pretty informal. Unless you're sure they're appropriate for your work environment, you should go for something more conservative.

 

[JayJay]

I wouldn't wear one for a formal business meeting, but they seem fine otherwise. With that said, I'm not a big fan of knit ties although I've seen some nice ones posted on SF.

 

[Recoil]

I don't think it's formal business attire at all. And even if it was, half the people in the room would be wondering what you were wearing around your neck instead of focusing on what you were saying. Sometimes your sartorial side has to take a blow for the betterment of your career.

Unless your the boss then, then you can do whatever the hell you want. LOL.

 

[Collector23]

I wear knit ties to work (corporate finance) but never to client meetings if that helps.

 

[Metlin]

Originally Posted by Collector23

I wear knit ties to work (corporate finance) but never to client meetings if that helps.

+1. I'm in consulting, and feel the same way. In the past, I've had principals/partners that have been none too pleased when I wore knit ties on days that I've had client engagements.

That said, I *have* seen people pull it off rather well, but I would argue that they are not for everyone.

 

[JibranK]

Originally Posted by TheTakeover

Im looking at the Ralph Lauren Black Label knit ties ($95) and I really think this will modernize my outfit a little. But I dont want to look a little too casual. When is a good time for a knit tie? Or are knits ties no different from normal silk ties?
Grenadine ties seem to me like they would be fine. Oh, btw, I bought two of those Black Label knit ties... for 10 dollars each at the local RL... check for the next sale/clearance

 

[GuidoWongolini]

I nearly only wear knit ties.. Or bow-ties..

& I work in a conservative corporate environment where I deal mainly with CxO level..

Never had a problem..

 

[penguin vic]

Originally Posted by Phat Guido

I nearly only wear knit ties.. Or bow-ties..

& I work in a conservative corporate environment where I deal mainly with CxO level..

Never had a problem..

But you got the personality and the style ... (not suggesting that the OP or anyone else doesn't) ..!

 

[TCN]

Depends on the tie; if it's a fine silk knit in black or navy (think Bond in Goldfinger) with a white shirt and a gray suit, then it's fine.

If it's a bright red loose knit with royal blue horizontal stripes (think uber-preppy), or a moss green number suitable for driven shooting, then "no".

 

[Despos]

Generally speaking, the less texture and smoother the finish, the dressier the tie. Grenadines are in that in between land and can work both ways at times. Depends on the texture/weight/finish, of the suit cloth. Knits also, if you have sufficient elan.

 

[Film Noir Buff]

Originally Posted by Despos

Generally speaking, the less texture and smoother the finish, the dressier the tie. Grenadines are in that in between land and can work both ways at times. Depends on the texture/weight/finish, of the suit cloth. Knits also, if you have sufficient elan.
A grenadine is still a woven tie though. They are good bc they give a lot of texture to a solid tie and they are substantial (or can be with the proper lining). Knit ties are flimsy. A knit tie can make a chalk stripe suit less formal and more academic but I don't think it could ever fall under "formal business attire".

 

[Despos]

Originally Posted by Film Noir Buff

A grenadine is still a woven tie though. They are good bc they give a lot of texture to a solid tie and they are substantial (or can be with the proper lining). Knit ties are flimsy. A knit tie can make a chalk stripe suit less formal and more academic but I don't think it could ever fall under "formal business attire".

Agreed

 

[SkinnyGoomba]

Originally Posted by Film Noir Buff

A grenadine is still a woven tie though. They are good bc they give a lot of texture to a solid tie and they are substantial (or can be with the proper lining). Knit ties are flimsy. A knit tie can make a chalk stripe suit less formal and more academic but I don't think it could ever fall under "formal business attire".

It could never be in the land of Khakis and French blue shirts