What tie width is best?

[EddieK]

I was giving this some thought and I wanted to get other's opinions. Obviously it depends on a person's height and build.
For someone like me who is 5'3- 5'4 130 lbs with a athletic build and shoulder width of 18 inches I guess 3 inches would be good? Or would bit less than 3 inches like 2.75 be better?

 

[EddieK]

bump

 

[nikolau]

I think you should wear a tie that is approximately as wide at its widest point as the lapel of your coat, but this is old school advice and doesn’t get to the heart of the issue.

 

[ValidusLA]

Nikolau's advice is generally what I would advise - matching tie width to lapel width. Which means you will often be around 3.25".

Your height does make it a little harder. 3" might be quite good.

Ultimately they are guidelines not hard and fast rules. Stand confidently with your tie and you'll look good.

 

[mbdakin]

Tie widths have famously gone up and down over time as fashions change, but I agree with Validus that 3.25" will always look balanced.

 

[altavista]

Interesting note on the lapel and tie ratio. Personally, I would lean towards the slimmer, "retro" ties. Ideally something under 8".

 

[Isochronous]

I was giving this some thought and I wanted to get other's opinions. Obviously it depends on a person's height and build.
For someone like me who is 5'3- 5'4 130 lbs with a athletic build and shoulder width of 18 inches I guess 3 inches would be good? Or would bit less than 3 inches like 2.75 be better?

Another important question is to ask about tie length - some tiemakers make their ties, on average, longer than others.