Few accessories carry the same weight as a well-chosen tie. Whether you're heading into a
boardroom meeting, standing at the altar, or attending a formal event, the right tie can
elevate your entire look in an instant.
In Australia, ties remain a cornerstone of men's formal and professional dressing — and
knowing how to choose, wear and care for them is a skill worth developing. This guide covers
everything you need to know, from selecting the right width and fabric to building a versatile
collection that works for any occasion.
Understanding Tie Width
Tie width is one of the first things people notice — even if they can't explain why. A tie that's
too wide or too narrow for your frame will throw your entire look off balance.
As a general rule, your tie width should mirror your suit lapel width. Standard ties range
from 7cm to 9cm, which suits most body types and modern suit cuts. Slim ties (5cm–6cm)
work well with tailored, contemporary suits, while wider ties complement traditional or
classic cuts.
If you're unsure, a 7.5cm tie is the most versatile starting point for most Australian men.
Choosing the Right Fabric
The fabric of your tie does more than affect how it looks — it sets the entire tone of your
outfit.
Silk is the gold standard. It drapes beautifully, holds a knot well, and delivers a refined,
polished finish suited to corporate environments, weddings, and formal occasions.
Wool and knit ties offer a more relaxed, textured look that pairs well with casual suits or
smart-casual outfits. They're particularly well-suited to cooler months and less formal
settings.
Linen ties are ideal for Australian summers — lightweight, breathable, and effortlessly
stylish at outdoor events and garden weddings.
Polyester ties are durable and affordable, making them a practical choice for everyday
wear or high-volume occasions like school formals and group events.
Colour and Pattern: What Works and When
Getting your colour and pattern right is the difference between looking put-together and
looking like you tried too hard — or not hard enough.
For professional and corporate settings, stick to conservative colours: navy, charcoal,
burgundy, and deep forest green. Subtle patterns such as stripes, micro-dots, and small
geometric work well without being distracting.
For weddings and formal occasions, you have more room to express personality.
Seasonal colours — dusty rose, sage green, and champagne in spring and summer; deep
burgundy and forest tones in autumn and winter — are popular choices across Australia.
For social and smart-casual events, solid colours and simple patterns in mid-tones give
you flexibility without overthinking it.
Navy and burgundy remain the two most versatile colours in any tie wardrobe. If you're
building a collection from scratch, start there.
Bow Ties vs Neckties
Both have their place, and knowing when to wear each is a mark of genuine style
confidence.
Neckties are the everyday professional standard — appropriate for offices, business
meetings, networking events, and most formal occasions. They offer more variety in terms
of fabric, pattern, and width, making them the more flexible option overall.
Bow ties are reserved for elevated occasions — black-tie events, weddings, and formal
dinners. A self-tie bow tie signals effort and individuality, while a pre-tied option offers a
cleaner, more consistent result with less fuss.
Tie Clips and Pocket Squares: The Details That Matter
A tie is rarely worn in isolation. The accessories you pair with it either complete the look or
undermine it.
Tie clips serve a functional purpose — keeping your tie in place — but they also add a layer
of polish that elevates even the simplest outfit. Position your tie clip between the third and
fourth buttons of your shirt for the most balanced result. Choose a clip in silver or gold to
match your other metals.
Pocket squares are the finishing touch to any suit. A white linen pocket square folded
cleanly is timeless and appropriate for virtually every occasion. For weddings and social
events, experiment with colour and pattern — just ensure it complements rather than
matches your tie exactly.
Building a Versatile Tie Collection
You don't need dozens of ties to be well-dressed. A focused, well-chosen collection will
serve you far better than a drawer full of rarely-worn options.
Here's what Sailor recommends as your foundation:
• A navy silk tie — your most versatile professional option
• A burgundy tie — for business and formal occasions
• A silver or grey tie — clean, modern, and easy to pair
• A patterned tie — stripes or subtle texture for variety
• A bow tie — for weddings and black-tie events
• A linen or knit tie — for smart-casual and seasonal wear
This six-piece foundation covers you for virtually every occasion in the Australian social
and professional calendar.
How to Care for Your Ties
A quality tie, properly maintained, will last for years. A neglected one won't survive a
season.
After each wear, untie your tie slowly and allow it to rest before hanging. Never leave a tie
in a tight knot — this creates permanent creasing at the neck. Store ties by hanging them
on a dedicated rack or rolling them loosely in a drawer.
For silk ties, avoid water and spot-treat stains carefully. When in doubt, take them to a
professional dry cleaner rather than risking damage at home.
Shop Men's Ties at Sailor
At Sailor, we stock a curated range of neckties, bow ties, tie clips and pocket squares
designed for the modern Australian gentleman. Whether you're dressing for the office, a
wedding, or a special occasion, our collection has everything you need to put your best
look forward.
Explore the Sailor collection today and dress with confidence.