Best Ties for Job Interviews: Make a Strong First Impression

In the high-stakes world of job interviews, you have approximately seven seconds to make a first impression. Among the many details that contribute to your professional presence, few speak as loudly as your choice of tie. Research indicates that interviewers often make snap judgments based on a candidate’s physical appearance before a single word is exchanged.

But selecting the right tie isn’t just about looking sharp – it’s about demonstrating cultural fit, attention to detail, and professional awareness. A carefully chosen tie shows you understand the subtle language of professional dress codes.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about selecting the perfect interview tie, from classic styles to industry-specific recommendations, helping you face your interview with confidence.

Why Your Tie Matters in Job Interviews

Your tie sits directly at eye level during conversations, making it one of the most noticeable elements of your outfit. Beyond mere aesthetics, your tie choice demonstrates:

• Your ability to read and adapt to organizational culture
• Your attention to detail and personal standards
• Your understanding of professional contexts and situations

Foundational Tie Knowledge

Before diving into specific styles, let’s establish some basics:

Width: Standard ties measure between 2.75 to 3.5 inches at their widest point. For interviews, stick to the middle range (around 3 inches), which appears timeless rather than trendy.

Length: When properly tied, your tie should reach the middle of your belt buckle. Too short looks awkward; too long appears sloppy.

Fabric: Silk remains the gold standard for interviews. Worsted wool can work in fall/winter, while linen or cotton-silk blends are appropriate for summer interviews in warmer regions.

Top Ties for Interviews

1. The Classic Silk Solid

Nothing communicates professionalism quite like a solid-colored silk tie. This is your safest bet for most interview scenarios, especially in conservative industries.

The best colors include:

• Navy blue (universally appropriate and conveys trustworthiness)
• Burgundy (projects confidence without aggression)
• Forest green (distinctive yet professional)
• Charcoal or silver (sophisticated and balanced)

Our recommendations:

• Calvin Klein Classic Silk Tie in Navy – The perfect balance of quality and value, with a timeless width and exceptional silk quality.
• John William Burgundy Silk Tie – A rich burgundy that photographs beautifully and pairs with virtually any interview suit.

Pairing advice: Solid ties work particularly well with solid shirts but can also balance subtly patterned shirts. For white shirts, any solid color works well, while light blue shirts, and navy, burgundy, and green ties create a pleasing contrast.

2. Subtle Stripes

Striped ties offer visual interest while maintaining professionalism. However, not all stripes are created equal.

Regimental stripes run diagonally from the wearer’s right shoulder down to the left. Originally associated with British clubs and regiments, they now function as a business staple.

Appropriate stripe width: For interviews, choose stripes that aren’t too bold or wide. The stripe pattern should be visible from a conversation distance but not immediately jump out from across the room.

Color combinations that work:

• Navy with thin burgundy stripes
• Burgundy with subtle navy stripes
• Forest green with narrow navy accents

Our top picks:

• OTAA Navy and Burgundy Regimental Stripe Tie – Features the ideal stripe width for professional settings with exceptional color saturation.
• Tommy Hilfiger Classic Striped Tie Collection – Quality options at an accessible price point, with perfect interview-appropriate widths.

Always check that your striped tie doesn’t inadvertently represent a specific institution or club you’re not affiliated with. This is particularly important with traditional regimental patterns.

3. Understated Patterns

Micro-patterns offer a middle ground between solid ties and bolder designs.

Interview-appropriate patterns include:

• Small geometric shapes (dots, squares)
• Micro-patterns where the design is only visible up close
• Subtle foulard patterns (small, repeating designs)

The key is choosing patterns that create visual texture without demanding attention. The overall impression from a conversational distance should be relatively uniform.

Editor’s choices:

• Calvin Klein’s Silk Micro-Pattern Tie – Features an elegant micro-dot pattern that reads as a solid from a conversational distance.
• Tommy Hilfiger Subtle Geometric Print Tie – Perfect scale of pattern for interviews with exceptional drape.

4. The Knit Tie Option

Knit ties have gained popularity in recent years, offering textural interest with a sophisticated yet slightly more relaxed vibe.

When they work: Knit ties are particularly appropriate for:

• Creative industries
• Tech companies with smart-casual dress codes
• Summer interviews
• Startups and modern workplaces

Silk knit ties in solid colors (particularly navy, burgundy, or dark green) strike the perfect balance between polished and personable.

Our recommendation: Tommy Hilfiger Knit Tie in Blue – Offers excellent texture and the perfect width for modern professional settings.

5. Grenadine Ties

For those looking to stand out subtly, grenadine ties offer an excellent option. These ties feature a special open weave that creates visual texture while maintaining the appearance of a solid color from a distance.

Grenadine ties come in two main weaves:

• Garza Fina: A finer, tighter weave
• Garza Grossa: A more textured, open-weave

Both are appropriate for interviews, though the finer weave tends to look slightly more formal.

Top grenadine options:

• Elizabetta Grenadine Tie in black – Hand-made with exceptional attention to detail, perfect for making a subtle impression.
• Oliver Wicks 100% Silk Tie – Exceptional value with authentic Italian silk construction.

Grenadine ties photographs exceptionally well for video interviews. The textured surface catches the light beautifully without reflecting it harshly.

Industry-Specific Tie Recommendations

Conservative Industries (Banking, Law, Accounting)

In traditional professional settings, err on the side of classic and conservative:

• Stick with solids, subtle stripes, or minimal patterns
• Navy, burgundy, and muted reds work exceptionally well
• Keep patterns understated and traditional
• Opt for high-quality silk with minimal sheen

Creative Fields (Advertising, Design, Media)

Creative industries allow for more personal expression:

• Consider knit ties in solid colors
• Explore more contemporary patterns and color combinations
• Slightly narrower tie widths can work well
• Textured fabrics like grenadine or even wool-silk blends show attention to detail

Tech Industry

Tech companies often have more relaxed dress codes, but interviews still call for professionalism:

• Knit ties in solid colors work particularly well
• Consider slightly more modern colors (deep plum, teal)
• Subtle geometric patterns can be appropriate
• In some ultra-casual tech environments, the interview might not require a tie at all—research company culture beforehand

Academic Positions

Academic interviews typically call for conservative yet intellectual tie choices:

• Traditional patterns like subtle paisleys or small geometrics
• Deeper colors that convey seriousness (burgundy, forest green, navy)
• Slightly wider ties tend to be more common in academic settings
• Woolen ties can work well for fall/winter academic interviews

Government/Public Sector

Government positions generally call for traditional, conservative choices:

• Stick with classic red or blue solid or striped ties
• Avoid anything that could be perceived as flashy or ostentatious
• Regimental stripes work particularly well
• Quality should be good without appearing extravagant

Tie Knots: Matching to Your Collar and Face Shape

The knot you choose should complement both your collar style and face shape:

1. Four-in-Hand: Slightly asymmetrical, works well with standard collars and narrower spread collars. Best for men with round faces.
2. Half-Windsor: Symmetrical, medium-sized knot ideal for semi-spread collars. Works well for most face shapes.
3. Windsor: Larger, symmetrical knot for wide-spread collars. Complements men with longer, narrower faces.
4. Pratt (Shelby): Medium-sized, symmetrical knot that works with most collar styles. Good all-purpose knot for interviews.

Tie Matching Fundamentals

Coordinating with Your Suit

Your tie should create a harmonious contrast with your suit:

• Navy suit: Burgundy, red, or green ties create a pleasing contrast
• Gray suit: Navy, burgundy, or purple ties work beautifully
• Black suit: Silver, burgundy, or blue ties provide appropriate contrast
• Brown suit: Green, burgundy, or gold ties complement nicely

Shirt Considerations

• Solid shirts offer maximum flexibility with tie patterns
• With patterned shirts, keep tie patterns at a different scale (larger or smaller)
• White shirts work with virtually any tie color or pattern
• Blue shirts pair particularly well with burgundy, navy, or green ties

Common Tie Mistakes to Avoid for Interviews

Even the perfect tie can be undermined by common errors:

• Novelty ties: Leave the cartoon characters and holiday themes at home
• Overly shiny fabrics: Avoid ties with a high sheen that can appear cheap
• Width extremes: Neither skinny nor extra-wide ties are appropriate for interviews
• Poor knot execution: A sloppy knot suggests inattention to detail
• Stains or wrinkles: Inspect your tie carefully before wearing

Video Interview Special Considerations

With remote interviews increasingly common, consider how your tie appears on camera:

• Avoid fine patterns: They can create moiré effects on the screen
• Skip high-shine fabrics: They can reflect light oddly
• Choose slightly deeper colors: They typically read better on camera
• Textured solids like grenadines: They create visual interest without digital distortion

Test your outfit on camera before the interview to check how colors and patterns translate on screen.

Tie Care and Maintenance

A well-maintained tie signals attention to detail:

• Storage: Untie after wearing and hang or roll to prevent creases
• Wrinkle removal: Hang in a steamy bathroom or use a gentle steamer (never iron directly)
• Stain treatment: Blot immediately, don’t rub, and seek professional cleaning for persistent stains
• Travel: Roll ties rather than folding them to prevent permanent creases

Conclusion

Your tie choice speaks volumes before you say a word in your interview. By selecting appropriate styles that align with the company culture, your personal features, and professional standards, you demonstrate attention to detail and cultural awareness.

Remember that confidence comes from knowing you’ve made appropriate choices. With the guidance in this article, you can approach your interview knowing your tie is working for you, not against you.

The perfect interview tie isn’t just about following rules—it’s about understanding the visual language of professional dress and using it to communicate your competence, attention to detail, and readiness for the role.

FAQ Section

Can I wear a bow tie to an interview? 

Generally, no. While bow ties have their place in professional settings, they’re rarely appropriate for interviews outside of very specific creative fields where they’re already a common sight.

Are clip-on ties acceptable? 

No. Learning to tie a proper necktie is an expected professional skill, and clip-ons are typically detectable and considered unprofessional.

How do I match the tie width to my lapel? 

Your tie width should approximately match your lapel width for visual balance. For most modern suits, this means ties around 3 to 3.25 inches wide.

Is it okay to skip a tie for certain interviews? 

Research the company culture thoroughly before deciding. If in doubt, wear a tie—you can always remove it if you discover the environment is more casual than expected. It’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed for an interview.