Knitted Ties Guide: How To Choose and Style Them

As someone who’s spent years in men’s fashion and styling, I can tell you that knitted ties have become more than just a trend – they’re a versatile wardrobe essential that deserves your attention. Whether you’re eyeing your first knitted tie or looking to expand your collection, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about selecting, styling, and maintaining these unique accessories.

The Rise of Knitted Ties: More Than Just a Fashion Statement

Knitted ties first gained popularity in the 1960s, offering a refreshing departure from traditional woven silk ties. Today, they’re experiencing a strong revival, and for good reason. These ties bring texture and character to any outfit while being surprisingly versatile and durable.

What Sets Knitted Ties Apart?

The magic of knitted ties lies in their construction. Unlike their woven counterparts, knitted ties are made using a knitting technique that creates a distinctive texture and flexibility. This construction gives them several unique advantages:

• Natural stretch that helps maintain shape
• More forgiving when it comes to knot-tying
• Greater durability for daily wear
• A casual-yet-refined appearance that works in various settings

Choosing Your Perfect Knitted Tie

Materials That Matter

The material of your knitted tie significantly impacts its look, feel, and when you can wear it. Here are my top recommendations:

Silk Knit Ties: For a sleek, year-round option that works in formal settings. I particularly recommend the EZ Tuxedo Gitman silk knit tie for its exceptional quality and versatility.

Wool Knit Ties: Perfect for fall and winter. The Tie Bar wool knit collection offers excellent texture and warmth.

Cotton Knit Ties: Ideal for spring and summer, with a more casual feel. The Secdtie cotton knit ties are particularly good for business-casual environments.

Width and Length Considerations

The ideal width for a knitted tie typically ranges between 2.25 to 2.75 inches. Anything wider can look dated, while anything narrower might appear too trendy. For length, we recommend ties between 57-60 inches for most men, though your height should guide this choice.

Styling Your Knitted Tie: Real-World Applications

Having styled countless men, I’ve learned what truly works with knitted ties. Here are some proven combinations:

Business Settings

For the office and formal meetings, focus on sophistication:

• Pair a navy knit tie with a light blue spread-collar shirt and charcoal suit – my go-to combination for client meetings
• Match burgundy or forest green knit ties with white Oxford shirts for regular office days
• Keep patterns minimal and sophisticated – think subtle pin dots or solid colors

Expert Tip: Ensure your shirt collar has enough structure to support the tie’s texture. I’ve found button-down collars work particularly well with knitted ties.

Smart Casual Combinations

This is where knitted ties truly excel:

Weekend Events:

• Cotton knit tie with a light chambray shirt
• Add an unstructured blazer and dark denim
• Perfect for brunches or casual business meetings

Evening Out:

• Silk knit tie in rich colors like plum or deep green 
• White or pale pink Oxford shirt
• Navy sport coat
• Gray wool trousers

Seasonal Adaptations

Summer:

• Light cotton knit ties in brighter shades
• Pair with linen or lightweight cotton shirts 

Winter:

• Wool knit ties in deeper colors
• Match with oxford cloth or twill shirts
• Layer with textured jackets 

Here’s my favorite foolproof combination:

• Light gray suit
• Pale blue spread collar shirt
• Navy silk knit tie 
• Silver tie bar at the fourth shirt button

Pattern Mixing: A Practical Guide

One question I often get is about mixing patterns with knitted ties. Here’s my foolproof approach:

1. Start with Scale: Keep patterns at different sizes
2. Stick to Two Patterns Maximum: Your tie and shirt OR tie and jacket
3. Maintain Color Harmony: Use complementary or analogous colors

Care and Maintenance: Real Solutions for Common Issues

From my experience, these care tips will significantly extend your knitted tie’s life:

Storage

Never hang knitted ties – this leads to stretching. Instead, roll them loosely and store them horizontally in a drawer. I recommend a Household Essentials storage box to keep your ties organized.

Cleaning

• Spot clean when possible using a damp cloth
• For deeper cleaning, hand wash silk knit ties with gentle detergent
• Always air dry flat to maintain shape

Dealing with Wrinkles

Unlike regular ties, steaming works better than ironing for knitted ties. I recommend the Conair handheld steamer for quick touch-ups.

Common Questions Answered

Here are answers to the most frequent questions I receive:

1. Can I wear a knitted tie to a formal event?

Yes, but stick to silk knit ties in solid, darker colors.

2. How should I tie a knitted tie?

The Four-in-Hand knot works best due to the tie’s thickness. Avoid complex knots that can create bulk and distort the knit pattern.

3. How do I prevent stretching?

• Untie carefully at the end of the day
• Store properly (as mentioned above)
• Avoid pulling too tight when tying
• Consider rotating between several ties

Investment vs. Budget Options

If you’re just starting out, I recommend beginning with one versatile silk knit tie in navy or black. This will give you maximum versatility while you build your collection. For those ready to invest more, a collection of three ties – one each in silk, wool, and cotton – will cover all your seasonal needs.

The beauty of knitted ties lies in their ability to bridge the gap between formal and casual wear while adding texture and interest to your outfits. Whether you’re just starting your collection or looking to expand it, focus on versatility and quality, and you’ll find these ties become some of your most-worn accessories.

Remember, the best-knitted tie is one that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Start with the basics, experiment with what works for your style, and most importantly, enjoy wearing these unique accessories.