The necktie is thought to have caught on in the 17th century during the 30-year war in France when King Louis XIII hired Croatian soldiers who wore a tie as part of their uniform. The legend goes that the king liked the small article of clothing so much that he incorporated into his courts form of dressing. Since then, ties have evolved into a staple fashion accessory. The right tie can be a perfect finishing touch to your outfit, while a bad tie will ruin your look and leave people questioning your sense of style and possibly even your sanity.

Following a few simple guidelines can help ensure that you choice lands you in the former group and not in the latter.

All Fabrics are Not Created Equal

Most professional and even some non professional dressers understand that the best pieces are made from 100% silk. However, there are several fabric blends that also result in a good quality item. These include; linen and cotton blends, worsted wools, tweeds and cashmere.The right blend is usually determined by the season which means that silk, cotton and linen blends are best for summer, while wool blends are ideal for fall and winter.

A Cut Above The Rest

Good quality ties should always be cut on the bias and at a 45 degree angle. This type of cutting ensures that your tie falls straight down after you have finished tying your knot instead of twisting and curling in different directions.

You can confirm a bias cut by draping your necktie over the back of your hand before you purchase it. If it drapes smoothly and in straight line, then the cutting has been done correctly. If not, then continue looking until you find one that meets your requirements.

Welcome To The Fold

Ties have traditionally been made with three folds but more recently, the number has been increased with some ties having up to twelve folds. Increasing the number of folds help to add weight to the piece as well as increase its drape.

Furthermore, multi folded ties are more likely to be made with better quality material and be handcrafted which results in a greater overall quality. Other factors to consider under construction include the tip, interlining and stitch.

Dimpling and wrinkles on the tip are things to look out for in order to determine whether the construction was well done. The interlining is also important. If yours is not made from a strong outer material (envelope), then the inner lining needs to be made of a more robust material such as wool or a wool blend in order to help it keep its shape and drape better.

Finally, consider the kind of stitching that has been used in constructing your neckpiece. The best quality ties are usually stitched by hand in order to make the joining last longer. Machine stitching results in finer stitches but these usually come apart faster.

Fit for Purpose

The final step in picking your choice involves trying it on to see how well it goes with your clothing, as well as your height and stature. By taking the time to do a proper fitting at the store, you can avoid heartache, and select the perfect piece to complement your outfit perfectly.The right knot can help you make the right fashion statement and influence people’s opinions of you for better or for worse. By taking the time to select the perfect option to go with your particular style, you can send the right message and solidify your reputation as the well put-together and fashion- savvy gentleman that you are.