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  • What to wear to a black tie event?

    With the party season in full swing, there’s a good chance you may have been invited to a black tie event or two.  Whether it’s corporate or social, first impressions count, so let us help you dress to impress with the ultimate black tie guide from Ties R Us.

    What is a black tie event?

    So you’ve got the invitation, you’re looking forward to the night, then you suddenly stop and think, hang on a minute, what is a black tie event?  If like us, your mind instantly conjures up ideas of James Bond or celebrity red carpet events then, to be honest, you’re not a million miles away.  A formal event? Yes. A chance to look and feel your best? Also yes. A reason to panic? No no no. A black-tie event is a special occasion that requires a step up from your usual night out ensemble.  An important business event, prestigious awards ceremony or a New Years Eve ball are just some of the reasons to host a black-tie event, all of which give you the chance to shine, and we don’t just mean your shoes!  

    What to wear to a black tie event?

    While we appreciate you may not have black tie attire in your everyday wardrobe, it’s easy to create the perfect outfit depending on the level of formality that is required.  Sometimes a black tie is optional, meaning a formal dress code is expected but you won’t be turned away if you don’t have a bow tie, a sharp suit will be perfectly fine, or a 3 piece if you want to take it to the next level.   However, on other occasions you’ll need the works, so let’s break it down. . .

    Trousers – Black, smart, crisp and clean.  Trousers should be well fitting, erring on the side of a slimmer fit as opposed to a wide leg because no-one wants to look like a scene out of Big wearing their Dad’s suit!

    Jacket –  The famous dinner jacket, or tuxedo as it’s also known, complete with satin or silk lapels and of course, single-breasted.  For a modern twist you could opt for a velvet jacket or even a glitzy jacket if it’s “creative black tie”, but if in doubt stick with what you know and keep it simple in black.

    Shirt – A white dress shirt with winged collars for the bow tie is a must.  A pleated front is optional but adds a little extra sophistication. It’s not often you get the chance to go all out, so go for the pleats we say.

    Bow tie – A black bow tie, to match the suit, naturally.  Hand-tied or elasticated is perfectly acceptable as long as it’s straight.  At Ties R Us, we stock a selection of handmade satin bow ties to complement the satin of the jacket lapels perfectly.  You could even at a satin pocket square too, for a little extra definition.  

    Cufflinks –  Understated.  A little bling is ok but novelty or brightly coloured cufflinks are not.  If your shirt has black buttons, then black cufflinks would be an ideal match but if your shirt has white or covered buttons, a simple cufflink will suffice.  We recommend keeping things monochrome in black and white for a super smooth look.

    Shoes – Dark, preferably black, clean and tidy.  Don’t let your shoes let you down when the rest of your attire is impeccable.  

    Did you know?

    The dinner jacket dates back to 1865 when the Prince of Wales ordered a short midnight blue jacket as an alternative to the more formal tailcoat which the upper class wore every evening, how ironic.  Originally known as less formal evening wear, the dinner jacket eventually became socially accepted and the tailcoat was limited to extremely formal occasions. Moving onto more recent times, black tie styling has changed throughout the decades, but the importance remains the same.  

    What to wear to a black tie wedding?

    Who doesn’t love a good wedding?  A chance to dress up, share an intimate day with the special couple and then, of course, party the night away.  But if you’ve been invited to a black tie wedding, that’s a whole different ball game. Don’t expect to see knee slides on the dance floor at a black tie wedding, this is a formal event, with no exceptions.  Men are expected to wear formal black tie attire unless stated otherwise and women are expected to wear a formal gown. So if you have been invited to a black tie wedding then simply refer to the above guide, to ensure you arrive in style . . . just be careful not to outdo the groom!   

    What not to wear to a Black Tie event?

    We’ve taken you through the do’s, now lets go through the don’t’s of black tie formal events. A standard business suit usually isn’t suitable for an event of this nature, you should opt for something more elevated. It’s also wise to avoid bright colours and patterns especially on shirts. Casual clothes are a definite no-no, such as jeans or trainers – these are considered inappropriate for a black tie event. 

    Now you have our best tips for black tie attire – see our full range of ties to perfectly compliment your prime black tie ensemble.

  • How to choose a wedding tie?

    If this is the year you tie the knot, then it’s officially your year, so congratulations, hello, and welcome to wedding season! Whether its a Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter wedding, chances are the plans are in full swing now.  The venue is booked, invites are ordered, seating plans are being drawn up, so now it’s time to talk outfits. As the groom or member of the wedding party, the right tie goes a long way, but how do you choose the perfect wedding tie?

    Choosing a Wedding Tie

    Something as small as a tie can completely change the look of your wedding ensemble, and if you choose wrong it can be the focal point when you want your nearest and dearest to be focused on the outpouring of love between you and your partner. The first thing to consider when choosing a wedding tie is the colour scheme – the last thing you want to do is clash with the flowers, decor or worse, the bride! Keep in mind things like the bridesmaid dresses, if they’re a striking colour such as yellow, try and choose a tie in a similar shade to bring the whole wedding party together. At Ties R Us, we have an extensive selection of wedding ties in all shades, patterns and textures so you’re sure to find something perfect for you, and if not, we have a free returns policy so no need to worry!

    a bride and groom with only their torso visable, the groom wearing a black bow tie and the bride wearing a white dress

    Popular Wedding Tie Patterns

    If you are looking for a super sleek finish, then look no further than a plain tie. When teamed with a sharp suit, a plain tie adds depth and definition to your outfit. . But if a plain tie just isn’t enough, then a patterned tie is a must. The most popular pattern for a wedding tie would be a floral tie – these subtle patterns give the wedding party the chance to shine, without drawing the eye too much. Not for the faint hearted, a paisley wedding tie is also a popular choice, allowing you to show a little personality on your all important day.

    Seasonal Tie Matching

    Taking into account the season and the accompanying weather isn’t always thought about when selecting your wedding ensemble, but it can really elevate your look. If you’re getting hitched in Spring or Summer, the traditional pastel colours are a safe bet, but if they aren’t your thing then don’t worry, there are so many more colour options to explore, and of course, we are here to help. Weddings are set to become more colourful than ever, with the choice of bold prints and bright colours becoming more and more popular for the warmer weather. ties. Whether you want to compliment or clash, you can’t go wrong with an explosion of colour. Pillar box red, cadbury purple, and burnt orange are just some of our favourites and undoubtedly eye-catching.

    Autumn and Winter weddings need a slightly more subdued approach, but you can play with textures such as twill or textured ties. These add a touch of sophistication and elevation to your outfit. Alternatively, jewel tones are perfectly paired to the colder season – think of the deep hues of emerald green or royal blue to really pull your wedding party together.

    a rack of patterned ties

    Wedding Tie Trends

    With a heavy influence from period dramas such as Peaky Blinders, it’s no surprise that tweed has made a massive come back when it comes to wedding attire. Whether it’s a full suit or a nod to your inner Shelby with a tweed tie, this look is here to stay.  Tweed adds an air of sophistication, making it a great choice for any member of the wedding party.  Its earthy tones make it easy to style with many colour suits including blue, brown or grey. Then for a further country vibe, why not add a feather brooch and pocket watch for the ultimate style combination.

    Wedding Guest Tie

    Now that we’ve talked about the wedding party, let’s talk about choosing a wedding tie as a guest.  You may have picked up the colour scheme from the invite but of course, you are under no obligation to follow it, so let the wedding tie hunt commence!  We all know that a wedding is a great opportunity to get dressed up so why not go all out. As the guest, you have the advantage of being as flamboyant or as modest as you like.  Bring some fun to the party with a polka dot.  Let the tie do the talking with a pattern, or up the ante with a tie and pocket square combination, either way, your tie just upped its game.  

  • Dress Code Do’s & Don’ts

    Dress Code Do’s & Don’ts

    Menswear can be something of a minefield when it comes to hitting the right mark with your ensemble, especially if you haven’t experienced many forays into the world of formal fashion.

    Though some things may seem fairly obvious, it’s important to get every aspect of your outfit right, and so having a handy checklist at your disposal can be a lifesaver when you’re getting ready to leave for a formal event. 

    To help you out, the Ties R Us team have put together a list of dress code do’s and don’ts, making sure that you’re dressed to impress down to every last detail.

    Get on top of your grooming

    As well as your dapper suit and tie combination, one of the first things people will notice is just how well-groomed you are – or aren’t. 

    A fresh hair cut or trim makes all the difference when attending a formal function and it’ll set off the sharpness of your suit perfectly. Sporting some facial hair? Don’t let this go unattended either! A beard trim or the removal of stubble will go a long way to adding to your outfit’s impact.

    Find the right fit

    There aren’t may dress code don’ts bigger than poorly fitting clothes, and so finding the right sized clothing, accessories and a snug-fitting suit should be high on your list of priorities.

    Too loose and your outfit looks rushed and thrown together, too tight and it’s unflattering on your figure. A good fit is paramount to impressing with your ensemble at any kind of event.

    Think about your footwear

    It’s not just your garments that need careful thought and attention, your footwear is an essential part of your outfit too. The best way to approach this particular hurdle is to think about the formality of the event and the season in which it’s taking place.

    For instance, you might get away with some colour-coordinated, non-flashy trainers and a skinny-fit suit at an informal summer wedding, the likes of Converse are incredibly popular. An event in the colder months might call for some smart-yet-warm boots paired with the right cut of trousers, it all depends on the setting.

    Iron out the creases

    Turning up to an event with wrinkle-covered clothing is a big no and never a good look. To onlookers, it will seem like you’ve rushed getting ready and perhaps don’t even care about the occasion you’re frequenting. 

    We recommend ironing and laying out your clothing in a well-ventilated room the day before you’re due to wear your outfit, this will allow the clothes time to breathe and avoid any troublesome creases setting in.

    Pick out complementary patterns

    One of the most common mistakes made by unwitting suit wearers is pattern clashing. There are a plethora of different styles out there, and an even bigger choice of colours on top of that, so it’s no wonder that things can get a little confusing or overwhelming. Do your research and mix and match different patterns and tones to find out what works best for your ensemble. Need a little extra help? Check out our guides on suit and tie and shirt and tie combinations.

    Sunglasses after dark

    Sure, sunglasses can add to your outfit’s appeal, but only given the right setting and occasion. They’re a must for summer weddings and they can help with the glare or adding a touch of glam at a daytime winter wedding too.

    However, when the sun sets and you’re off cutting shapes on the dancefloor, clinging onto your Ray-Bans as well as your daytime look is definitely the wrong move!

    Enjoyed our article and looking for more helpful how to’s and style advice? Don’t miss the Ties R Us blog page for more up-to-date accessory information.

  • How to Clean a Tie

    Ties have the ability to pull an outfit together, and whatever the occasion, nothing says sharp-dressed, professional or influential quite like a sharp suit and carefully chosen tie. 

    Of course, your necktie is only impactful and aesthetically pleasing if it’s clean, and so if the garment is stained or unkempt, it’s going to affect your overall ensemble. Looking after your tie in the correct way is a key factor towards both allowing it to function in an outfit and safeguarding it for years to come. 

    There are a lot of opinions out there concerning tie care, whether that’s the processes involved or what to use, but rest assured, because our Ties R Us team has compiled a list of everything you need to know to keep your ties in tip-top condition.

    General Maintenance

    How often do you come home from a long day at work, kick off your shoes and lethargically pull at the tie that has felt like a ligature all day? In short, don’t! 

    Tugging at your tie just enough to slip it off over your head is a big no when it comes to general maintenance. Instead, you should take the time to carefully remove your tie, this will aid in maintaining the tie’s shape as will avoiding knotting the tie when it’s not in use. 

    The stitching in your tie is incredibly delicate, so handling it too roughly when removing it can cause the stitching to break, effectively ruining your tie.

    Cleaning Your Ties

    Ties are an important part of an ensemble, but they do sit precariously close to the dropzone for any wayward food or drink. Spillages and splashes are sometimes unavoidable, however, unlike the rest of your laundry pile, the washing of ties can be problematic.

    Various delicate fabrics mean that the cleaning process should be approached differently, so machine washing your tie and then bunging it into the tumble dryer is something that you should avoid. Instead, we recommend that your ties should be either hand washed or dry cleaned and left to air dry, depending on the fabric. 

    Spot Cleaning A Tie

    As we mentioned above, it’s inevitable that at some point you’re likely to encounter unwanted spills and stains on your tie, but before you go about cleaning the tie by other means, it’s important that you try and spot clean any stains first. 

    If the stain is water-soluble, try using sparkling water on a clean cloth and firmly dabbing the stain to try and lift it, be gentle enough so as not to rub the stain and embed it into the fabric further. 

    If your stain is oil-based, the removal process can be a little more difficult. We recommend trying talcum powder or cornflour to try and lift the stain, though these are best being applied straight away and left for a couple of hours for the cleaning process to have any effect. 

    How To Clean A Silk Tie

    Silk ties are a popular accessory option thanks to their versatility, and it’s this very adaptability which allows them to be worn to a range of occasions across all seasons. 

    Despite being soft and smooth to the touch, silk is actually is incredibly strong, durable and retains its shape well. That being said silk is not a fan of moisture, chemicals or abrasive rubbing, all of which can damage your silk necktie beyond repair. So how do you clean a silk tie? Here is what we suggest:

    • Dry clean only, allow a professional who knows their fabrics to look after your garment and make sure you ask them to hand press the tie to keep the edge of the tie maintained. 
    • Avoid using a tumble dryer on your silk tie altogether, and if your tie happens to get wet, hang it up and allow it to air dry.
    • It’s recommended that you steam silk as direct contact with the iron can cause the material to burn. If the iron is your only option, use a towel or clean cloth in between the tie and iron, which should be on the lowest heat setting possible.
    • Never use bleach as this will cause serious damage to the tie.

    How To Clean A Wool Tie

    Perfect for replacing cool, light summer fabrics like satin and silk, woollen ties are naturally thicker and are an ideal accessory option for the colder winter months. The texture of a wool tie is generally heavier and provides a little extra insulation, as well as looking great in your ensemble. While wool ties are an excellent addition to your wardrobe, they can prove a bit of a pain to look after. Here some tips on how to care for a wool tie:

    • You should only dry clean when absolutely necessary, washing wool increases the chance of shrinking the material which is irreversible.
    • Never use a tumble dryer, instead, you should hang your tie to air dry. 
    • You should not use an iron on a woollen tie, instead use a steamer to remove any wrinkles or creases 
    • Never use hot water or bleach and avoid storing in plastic or direct sunlight.

    How To Clean A Polyester Tie

    Polyester is a man-made fibre, and though it has similar properties to cotton, it boasts added benefits such as affordability and durability. Along with being cost-effective, polyester ties are water-resistant, quick-drying, do not shrink and are wrinkle-resistant, all desirable factors when it comes to a hassle-free accessory for all occasions. Cleaning a polyester tie is much simpler, but take a look at these top tips for preserving your tie and extra peace of mind:

    • Polyester ties should be hand-washed gently in either cold or warm water.
    • Prior to hanging the tie to air dry, use a towel to press out any excess water. 
    • Though it’s recommended that you use a steamer, you can use an iron on a low or medium setting.
    • Never use bleach on polyester, a hot iron setting and avoid wringing or twisting the tie when wet.

    If you’re on the search for more top tie tips and style guides, check out our Ties R Us blog page and follow our expert team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

  • Style Guide: Tie Widths

    As with all fashion trends, things in the tie world regularly change as styles shift alongside new years and changing seasons. Not only does this influence and affect the choice of patterns and colours in the popularity of ties, but it also matters when it comes to tie width too.

    The width of a tie should be an important fashion consideration in any formal ensemble, and there are a couple of factors that should enter the equation when navigating which necktie to wear. 

    To help you grasp the basics of what width tie to wear and pull together the perfect outfit, our Ties R Us team have put together the ultimate style guide of accessory etiquette.

    Base Things on Your Body Type

    The most important aspect of picking the right style of tie, whether that’s a men’s tie or a woman’s, is body type. A tie should reflect your build, get this wrong and your necktie is likely to get lost in your ensemble rather than standing out and adding to your outfit’s aesthetics. 

    Follow these recommendations and you won’t go far wrong when it comes to picking the perfect tie width: 

    Slim or Skinny Build

    2.25” – 2.75”

    If you’re of a slim build with a smaller chest, you’ll need to mirror this with a slimmer choice of tie. Thankfully, there are plenty of skinny ties out there to choose from in a huge array of styles, so finding a fit that ticks all of the right boxes shouldn’t be an issue. 

    We would recommend a slim tie between 2.25” and 2.75” if you’re of a slender build. 

    Athletic or Average Build

    2.25” – 3.25”

    If you’re of an average build to athletic build, then good news – you’ve got a wealth of tie choices at your disposal! The tie world is your oyster, and you’re good to wear anything between 2.25” and 3.25”, which gives you a huge scope of accessories. 

    If you’re an average build then your choice of necktie will most likely boil down to personal taste or the needs of your outfit, whether that calls for a classic tie or a skinny number. 

    Broad or Larger Build

    2.75” – 3.25”

    The general rule of thumb here is, ‘wider guy – wider tie’. It doesn’t matter whether you’re wide in the chest or around the waist, if you’re of a broader build then skinny ties can soon get lost within your frame and fail to impact your outfit. 

    With this in mind, we recommend searching for a tie between 2.75” and 3.25” wide. As big as you might be, go too wide and you run the risk of looking like an extra from an Al Capone film, so bear your ensemble in mind before you go buying anything extra-wide. 

    Don’t Forget to Factor in Your Lapels

    Your coat or jacket’s lapels are also an important point to check off the list when it comes to getting your tie width just right. Similarly to ties, lapel width and style change alongside fashion, but whatever the in-thing, there should always be a correlation between your tie and the lapels. 

    Marrying together the two is important, so you should avoid pairing a skinny tie with a wide lapel, and vice versa; get this wrong and it can throw off your entire outfit as well as the proportions of your body type!

    For more up-to-date accessory advice and style guides, browse among our Ties R Us blog page and follow our expert team over on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

  • Stylish Men’s Ties for 2020

    As a new decade rolls around, with it comes a whole slew of new 2020 trends and fashion fads that will make their appearance everywhere from catwalks to street corners. Among these fashion trends is the humble tie – a mainstay of men’s (and women’s) fashion throughout the years. 

    Many people are set to jump straight onto the necktie bandwagon in the new year, with the likes of Highsnobiety telling us that ‘ties are primed for a comeback’ (of course, we’d argue that they never left), and super-cool celebrities including Frank Ocean and Tyler, The Creator regularly deploying ties from their arsenal of accessories. 

    So, which ties are set to make heads turn in 2020? We’ve whittled down the wealth of ties at our disposal to just four of our Ties R Us fashion favourites; so, fix up, look sharp, and get ready to enjoy these trendsetting stylish men’s ties. 

    Go Geometric

    Geometric patterns can’t help but catch the eye, in fact, it’s in the very nature of their design. This year we’re primed to see some amazing looking geometric tie prints that definitely deserve a place in your wardrobe. 

    Though the classic geometric blueprint often features straight lines and triangular shapes, this doesn’t always have to be the case. Ties such as the Red and Blue Geo from Barkley London feature the regular, repeated shapes that give the accessory its geometry, and this great-looking accessory is just one way to add a little colour, pattern and pizazz to your outfit. 


    Stylish Stripes

    Let’s be honest, stripes are likely to never go out of fashion, they’re a staple in most peoples wardrobes – but that doesn’t mean that the striped tie is undeserving of a place on our list. 

    Striped ties will feature heavily among 2020 fashion trends, and we’re going to see a huge amount of hues and pattern variations making an appearance in plenty of outfits. From classic neckties to skinny knits like this Pink Stripe Knitted Tie from Ben Sherman, there’s a range of textures and designs available to explore. 

    We recommend simultaneously working in some 2020 colour trends with your striped tie too, pastille shades such as the pink knitted tie pictured or natural tones are all going to be widespread this year.

    Distinguished in Dots

    Another pattern that has stood the test of time is the polka dot, and it’s sure to be just as ever-present in 2020 fashion as it has been throughout the decades. 

    Polka dot ties effortlessly bridge the gap between a formal or more informal outfit; you’ll find that they’re just at home with a wedding suit as they are at work or a social event, so having one at the ready in 2020 is definitely recommended. 

    If you’re looking for something classic and clean-cut, you can’t go far wrong with the Red Spot Silk tie from Stovel & Mason, an eye-catching accessory that can be paired with a range of suit colours. For those looking for something a little more sophisticated and quirky, why not branch out with a bow tie? Polka dot prints lend themselves well to the likes of our Navy Blue and White Polka Dot Bow Tie, pictured here.

    Fashionably Floral 

    2020 is a time to be seen, so why not head into the new decade with some bold accessory designs? Floral ties and novelty print ties are certainly one way to get noticed in style and inject some personality into your ensemble.

    As we touched upon earlier, pastille shades are among the top 2020 colour trends, and a soft blue or peach-toned suit looks incredible alongside the likes of the Navy & White Flower Skinny Tie from Original Penguin. Though it’s not recommended for the shrinking violet, if you’re a little less reserved, you should definitely make a purchase – personally, we love it! 

    Did you find our list of stylish men’s ties for 2020 handy? Do you have any helpful style advice you’d like to share? Join our community on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter! For more style guides and how to’s, head over to the Ties R Us blog page.  

  • Ties R Us Tips: How to Remove Creases from Ties

    As is the case with most items of clothing, your tie collection will need the occasional de-crease if you want to dress to your best. After all, you want onlookers to be complementing your ensemble or the pattern of your tie, not picking holes in your outfit or commenting on your cravat looking more like a crinkled sheet of crate paper. 

    The thing is, ties are delicate little things, and you should only iron them when completely necessary after all other options have been exhausted. The reason for this? The harsh heat of a standard iron can very quickly burn and damage your ties, especially if they’re of the woollen, silk or polyester variety. 

    To keep your prized ties in pristine condition, our expert Ties R Us team have compiled a handy list of tips on how to remove creases from ties and pocket squares – safely and successfully! 

    Tip #1

    Hang your tie or ties on a clothes hanger or clothes rail. It pays to ensure that the cupboard or wardrobe is well-ventilated, after all, you don’t want any moisture and dampness damaging your neckties. 

    We recommend leaving the ties to hang for at least two days, in which time many if not all of the creases should disappear naturally without the use of heat.

    Tip #2

    If the hands-off approach of letting your ties hang doesn’t produce the right results, try using steam power. 

    There are a couple of ways to get rid of creases in your ties using steam, the first (and cheapest) method is to hang your ties in the bathroom while taking a hot shower. Place the ties far enough away from the shower so as not to get wet, the heat and steam produced from your shower should then work out those troublesome wrinkles in no time. 

    Secondly, you can use a steam cleaner. There are fairly inexpensive models out there to purchase, or if you’ve got a bulk of garments and accessories to go through you can even hire one. Hold the steam cleaner lightly against the fabric of your ties and move the nozzle up and down the length of the tie until it’s crease-free.

    Tip #3

    Simply rolling up your tie can also free your accessories of troublesome creases and wrinkles. We suggest rolling up the narrowest end of your tie to the widest point, then leave the rolled-up tie to rest for 24 to 48 hours. 

    If you’re experienced some issues with unravelling, secure the end of the roll with your trusty tie pin or a hair grip or paper clip if you’ve not got a tie pin to hand. 

    Tip #4

    If all of the above fails, it could be time to resort to your iron – but don’t do so without taking the correct precautions. We must stress that you should only iron out creases if absolutely necessary, get things wrong and your tie could quickly become toast! 

    This is especially true of delicate silk ties, while you should also exercise caution concerning polyester and wool too. Always check the label of the tie for the recommended iron heat setting, you’ll need a cool setting for polyester and silk and a medium setting for wool ties. 

    We recommend placing a clean white towel or cloth over the ironing board to ensure you tie doesn’t pick up and dirt or discolouration from the board itself; iron the tie with the rear-facing side up, working your way up the fabric from top to bottom while allowing the steam from the iron to further work out those unwanted wrinkles. 

    If you’re searching for more handy tips, how to’s and style guides, visit our Ties R Us blog page and follow us over on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. 

  • Style Guide: Winter Suits

    There’s something distinctly sophisticated and quintessentially British about a winter suit. Summertime in Britain is, of course, very brief, and so winter suit designs have become an intrinsic part of our formal fashion DNA, often being worn throughout the year. 

    Our climate calls for a suit that can handle high winds, cascading rains and bitterly cold temperatures, not to mention the occasional bit of snow. So, which materials, colours and patterns should you plump for in the colder seasons, and which men’s winter accessories can you pair with them? The ever-stylish Ties R Us team have put together a guide of our favourite winter suits for men, as well as some amazing accessories and ties to wear with them.

    Wool Suit

    A woollen suit is your best friend in winter, and whether you’re donning wool for a wedding or looking for an everyday suit for work, this versatile material is ideal for the colder months. 

    For one, it’s a natural insulator and can adapt to changes in temperature, but secondly, it’s also able to be woven into some fantastic looking patterns and can pull off a huge range of colours too.

    A quality wool suit will also drape nicely and maintain its shape, meaning that your money spent is a good investment. When it comes to pairing ties with a wool suit, we recommend mirroring the wool of the suit with a stylish tweed tie or opting for block colours that work with the suit’s colour and accents. 

    Of course, there are many variants of the woollen suit, so we’ve covered some of the most stylish choices for you below.

    Tweed Suit

    Tweed is among the most popular of wool suits; it’s created by combining a total of three different coloured yarns which are weaved together (or twilled, to use the correct terminology) into the materials distinctive pattern. 

    Tweed is a timeless classic, and thanks to properties such as being warm, durable and water-resistant, it’s an incredibly popular choice of winter suit. When it comes to accessorising with tweed, the choice of the tie is going to depend on the twill of the suit. If, for example, the suit is a navy blue with red accents, a block-coloured burgundy or red tie could be the perfect option.

    Cashmere Suit

    Cashmere is a much-coveted material, lauded for its luxurious appearance, soft texture and superior comfort. It’s also incredibly warm, which makes it the perfect wardrobe choice for special occasions in the winter months. 

    Because of its softness, a cashmere suit is most certainly not for every day, though you can find some great-looking blends around that offer a lot more durability than a 100% cashmere creation would. More often than not, a cashmere suit will feature deep block colours, so when accessorising, you can play around with patterns and add a splash of complementary colour to the ensemble. A tartan tie will look fantastic alongside cashmere, as will a striped pattern.

    Herringbone Suit

    Similarly to tweed, herringbone suits are comprised of twilled yarn, combining the likes of wool and flannel into a tight weave. This makes herringbone warm, durable and heavy-wearing, while it also gives the material its distinctive zig-zagged pattern. This zig-zag pattern lends itself well to working in other textured fabrics and accessories, don’t be afraid to throw in a polka dot tie or some eye-catching novelty designs to achieve a head-turning winter look.

    Corduroy Suits

    You may not have noticed, but corduroy is back with a bang and cropping up in outfits everywhere. From sleek corduroy trousers to oversized shirts, this once overlooked material is enjoying something a renaissance thanks to the resurgence in ‘90s throwback fashion. 

    This classy-looking material also lends itself to a great tailored winter suit too, regardless of whether opting for a full-cord ensemble or mix-matching this versatile material with checks or complementing block colours. When it comes to picking a tie, you’ve got a wealth of amazing accessories at your disposal. Personally, we like to marry corduroy with checked patterns or playoff the perception that cord lends itself to a more reserved look with the inclusion of a charismatic bow tie.

    Moleskin Suit

    If you’re searching for a material that is lighter and more breathable yet still retains heat, look no further than the moleskin suit. These properties along with the material’s durability make moleskin suits a popular everyday choice for winter, particularly with those that are required to wear a suit for work. 

    The high cotton composition of moleskin suits run the risk of looking a little drab, so we suggest sparking some life into your look with contrasting bold colours or bright patterns, all topped off with a pocket square that compliments both the suit and your tie. 

    For more amazing style guides and helpful how to’s, browse among our Ties R Us blog page.

  • What to Wear for an Autumn Wedding

    Autumn is a stunning time for a seasonal wedding. There’s just something about the crisp white of a bride’s wedding dress against a canvas of autumnal colours; a patchwork of rich reds and deep golds that provide the perfect backdrop for wedding photos of that special day.

    Now, you may be wondering how to dress for an autumn wedding. There is, of course, our notoriously unpredictable British climate to contend with, as well as any wedding couple-enforced colour schemes that you may need to bear in mind.

    Whether you’re searching for dresses for an autumn wedding guest, pairing his and hers outfits or looking for a bespoke wedding tie for the groom, it’s a matrimonial minefield out there. Thankfully, here at Ties R Us, we’re dab hands at providing expert advice and wedding accessory wardrobe tips for different men’s looks.

    The Classic Wedding Look

    Classic suits are widely used among wedding attire, and with good reason too. Whether three-piece or two-piece, their versatility lends itself to all kinds of looks, and more importantly, all kinds of accessories.

    Of course, before you go out to buy a suit or pick one from your existing collection, you should always bear in mind the suit material and colour of the groom’s party, after all, you don’t want to clash and cause an upset on the big day!

    Next, consider the cut of your suit. Do you want a flattering, tight-fitting suit or something a little more loose and classic?

    Once you’ve settled on the colour and cut, it’s time to think about patterns. When it comes to planning autumnal wedding wear, patterned suits are definitely your friend. Not only is there less chance that you’ll match the groom’s party when wearing patterns, but you’ll also be bang on-trend.

    So, which ties can you combine with a classic wedding look? If you’re opting for block colours, providing a dash of colour and pattern with floral or paisley is always a great option. For those opting for pinstripes, why not add a touch of class with a textured tie? Those who’ve chosen a checked pattern can’t go far wrong with a plain tie, we recommend picking out the accents of your check pattern and picking a bold autumnal colour that matches.

    Mix & Match

    Who says you have to settle for one style of suit? If uniformity isn’t your thing, you can always choose to mix and match your ensemble.

    Tweed and wools work wonders when dressing for an autumn wedding; not only do they provide texture and warm, autumnal colours, but they team up fantastically with both plain and patterned trousers and waistcoats too, depending on the style of tweed and wool of course.

    Pick out a pair of trousers that work well with your tweed or wool blazer, and decide on a wedding tie that compliments both the patterns and colours of the two. If your blazer sports patterns, plump for a plain tie with bold, block colouration, if the jacket is plain in style, go for floral or perhaps a paisley style instead. For those with a more quirky taste, why not mix things up with a bow tie?

    Smart-yet-Casual

    Some weddings call for something a little more casual, and if this is the case, there are some great autumnal looks and accessories that you can employ for a more dressed-down style.

    You can often get away with a pair of well-fitted jeans, teamed with a tweed or wool blazer and a pair of sophisticated brown brogues, to effortlessly tread the lines between smart and casual. In this case, we would maybe forgo the tie, and instead give a nod to the big day with the inclusion of a stylish pocket square. If you would feel more comfortable wearing a tie at an autumn wedding, stick with a skinny tie to work with your dressed down look.

    If you’d like more info on any of our Ties R Us wedding ties and accessories, feel free to contact our friendly team. For more expert advice and inspiration, head on over to our blog page.

  • How Do You Choose Groomsmen Attire?

    Summer wedding season is fast approaching and if you’re planning last minute touches to your big day, you’ll want to ensure that you’re making the right choices when it comes to wedding attire. With the groom’s outfit decided on, how do you choose groomsmen attire? There is truly a whole host of options, from suits to shoes and accessories, to consider. Today at Ties R Us, we’re guiding you through how to choose groomsmen attire and covering some of the most asked questions about shopping for your wedding party.

    Should Groomsmen And Groom Match?

    The first thing to consider is should the groomsmen match the groom in terms of their suits and ties. You’ll want to coordinate ensembles so they can be easily identifiable as part of the groomsmen unit, but what are the rules when it comes to matching groomsmen and the groom?
    It’s important that the groomsmen reflect the style of the groom, but this doesn’t mean that they have to wear the exact same outfit. Not only does it make sense to have the groom in a slightly contrasting attire to differentiate his role in the proceedings, but you also don’t want to out-do him on his wedding day! Bring the groom and his groomsmen together with a shared colour palette and buttonhole flowers to add to their suits for a united look.

    What Does The Best Man Wear?

    As the best man is part of the groomsmen party, he’ll wear the same suit style as the other members of the group. However, to make him stand out from the others, it’s a good idea to have a subtle difference to show to everyone that he has an important role to play as best man to the groom. Continuity is key when it comes to dressing the groomsmen and the best man, and so is tradition. Opt for a tailored suit in the same colour as the groom, and if he’s wearing a double-breasted suit, go for a single-breasted suit for a subtle difference. A crisp white shirt is a classic go-to shirt option that will go with any suit colour, and Oxford shoes are an elegant footwear choice for all groomsmen.

    Ties vs. Bow Ties

    Once you’ve decided on the colour theme and suit styles for the wedding, it’s time to decide on whether you’d prefer your groomsmen to wear ties or bow ties. So, which tie should groomsmen wear? This accessory decision will come down to the formality of the wedding itself; strictly formal and ceremonial weddings may be where the traditional bow tie is most acceptable, whereas a modern wedding can be the right place for a lovely satin tie and matching pocket square.