The Rail: A Tie for Every Suit, and White Shirt

Though they say the suit maketh the man, equally vital is the importance of the tie you wear with it. A must when you want to look your best in a suit, but with so many different styles of each, it can be tough to colour-match this decorative piece correctly.

Image (top) by GIEVES & HAWKES

The Look

Gallery images courtesy of MR PORTER

A suit should make a gent look smarter, stand taller and feel more confident, and a tie that compliments the suit is the final part of this jigsaw. Unless you’re opting for a bold statement suit, we have created a ‘rule of thumb’ list to assist you in finding the perfect accompanying tie for each of your essential suit colour choices. Of course, feel free to mix it up too.

The White Shirt

It’s important to make sure you keep it simple here. Opt for a classic, well-fitted (not skinny) shirt with a classic colour and single or button cuff.

charvet_shirt

Gentleman: White Slim-Fit Cotton Shirt £350 by Charvet at MR PORTER

Ape: Non-Iron White Twill Slim Fit Shirt £39.95 by T.M.LEWIN

Compliment a Navy Suit with a Burgundy or Oxblood Tie

canali_tie

Gentleman: 8cm Pin-Dot Silk-Jacquard Tie, £95 by Canali at MR PORTER

Ape: Bordeaux Tie, £29 by SUITSUPPLY

A blue or green tie would also work.

Compliment a Grey Suit with a Blue Tie

brioni_tie

Gentleman: Grey and Blue Navy Regimental Stripe Tie, £170 by BRIONI

Ape: Blue White Pin Dot Silk Tie £29.95 by T.M.LEWIN

Red, Burgundy and Oxblood would also work.

Compliment a Black Suit with a Textured Black Tie

turnbull_a_tie

Gentleman: 8cm Ribbed Silk Tie, £105 by Turnbull & Asser at MR PORTER

Ape: Jacquard Tie in Micro-dot Silk, £65 by HUGO BOSS

A red tie would also work.

How to Tie a Full Windsor Knot

Chris Beastall

Chris is the Founder and Editor of Ape to Gentleman. His interests lie in men's style, male grooming and leading a better lifestyle - through minimalist, basic and clean design.