Neckties may be considered somewhat of an endangered men’s style accessory, but in many menswear circles, they’ve actually been seeing a bit of a resurgence in popularity.
Our take? We’re all in for any opportunity for men to express themselves through unique patterns and textures. More simply put, we’re rooting for ties!
But not only have ties been showing up again a bit more frequently in men’s fashion, we’re also seeing fellas breaking out all different types of ties. Because in truth, there’s a ton of variety concerning this particular area of neckwear.
You’re probably familiar with silk ties – they’re sort of the standard material nowadays, though sometimes, they lean a bit dressier. Neckwear doesn’t have to convey formality, however, and that’s where the humble knit tie comes into play.
Technically, there’s no strict rules on what a knit tie has to be knit from, but the most common fabrics will likely include wool, cotton, or mohair. It’s really more about the weave and texture – knit ties don’t appear smooth, and traditionally feature a squared end, resulting in them occasionally being referred to as “sock ties.”
Knit ties pack a double punch. One is loaded with an aura of charming casualness signaled by its very texture. The other is a healthy dose of ivy, prep, and classic menswear style.
However you choose to view them, there’s an undeniable appeal to them. Especially as the necktie has declined in modern eras, wearing one that’s a bit more unique signals that you know what you’re doing with your personal style.
That is, if you’re wearing them correctly.
So, you might be wondering – how do you style a knit tie appropriately? Can you wear them with anything? What do they pair with best?
Well, rest assured, we have the answers you need. If you’re interested in rocking a knit tie, and doing it well, you’ve certainly come to the right place.
Casual Meets Casual
Funnily enough, your average person hardly equates the idea of neckties with casual style. But the historical context of most knit ties does carry over, and as such they are indeed considered relatively casual.
That means you probably don’t want to wear them with your sleeker business suits. Smooth, worsted wool tailoring just leans a bit too formal for a knit tie.
Instead, consider pairing them with more casual tailored clothing, like a tweed sport coat and contrasting trousers. Or, you can rock one with a corduroy jacket. Not to mention more laid-back summer suits like cotton, seersucker, and linen.
And of course, you can easily pair knit ties with a full corduroy or tweed suit. In some cases, a flannel wool suit may be a suitable option as well – so long as it doesn’t appear too business-adjacent.
Looking to incorporate a knit tie into an even more casual ensemble? Good news, you can! While the very principle of choosing to sport a necktie of any kind does bring an element of “put-togetherness” to an outfit, you don’t have to wear them strictly with a tailored jacket.
Instead, experiment with knit ties under a well-fitting denim trucker jacket, chore coat, or barn jacket. You can choose to wear ‘em a bit loose and askew too if you want to add a bit of nonchalant flair, just make sure it doesn’t hang down too long – that is, below your belt.
A Slightly Smarter Style
Don’t be fooled! Just because they lean rather heavily into casual territory doesn’t mean that knit ties can be elevated at all. One great outfit formula that is arguably the sharpest method of incorporating a knit tie relies on a classic navy blazer.
And no, we don’t just mean any old navy blue suit jacket – we’re talking about a true blue navy blazer, something cut from a hopsack wool, cotton, or even linen cloth and featuring those iconic, oh-so-preppy gold contrasting buttons.
A proper navy blazer is by no means a true formal garment, but it’s an incredibly sharp, elevated casual piece, suitable for nice dates, dinners, and the workplace.
Try wearing one with an oxford cloth button down (OCBD) shirt, ideally in either white, blue, or a stripes variety, as well as some gray trousers. Flannel wool is a great pick for winter, but you can go for either a tropical wool or even linen option if you’re in a warmer climate.
For footwear, consider a medium or dark brown loafer or derby shoe, with a matching leather belt for good measure.
At last, you’re ready to don the tie. A knit necktie works with this ensemble because each piece is still technically rooted in classic casual menswear style, even if by today’s standards the outfit may feel a bit dressed up. And in a way, it is, especially if you have an eye for detail. But it looks great, and your choice in neckwear will get a great opportunity to shine.
How to Choose the Right Knit Tie
- Color
For starters, you’re going to want something versatile. Unless you plan to own a bunch of knit ties (and by all means, feel free), opting for a flexible color that goes with everything is a wise choice.
Some classic tie colors to consider are beige, brown, maroon, gray, and olive.
Those should be some of your first choices. More advanced, bolder colors worth considering if you want to pick up additional knit ties could include red, blue, yellow, orange, or even something patterned, such as rep stripes, plaids, or one with embroidered details.
- New or Vintage?
You can easily find a wide variety of knit ties in various colors and designs from preppy retailers like Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, and J.Crew, but for a solid deal, it’s hard to beat the vintage market. Secondhand marketplaces like eBay offer endless vintage options for a fraction of the price you’d find at most stores. That said, it’s up to you and your personal shopping preferences.
- Tie Width
There isn’t any one single ideal width for a tie, and this applies to knit ties all the same. However, popular wisdom dictates that for the most part, there should be some equivalence between the width of one’s lapels and the width of their tie.
That means, don’t wear a super skinny tie with a wildly wide lapel, and don’t wear a wildly-wide tie with a super slim lapel. It should be noted that many vintage knit ties, especially those from the 160s, lean on the slimmer side, as do many modern recreations of this style. Truly wide knit ties are harder to come by, but medium width (3 inches or more) tend to be in fair supply.
Tie-ing It All Together
We hope that by now, you have a generally good idea of how to best rock a knit tie.
Nowadays, the decision to wear any sort of neckwear can often be seen as a bit fashion-forward, but as the menswear movement has grown, the influence of the necktie has slowly creeped back into the cultural consciousness.
Because any chance to wear a unique and personal accessory is one that we wholeheartedly recommend you take.
And while you’re at it, why not go for a knit option? We’d argue that it makes a statement within a statement. It’s intentional, tasteful, and easy to pull off – so go for it!
Still Have Questions?
How knit tie is it different from regular ties?
It's made of knitted fabric, usually silk or wool, with a textured finish and a square bottom instead of the traditional pointed tip. It has a more casual and versatile look compared to standard ties.
What shirts pair well with a knit tie?
Knit ties look great with oxford button-down shirts, chambray shirts, or plain dress shirts. We suggest to avoid overly formal shirts with a glossy finish, as they clash with the tie’s casual vibe.
What knot is best to use for a knit tie?
A four-in-hand knot works best for knit ties due to their thicker fabric. It creates a slightly asymmetrical, relaxed knot that complements the tie's casual style.
Can I wear a knit tie with jeans?
Absolutely! A knit tie paired with a blazer, a button-down shirt, and dark jeans creates a sharp, smart-casual look suitable for dinners or informal gatherings.
Can I wear a knit tie to a formal event?
Knit ties are generally too casual for black-tie or ultra-formal events. Save them for business-casual settings, weddings, or events with a smart-casual dress code.
