Neck Tie Guide

Sean Connery keeping things simple and classy

Few things make a man look sharper than a well tailored suit.  But what should be worn around the neck?  There is often confusion about when to wear a necktie versus a bowtie, and which knot to use.  We'll keep things simple with two suggestions.

Rule #1:  There are 3 times you should wear a bowtie
1) Weddings.  Nothing is classier than a sharp tuxedo with a black bowtie.  Take a tip from Mr. Connery and leave the brightly colored vests for the prom -- black tie means black tie.  Yes, neckties have become increasingly popular for tuxedos.  While in the right setting they can look sharp, err on the side of caution here and stick with what is tried and true.  We suggest investing in a quality tuxedo early.  For the combined price of rentals over time, you could find yourself a quality tailor to fit a worthy tux.
2) A day at the races or the college football stadium.  Traditions are traditions, and we at Hemingway Today are all for maintaining raceday and gameday classics.  Subtly patterned bowties are encouraged.
3) The wise and experienced physician, or educator.  For the rare breed of doctor practicing into their finer years: don't change a thing.  Nothing speaks more to medical expertise than the rare bowtie walking around the wards.  Bowties for the distinguished professor are also encouraged.   For young academicians and physicians however, we suggest laying off the goods until you've written some Pulitzers or saved a few lives.

If you're going to wear a bowtie, go all the way and tie it yourself.  There is no better way enjoy late night drinks with a good crowd than by unloosening a legitimate bowtie.  Here is how we were taught:

The bowtie: 3 simple rules

Rule #2:  When in doubt, go with a necktie.
With the few exceptions above, a necktie is usually a better bet.  Keep it simple with subtle stripes and patterns that match your suit or dress shirt.  The question now becomes what knot to tie:

The Four-in-Hand
Undoubtedly the first knot you learned to tie: simple and straightforward.  Though the four-in-hand is a tried and true knot, we suggest you move up to a bolder knot.

Four-in-Hand Knot

The Half Windsor
Any man's go to knot.  Simple and easy to tie on the run, but bolder and more refined than the four-in-hand.  Always a safe choice.

Half Windsor Knot

The Windsor
The grandaddy of them all.  Best for the most formal occasions, board room meetings or meetings with foreign dignitaries.  A larger and bolder knot than the half. 

Windsor Knot