Tie One On - How To Pick The Perfect Big and Tall Tie

Alright gentlemen, it's that time of year again. It's time for family gatherings, Christmas parties, and the traditional gifts you always receive. What do all of these events have in common? Well, ties of course. Dressing up for the holiday's might not be your favourite activity, but at the very least you can look good wearing an extra long tie. And for those looking to give the gift of a tie, make sure you know what you're looking for.

Go Long!

For big and tall men, extra long ties are an important part of your formal wear. A tie that is too short makes your body look disproportionate. Luckily, London's Big and Tall Menswear has a wide selection of extra long big and tall ties. If you're a big or tall man, buying a standard big box store tie will leave you wishing you had more fabric to work with.

Once you've selected an extra long tie that fits, it's time to follow our style guide to complete your look:

If your shirt is plain, your tie should pop: A tie is an accessory. Ties are supposed to be the pop to an otherwise tame outfit. If you're wearing a white, light blue, grey, or black shirt, add a splash of colour with a vivid tie. Bright colours or large patterns will keep you looking stylish. London's Big and Tall Menswear has a wide variety of colourful and patterned Extra Long Ties from Bruno Piatelli and Stacy Adams.

If your shirt is vibrant, keep it plain: Read the above, and then reverse it. If you plan to wear a big and tall dress shirt with bright colours or eye catching stripes and patterns, you need to wear a more subtle tie. A single colour tie, or a tie with subdued stripes will likely match your shirt and keep you looking well put together.

Own a tie for every occasion: It's a luxury to have several big and tall shirts to choose from, but in a pinch, all you really need is a new big and tall tie. Wearing a different tie with the same shirt, pants, and jacket will make you appear to be wearing an entirely unique wardrobe. Ties are versatile and are all you need to change from party to party. Don't go out spending a fortune to buy completely new clothes for each holiday gathering you attend, but you shouldn't show up wearing the same thing each time either. Slap on a new tie and impress your friends and family with your stylish apparel.

How to tie your tie: Despite the staple status of a tall tie in a man's wardrobe, many men are still lost for how to properly tie a tie. Yes, you can keep it loose for casual days, heck, you can even let your tie tail stick out the side (it's in fashion). The thing you need to perfect the most however, is the art of tying a double Windsor knot. The single Windsor looks odd, especially on a big and tall man. Just type it into Google, and you'll find dozens of websites simply explaining how to tie a double Windsor knot. And while you're at it, make sure you tie your tie to the right length. A tie should hit below your belly button, but above your belt. If you stray to either side of these guidelines, your extra tall ties will look like they don't fit.

I know it's early to say it, but Happy Holiday's gentlemen. Enjoy your office Christmas parties, find a way to grin and bare the shopping, and keep yourself looking classy by expanding your selection of Big and Tall Ties and Extra Long Ties.