Bow Tie or Necktie: Making the Right Choice for Every Occasion

Do you know when you should be wearing a necktie and when a bow tie would be the better choice? It can be hard to decide on the best options for your outfits and it helps to understand the traditions and the etiquette behind fashion choices such as this. Here at Suits, we are experts in men’s fashion, and we’ll help you to make the most of your wardrobe by choosing the accessories that complete your outfits in style.

Read on to find out about the different styles of necktie and bow tie available in our range and we’ll take a look at when each option should be worn. Whether you’re choosing outfits for your wedding party or putting together a classy new look for a special event, you’re on track to stand out for all the right reasons when you visit us in store. We have a great selection of suits and shirts so that you can find the best combination for any occasion, and we’ll always be happy to talk about how to create the look you want.

Working Out What to Wear

When you’re trying to decide on the perfect accessories for your suit, the first consideration is whether the event has a dress code. If your invite specifies ‘black tie’, for instance, this denotes a requirement to wear a tuxedo and bowtie, which is a very formal look. If black tie dress is a request rather than an essential, you may wish to change things up a little by adding your own touches to your outfit, and this might mean changing your bow tie for a different sort of neckwear, such as a necktie or cravat. Take the time to try out your options and find the best fit for your personality and the occasion, as you will look your best when you feel good in what you are wearing.

Black tie events often include weddings, balls, awards ceremonies and high-end parties, and the dress code will usually be specified on your invite or ticket. Any of these events may also specify formal dress, which is a little more relaxed and can include suits and ties. Events such as graduations and confirmations will often have their own dress codes, but most do not require black tie, and weddings may be themed around a specific style that influences your choice of outfit or gives you an indication of what is expected.

Bow Ties: Choosing Yours

A bow tie is a tie that is already tied in a bow, available in many different styles and colours. A bow tie will set your formal outfit off to perfection for a special occasion, wedding or dinner dance and you can choose a sophisticated, plain bow tie or a novelty or patterned option to suit your personality and the style of the event you are attending. We have an excellent range of accessories for you to choose from so you can customise your look and our favourites include:

• Gold Print Bow Tie. This dazzling number is the perfect bow tie for making an impact, and it’ll give your outfit an extra special touch whether you’re dressing up for a wedding, a party or a special event. Best worn with a classic black tuxedo and a white shirt, the classy gold print is exactly what you need to lift your outfit and add a bit of glamour.

• Black Satin Bow Tie.The black satin bow tie is the traditional accompaniment to the classic tuxedo and can be worn with a pleated or ruffled shirt. When you want to bring some James Bond style to your outfit, you can’t go wrong with a standard black satin bow tie and a close shave.

• Sky Blue Birdseye Bow Tie. A Birdseye fabric is made on a loom and looks like diamonds or a bird’s eye shape in a repetitive pattern, and this eye-catching shade of sky blue will set your outfit off to perfection. This is a great choice with a black or white suit and will certainly ensure that your outfit makes the impact you’ve been hoping for.

Our print bow ties are also available in a number of attractive colours so that you can choose your favourite to finish off your outfit. Some of our three- and four-piece suits and tuxedoes are made from stunning fabric choices, including coloured velvets and checked prints that are a little different from the traditional black or grey suit. This gives you the opportunity to step out of the box and embrace choices you might not have tried before, so you can pair a statement suit with a bold bow tie or a coloured bow tie with a plain suit, as you wish.

Selecting a Necktie

A necktie, or tie, is worn around the neck, tied in a knot that rests beneath the collar of the shirt. A good tie symbolises being well dressed and can be chosen to complement any style of suit and shirt. There are numerous types of ties, ranging from plain fabric to patterned or brightly coloured options, and we can help you to find a tie you love for every occasion. Here are some of our favourites:

• Plain Rustic Orange Tie and Pocket Square. We love this classic plain tie and matching pocket square, in a stunning shade of rust orange. This is ideal to complement any dark-coloured suit with a white shirt or even a statement black shirt to really stand out from the crowd.

• Sky Blue Paisley Tie and Pocket Square. Paisley print is a great choice for most suit combinations, bringing a little extra flair to your outfit. Our paisley ties are available in many attractive shades such as this sky blue colour, as well as wine and light pink.

• Black Knitted Tie. If you want to try something a little different, you’ll love our knitted ties that bring a contemporary touch to your formal outfit. We have knitted ties in several colours as well as classic black, and we think these are bound to be a big hit at special occasions this year.

• Navy Floral Print Tie and Pocket Square. Floral ties are a very popular choice, and we love this navy design, as well as our burnt orange option in a similar style. This tie beautifully complements a dark suit with a pale shirt, and we believe this will be a great choice for a wedding or party this year.

Whatever your preferences, you’ll find suits, shirts and accessories you love when you explore our full range.

Find Men’s Accessories at Suits

Here at Suits, we have an extensive range of two-, three- and four-piece suits available to hire or buy, as well as a custom tailoring service so that you can create something really special. We also have a good selection of shoes and accessories, including pocket squares and ties that stand out for their elegance and style.

We are an Irish owned business, and we’d love to welcome you to our showroom in Ballycurreen, Cork. You can see our full range on our website or pop in and see us in our showroom to find suits and accessories you’ll love.