The optimality of a black necktie

[Chorn]

I've heard argued that there are no fits where a black tie would not be better replaced by another given color (this is with respect to aesthetic and not decorum...we're not talking funerals here). I disagree, though I'll admit my black ties don't get worn too often. The biggest benefit of a black tie (knit or grenadine) is its versatility--while it isn't the perfect tie with many outfits, it's rarely the wrong tie. I have a rather large rotation, so I don't need ties to be versatile. I generally go for optimal on any given day. Regardless, I think black ties are the best choice for some outfits. I included an image for comparison. The original is top left, and while some of the other ties look good, at full resolution, I think only the purple comes close to being as right for the fit as the black.

 

[Russell Street]

I like the green tie the best, but that's just me.
As someone that wears shirts of classic pastel shades like pink, yellow, ecru, and patterns involving purple or green, there's a reason I don't own a black tie. It's like a bicycle for a fish if you're a tweedy type.

 

[ETF]

Black knits tie look good with a tan suit too. There's a picture of Voxsartoria looking smashing in the back of a london taxi in that combination, but I can't find it now.

I rarely see black ties here in England, even at funerals. I remember reading an interview with Michael Drake (I think) in which he said he couldn't give black ties, or patterned ties on black grounds, away in England. Likewise brown ties now I think about it. I own and wear both, but sometimes feel a bit out of place wearing them here.

 

[Chorn]

I do not understand people who dislike brown ties. Those involves with the menswear community online don't seem to have that silly bias, but I often hear it repeated that others do. I guess I don't really see brown ties (except my own) on the street all that often. Brown is my favorite color of tie (nothing, in my opinion, looks better against a light blue shirt with a navy jacket.

 

[Grand Potentate]

I'll give you chocolate but straight brown is not attractive.

Unless you're doing the tweed thing. Otherwise, +1.

 

[Grand Potentate]

Here in Sweden, I find that the funeral connotations are very real, so that's a major minus with black ties. Even my dad, who went to university in the early 60s, once asked me if I was mourning when I wore mine.

Interesting. So if I went out in a light to mid grey suit and black tie would it fall under the same suspicions?

 

[Chorn]

I'll give you chocolate but straight brown is not attractive.

Example of what you see as straight brown? Also, no strawman ties.

Interesting. So if I went out in a light to mid grey suit and black tie would it fall under the same suspicions?

I'd be suspicious of you in a suit, period.

 

[Betelgeuse]

My mind has trouble seeing black and blue together.

 

[ETF]

Still can't find that picture of box, but here's a couple from Will of ASW -

I have a blak knit with white dots like Will's, which I really like but hardly ever seem to wear.

 

[Chorn]

All three look good to me. I guess when I see the color brown, I don't immediately think of shit.

 

[Grand Potentate]

I was trying to source some info for A Canuker and found you a companion thread Chorn :

http://www.styleforum.net/t/334059/the-case-for-black-dress-shirts

 

[Zé Ferreira]

IMO, the best looking tie with anything (beyond a black suit which we shouldn't wear anyways) is Maroon to Plum grenadine. Fantastic w/ blue, decent contrast w/ grey, and enough to turn a head w/ brown.

I like blue ties against navy suits - don't mind the uniform in that sense.

I am, though, greatly intrigued by Chorn 's green tie combos. Green is something I never really associate w/ "business wear." Still can't wrap my head around brown. Dislike brown suits too. Just don't get it.

 

[Chorn]

Brown suits, I get not getting. I'm not a huge fan myself. Brown tie though. Man. I can't think of anything better than a navy jacket, blue shirt, brown tie with gray trou. Burgundy included. Brown just settles better with the rest of the look.

Zé Ferreira , might I suggest the following to start you off?

A green neat is probably a bit easier to work into a suiting context than a solid green, and at $60 (one sale down from $100), a good deal on a 7-fold (though like many 7 folds, is actually a 6 fold). HC's standard 3-fold is so-so at best, but the 7-folds I have from him are great.
http://henrycarter.com.au/products-page/ties/silk/forest-green-woven-floral/

 

[Fwiffo]

I have an RLBL necktie that is black with gold/silver type diamonds. I pair it with charcoal grey and mid grey suits with white shirts. Now, however, I'm worried that I'm committing a faux pas. I bought it from StyleForum (back when I was enamoured with RLBL). Is it time to throw it out or keep it for the late night events? (I have proper black tie).

 

[Chorn]

Picture?

 

[Zé Ferreira]

I think Black w/ a mid-grey suit (especially if it has a dark Glen running through it, ala Connery from Goldfinger) is perfectly fine.

 

[Fwiffo]

Cheers - I bought a lot of stupid things when I was in the RLBL worship phase.

 

[Grand Potentate]

Fwiffo Still want a pic of this thing when you check back In next week

 

[Fwiffo]

How do you know I check back in week to week? I left the tie in my flat - will go get it. Actually the forum's text editor drives my mobile nuts so that's why I have only been posting when I get in front of a PC.

 

[Grand Potentate]

How do you know I check back in week to week? I left the tie in my flat - will go get it. Actually the forum's text editor drives my mobile nuts so that's why I have only been posting when I get in front of a PC.

Really? What mobile OS? And what problems does it give?