Wearing a vintage tie: this is how you choose and combine a good one

Wearing a vintage tie is a simple way to give an outfit more character. The width, print and proportions can be clearly different from modern ties. As a result, a vintage piece works best when you combine it with a shirt and jacket that match in scale.

What makes a tie vintage?

A striking print or wide shape does not automatically make a tie old. To better estimate a period, look at several characteristics: brand label, material indication, width, construction, pattern and finish.

When in doubt, it is better to describe a tie as vintage style or retro than to come up with an exact date.

Width determines a lot of the appearance

Vintage ties can be significantly wider than many modern models. This can look very logical, especially with a large-collar shirt or jacket with wider lapels.

A very wide tie under an extremely narrow modern jacket can be unbalanced. Therefore, do not just look at the tie itself, but at the relationship between the collar and lapel.

How long should a tie be?

In a classic outfit, the point should end approximately around the top or middle of the belt buckle. For trousers without a belt, use the waistband as a visual reference.

Read for the full explanation how should a tie fit?.

Which prints do you often see with vintage ties?

Paisley, diagonal stripes, small geometric motifs, floral patterns and abstract designs are common. Some older ties are very calm and even.

A print does not have to be exuberant to be interesting. The combination of color, width and design determines the character.

Vintage tie with plain shirt

This is the easiest combination. A white, light blue or cream shirt gives a bold tie plenty of space.

With a colorful vintage tie you can use one color from the pattern in the jacket or waistcoat.

Vintage tie with print shirt

That's fine, but pay attention to scale. For example, a finely striped shirt works with a larger paisley or wider diagonal stripe.

Two cartridges of almost the same size can become restless. Also read print shirt men: this is how you combine prints.

Vintage tie with jacket

At one jacket look at lapel width, color and fabric. A wide vintage tie often feels more natural with a classic or older jacket than with a very narrow modern model.

Tweed, corduroy and other structured fabrics often combine beautifully with matte or richly patterned ties.

Vintage tie with waistcoat

One waistcoat makes the outfit classic. The tie should fall completely behind the waistcoat and not protrude from the bottom.

If you have a busy waistcoat, you would rather choose a quieter tie. With a plain waistcoat, the tie may have more pattern.

Which knot works for vintage ties?

That depends on thickness and width. A four-in-hand uses relatively little fabric and works with many ties. A Windsor makes a larger knot and can quickly become too heavy with a thick vintage tie.

Pay particular attention to the space between the collar points of your shirt.

What do you look for in the state?

Check a second-hand tie for:

• wear along the edges;
• stains on the front;
• loose seams;
• damage around the knot zone;
• deformation or persistent wrinkles;
• a damaged or loose lining.

Do not guess material

A smooth fabric is not automatically silk and a matte tie is not automatically wool. With vintage ties, material can be difficult to determine by feel.

That is why we only accept material at EcoGents when the label or another reliable source confirms this.

How do you store a vintage tie?

Undo the button after wearing. Hang the tie loose or carefully roll it up. Do not leave an old button in place for days as this can cause permanent wrinkling and deformation.

For cleaning: follow the label and be careful with water and heat. Professional cleaning is often safer for delicate materials.

Vintage ties at EcoGents

EcoGents has a large changing collection second hand and vintage ties. Precisely because there are many different widths, prints and periods, you can choose a tie that really matches your shirt, waistcoat and jacket.