Neckties Through the Ages | How Wide Should a Tie Be?
Updated February 21, 2017 | Factmonster Staff 
How Wide Should a Tie Be?
by David Johnson |
| NECKTIES THROUGH THE AGES | |
| Introduction • 210 B.C. China's First Emperor • 113 A.D. Did Romans Wear Ties? • 17th Century Croatian Cravats for the King of France Cravats Go to England Real Men Wear Lace • 18th Century Cowboy Bandannas from India Sailing the Seven Seas • 19th Century Business Suit Takes Shape Cambridge & Oxford School Ties Ties Fit for Officers and Gentlemen Bow Ties Center Stage A Tie Singing Dixie Lord Byron's Legacy Women Tie the Knot, Too! • 20th Century Paris Presents Designer Ties Celebrities & Rock Stars Ascots Cross Finish Line Bolo: The Tie That Won the West Turtleneck: The Anti-Tie |
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With some variations, the standard width of a necktie has remained standard throughout the 20th century. The 1930s gangster look featured wide ties, which reappeared during the 1960s, when ties drew to 5 inches in width. In the 1950s, skinny ties with square ends were in vogue for a while.
Since ties should be in proportion to shirt collars and suit lapels, therefore some fluctuation in width can be expected. However, ties should generally be 3 ¼ inches across at the widest point. The tie then tapers off to the short end.
Ties are available between 52 and 58 inches long. Tall men or those using a Windsor knot may need custom-made ties. When knotted both ends of the necktie should reach the belt. While each end should be roughly the same length, the wider part may be slightly longer.
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