How long should your tie be?
One of the more quirky trends noticeable at the Pitti Uomo men’s fashion trade show this summer was the lengthening of men’s neckties. The typical rule of thumb is that the tip of the necktie should hit at the beginning of the belt and never below. This classic look has dominated tie wearing for decades.
Fashion, however, is constantly evolving and one of the new trends seen in Italy and increasingly around the globe is the wearing of a longer, narrower necktie. The narrowing of the necktie follows on the trend of narrower waisted, slim fitted suits. But in this new necktie look, the blade (the widest part on the front of the tie) falls below the belt and the tail may or may not hang even lower.
This brazen breaking of a classic rule of thumb has the fashion world abuzz. Some argue that this new, longer look reflects the spirit of sprezzatura, the Italian art of dressing with casual elegance and nonchalance.
Others, however, suggest that the trend has been taken too far and that rather than looking stylish and elegant, the overly long tie makes the wearer look disheveled and sartorially inept.
Who’s right?
We want to hear your opinion. Would you wear the Sky Blue and Navy striped tie at or below the belt? Do you like this new longer tie trend or do you think it looks unkempt?