Material: 100% silk. Sometimes the seasons allow you to make some changes. If you’re wearing heavier, thicker materials like tweed or corduroy then a wool tie would be suitable. If you’re wearing a lighter material like linen or cotton in the spring or summer you can wear a cotton tie. Silk though is a year round material and is always a safe choice.
Proportion: Always remember the devil is in the details. Your tie is one of the weapons in your arsenal that should anchor your outfit. If you are wearing one with a suit you have to consider width. Your tie should be proportionate with your lapels. The widest part of your tie should match the widest part of your lapel. Steer clear of the super wide ties that make you look like an 80’s used car salesman. Also, super skinny ties are wack too. I don’t have any witty insight or pithy jokes on why they are; they just are.
Length: The tip of your tie should always sit EXACTLY at the top of your belt buckle. Not two inches above or three inches below. There are no exceptions for this one fellas.
Bowties: Bowties aren’t for the rookie; you need a certain sense of confidence to pull one off. But once you get it bow ties are a great change up for your repertoire. No clip-ons though.