The necktie is a staple item in any man’s wardrobe.
Fact.
Most 21st century men own at least one necktie. Even if they don’t frequently use it their necktie is tucked away somewhere ready to be worn when the need arises.
Weddings. Funerals. Fancy Dinners. Interviews.
The necktie has become the go to item for ‘dressing up’ on special occasions where a more formal look is required.
Why is this?
Simple – it adds a final touch to the suit and tie by securing the outfit’s formality and providing a well put together aesthetic.
As men we leverage this garment for its versatility and safety. You can wear it to most formal events and look good – no questions asked.
But here’s the thing – the necktie isn’t the only accessory men can leverage to complete their formal outfits.
In fact – I’m here to tell you about 5 awesome alternatives to the traditional necktie.
Take note gentleman – here we go.
Contents:
The Bowtie
Probably the best known necktie alternative.
The bow tie is a smaller and neater garment some men might opt for when trying to dress up an otherwise regular outfit.
But what makes it different to the standard necktie most men would wear with their suits?
Style and versatility.
The bow tie is a completely different style of garment to the necktie.
How?
Although it fulfils the same purpose in many ways, the bow tie is far more divided in its uses than the versatile necktie.
A necktie will look great with a wedding suit and also great with a smart casual get up. The same tie can be worn at a job interview and at a family party.
On the other hand – a bowtie is more selective in its uses.
To create a unique look for the office you could pair a patterned bow tie with a plain suit. However – this look is strictly reserved for more relaxed offices.
If you work in a creative space for a modern company then give a bow tie a try – paired with a more casual oxford shirt and textured blazer.
If you work in a more business driven office you might want to think twice.
You could seem out of place when wearing a bow tie if the expectation is business wear. Men shouldn’t all dress like clones – but if there is a particular way of doing things in an office it isn’t always a good idea to go against that.
In a complete contrast – a plain black bowtie can also heighten the formality of an otherwise regular suit.
If you are attending a highly formal event – a wedding or gala for example – then a bowtie can look very classy and sophisticated. Make sure your bowtie of choice is plain and dark in colour.
The reason for this? Bow ties have been worn for over a hundred years in the most formal of settings – from national celebrations to royal engagements.
The history of the garment makes it very suited to high class affairs and is considered the original definition of ‘black tie’.
The Ascot Tie
The ascot tie is a less common alternative to the necktie.
Let’s face it – the ascot is kind of a stereotype of high class men.
However the ascot can actually be an interesting way to add color and patterns to your smart-casual outfit.
You’ve just got to style it right.
Instead of being worn underneath the fold in your collar like a traditional necktie – the ascot is tied around your neck underneath the shirt and puffed out between the top few buttons.
We’ve all felt strangled by a traditional necktie on a hot day.
Good news – the ascot sits gently around the neck and isn’t worn too tight. Great for summer weathers and hotter climates.
Let’s be honest – wearing one to the office is a no go. The ascot is best showcased as part of a smart casual summer outfit – it isn’t work wear and should be reserved for friendlier environments.
Descended from British horse racing tradition the ascot tie was traditionally worn when attending the races at the Ascot Racetrack. A very formal event catering for Britain’s social elite during the 17th century.
In the modern day, the ascot is sometimes worn in formal settings and events. In fact, there is some military history to the ascot tie – seen in blue as part of the US Navy full dress whites.
For the everyday man the ascot can be a good statement piece to add color and variety to a smart casual outfit. Pair your ascot tie with a plain white shirt, jeans and wingtip shoes.
You could also add a sports jacket if the occasion calls for it – just avoid pairing a patterned ascot with a vibrant pocket square. If you wear the ascot as a statement piece it should be the only stand out garment in your outfit.
The Bolo Tie
For this one gents – we’re heading to the western states.
You might recognise the bolo tie as the preferred choice of western movie stars. Think Clint Eastwood or Sam Elliot.
The bolo tie is definitely the most masculine alternative to the traditional necktie.
Gents – we all wanna feel like a cowboy in our business suits.
Masculine and confidents – the bolo tie provides the perfect balance between formality and masculinity. Kind of the complete opposite to the ascot tie – rugged manliness and working class roots.
Don’t be fooled though – it isn’t all that easy to pull off this necktie alternative.
Clint Eastwood can do it effortlessly – but he’s a western icon.
As a regular guy you’re gonna need a bit more guidance.
First off – know your location.
If you’re working in the South you’ll have seen the bolo tie worn pretty frequently. Widely considered a staple of South Western business wear.
So much so that Arizona and Texas have both made this garment their state’s official tie in recent years.
Secondly – know your design.
Probably the most basic of necktie alternatives – the bolo tie consists of a decorative clasp holding together a braided leather cord.
Doesn’t sound too formal does it? Well that’s where you’re wrong.
The ornamental nature of the bolo tie’s clasp means that valuable metals and precious jewels can form part of its construction.
For a formal bolo tie – choose a basic design without too many different colors and patterns. If you’re going black tie avoid color all together and go monochrome.
The bolo tie can be worn in a variety of situations – you just need to make sure you choose the right one to suit formality and atmosphere.
The Silk Scarf
Similar to the ascot – this necktie alternative brings with it some upper class charm.
A silk scarf can be a great addition to a relaxed formal outfit.
Typically seen at formal events – the silk scarf often replaces the more formal use of the bow tie.
Is this a necktie alternative for the office? No.
Is this a good alternative for higher tiered events like weddings? Yes.
Gents – think about a wedding reception hall. What are all the guys wearing?
Neckties or bow ties – right?
Unlike when at the office, attending a wedding is a perfect opportunity to leverage style to stand out from the crowd.
Choose a silk scarf to do this.
The vibrant colour and lux material is immediately going to set you apart from the rest. You’ll look stylish, sophisticated and actually pretty wealthy too.
To style it right, wear your silk scarf draped loosely around your shirt collar and underneath your suit jacket. You should have the top 2 buttons of your shirt undone and your jack button fastened.
The aim is to create a casual hint to your formal outfit – showing your relaxed side while also maintaining respect for the formal event you’re attending.
The Popped Collar
Guys – no alternative is comfier than an open collar shirt.
A necktie is often a requirement in offices and formal events. It’s unavoidable.
But let’s face it – sometime’s it’s just too hot for a tie of any kind.
Here’s the thing gents – if you wear a full matching suit and dress shoes, sometimes you can pull off the open collar as a necktie alternative.
It’s true. Not all offices and places of work are gonna call you out on losing the necktie.
A general rule here is to feel the room.
Look at your manager. Look at your manager’s boss. Have you ever seen them not wear a necktie?
If the answer is ‘yes’ then you might be in luck.
Losing the necktie can be a tricky business – look around your office and see what the deal is. If you see colleagues rocking the unbuttoned look then give it a try yourself.
The trick is to be very aware of other people.
If you start to get funny looks after taking it off, chances are you’re overstepping the mark. Put that tie back on ASAP.
The same deal applies to any event where a tie is ‘expected’. If others are going for it then try your hand at the open collar. If you’re the only one – keep a spare in your trunk for emergency suit ups.
And one final tip: black tie means black tie. You can’t afford to push the boundaries on super formal occasions so don’t even try.
No one wants to ruin a bride’s big day by going against the rules.
Keep it smart – gents. Good luck.
Tony Heathfield 