How to Positively Stand Out When Dressing for Black Tie Events

Traditionally Black Tie attire has quite a uniform look. While the sartorialist may appreciate this classic and timeless ensemble, the fashion forward oriented male may think of classic black tie as too standardized and boring. Even though men going to black tie functions should adhere to the basics that make up the ensemble there are ways to create a more unique and personal look. Below are a few tips how to customize your black tie outfit.

A Note on the Basics
Black Tie means that you should dress in a tuxedo and a bow tie. Most common are solid black tuxedos, even though a dark midnight blue color is also acceptable. The dress shirt has to be bright white and should be made for the occasion. For more information on black tie dress shirts please also view our article on Tuxedo Dress Shirts. The bow tie should be solid black (or midnight blue if the dark blue tuxedo is chosen) and patternless.

Creating Unique Style for Black Tie Dress
The key to create your own personal character lies in the little things. When looking at the jacket you can chose different lapel styles, for example. While the peak lapel is the classic, and probably the style most men will choose, the shawl lapel will create a unique touch. Next, think about the dress shirt. You can choose different collar styles as well as pleated and non-pleated fronts. If a pleated front shirt is chosen then do not wear a waistcoat but a cummerbund - two other accessories that are perfect to distinguish your ensemble from everyone else's.

Besides the classic clothing pieces there are some accessories you may want to consider. The most common one are cufflinks and shirt stud buttons. If you choose to wear these, then make sure they match in color and design. Still not enough of a "unique" look? Then how about adding a pocket watch (worn only with a waistcoat) as well as the opera scarf. The opera scarf is never tied but worn loosely over the shoulders. It is a clothing item that men traditionally wore so that they could offer it to their date during the Opera intermission. Then there are different types of footwear ranging from classic oxfords to patent leather slip-ons.

Other Suggested Reading:
Semi-Formal Attire for Men
Mens Dress Codes

Your Cheap Neck Ties Team

$10 Off Coupons at Cheap-Neckties.com

Dear visitor, for an even better deal on your next tie order we suggest you use one of the coupons below. Simply enter one of these codes during the checkout process and $10 will be deducted from your order. Please note that each coupon only works once, and once it has been used is no longer valid. Therefore, don't wait to place your order! In addition only one coupon can be used per order and a minimum orders size of $20 is necessary for coupons to work. We look forward to earn your business.

Coupon Codes:
DRG632
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Your Cheap Neckties Team

New Bow Tie Colors Now in Stock

Dear valued customer, we at Cheap-Neckties have added a few new colors for our solid colored bow ties. New in the selection are two new shades of green (mint green, and dark hunter green), light lavender purple, a bright yellow, as well as a champagne cream color. To view the entire selection please click on: Bow Ties. Every bow tie is pre-tied and has a standard bow tie spread of 2.5 inches. The length of the bows are adjustable to accommodate any neck size. We also carry the matching handkerchief for each bow tie. To view these please click: Pocket Squares. For larger bulk orders please contact us for wholesale pricing.

Your Cheap-Neckties Team

Wearing Sports Jackets in Business

Nowadays most businessmen look for comfort in their work clothes. Even though comfort is wanted, it is equally important to keep an overall elegant and professional look. While in some industries the ensemble of Suit & Tie may be seen as overdressed and stuffy, the sport jacket may serve as a perfect alternative. Here are a few tips on how to wear and combine a sports jacket.

You can always dress down the classic suit by taking only the jacket and pairing it with a polo shirt, tie-less dress shirt, or turtleneck sweater. Even though this does create a more relaxed look, it does not provide the comfort and casual elegance a sports jacket would.

When shopping for a sports jacket there are a few things to keep in mind. Both, two and three-button jackets are popular styles while the latter is more popular among a younger and more youthful audience. Next, the sleeve length is a touch longer than it is on the traditional 2-piece suit. Having slightly longer sleeves not only compliments the longer cut of the sports coat, but covering the shirt cuffs also creates a more relaxed body language. Finally, you want to consider the fabric. More casual are rougher weaves such as tweed or worsted wool. The more delicate the fabric and finer the pattern the dressier it will look.

Further Suggested Reading:
Dress Shirt Fabrics
Stype Tips for Casual Fridays

Your Cheap Neck Ties Team

$5 Necktie Sale until January 27th, 2010

Dear valued customer, we are currently offering some of our popular spring and summer ties on sale for just $5. Usually most of these ties will sell in our $10 category. Shipping will still be free for all orders over $100. No additional discounts are available for ties sold at $5. Please note that this promotion will end on Wednesday, January 27th. To see the entire selection please visit our Ties for $5 category page.

Your Cheap-Neckties.com Team

Our Selection of Solid Ties in Yellow, Orange, Red, and Burgundy

Dear valued customer and visitor, we at Cheap-Neckties have recently expanded our selection of solid color ties that are handmade from 100% silk. Each and every tie from this collection is made with much attention to detail. The fine silk has brilliant shine and a soft feel. A slightly thicker inlay is used for these ties which adds nice texture to the fabric and gives the tie perfect drape. In addition it ensures that the tie will go back into its original, wrinkle-free shape after each wearing. The ties pictured above are the actual ties that we carry in the colors yellow, amber, orange, red, and burgundy. For a larger view of each tie please click on your favorite tie from below. Should you be looking for larger/bulk orders then please also inquire about our wholesale and re-seller pricing.



We at Cheap neckties hope you find the perfect matching tie. Still not finding the perfect color? Then tell us what you are looking for and one of our designers will create some swatches for you. We even match pantone and PMS colors. For custom orders we usually need a 4-5 week lead time.

Your Cheap-Neckties.com Team

Common Fabrics for Mens Dress Shirts

The most common textile used for mens dress shirts is cotton. It is a fabric that is comfortable, breathable, and for the most part Hypoallergenic. Cotton is not just cotton however. Different weaving techniques, using different cotton yarns, and the finishing creates a wide range of different cotton fabrics. Below are the four most common fabric styles used on mens dress shirts.

Cotton Twill
Cotton twill is recognizable by its diagonal ribbed texture. It is a fabric that has a nice texture and slightly thicker feel. It is perfect for those looking for added warms and comfort without sacrificing formality. If an occasion requires you to wear a solid colored shirt, such as a job interview or a first day at a new office, then the cotton twill shirt will do it with flair and style.

Broadcloth
When compared to cotton twill, broadcloth fabric is much finer. Broadcloth is made from very fine cotton yarn - meaning cotton yarn that has a very small diameter. The fabric is woven so tightly that it has great shine. For that reason shirts made from broadcloth as usually word for more formal events. It is a popular shirt choice for tuxedo shirts worn for black tie events. Another type of broadcloth worth mentioning is the so called "End-on-end Broadcloth". It is a particular broadcloth fabric that alternates yarns in two different colors. Because the fabric is woven so tightly most end-on-end fabrics look like solod color from just a few feet away, but a closer look reveals this very intricate fabric weave and color combination.

Oxford Cloth
Oxford cloth is very easy to distinguish from other fabric weaves. Traditionally oxford cloth has a coarse look and feel, and a pattern that reminds of a very fine check pattern. Because of the coarse look oxford cloth is usually associated with a more casual dress shirt style. Most common is the button down collar in combination with oxford cloth. Two other types of oxford cloth worth mentioning are "pin-point oxford cloth, and "royal oxford" cloth. The first is finer than standard oxford and the second is even finer again. Oxford cloth dress shirt, particula ones made with button down collar, set a perfect base for traditional striped tie and so-called British regimental ties.

Poplin
Poplin usually has a heavier weight and is a perfect fabric for men's dress shirts worn during the colder months of the year. Unlike oxford cloth, poplin has a much smoother and softer feel. This soft feel and thick texture is created by using a fine yearn for the warp and a thicker yarn for the weft when weaving. Poplin dress shirts are usually associated with slightly more casual dress. It is a fabric that is perfect for patterned dress shirts - be it stripes, birds-eye, or intricate check patterns.

Other Suggested Reading:
Shopping Guide for Pin Striped Suits
Matching Neckties with Plaid Suit

Your Cheap-Neckties Team - Cheap Mens Ties on the Internet

Popular Polka Dot Ties for this Year's Winter Fashion

Neckties with intricate polka dot patterns have become quite popular in the past few years. Especially popular are smaller polka dot patterns in classic colors such as burgundy, navy, gray, and black. Below are four of our most popular polka dot ties which are out of our recently released winter 2009/2010 collection. Each tie is handmade from finest Jacquard woven Italian silk. The ties have a thick and heavy feel, and gives off a lustrous shine. For more information on each tie, such as suggestions on how to match the tie to shirt and suit, please click on your favorite necktie below.



General Matching Tips for Polka Dot Ties
Modern polka dot ties have a small and intricate pattern - much different from the original polka dot design first used by Walt Disney to dress Mickey Mouse. Matching these modern polka dot designs is quite simple. As a general rule: Match patterns on different clothing items that are different in size. A great outfit for any of the ties above is a dress shirt with a larger check pattern as well as a suit that is either solid or has delicate pin stripes. For more matching tips we also suggest you read our guide on: Matching Ties

Your Cheap Neckties team

Sample Outfit for a Job Interview

If part of your New Year's resolution is to find a new job, then knowing how to properly dress for a job interview will have a big impact on your success. Like it or not, impressions are formed withing the first few seconds of meeting someone. The type of clothes you wear, eye contact, handshake, and personal hygiene are the four main things that you can use to create a favorable first impression.

Good eye contact - meaning one that is friendly and confident rather than a creepy stare - as well as a firm handshake is a must. When it comes to your clothing, you want to create a professional impression that is elegant, somewhat conservative, and not too stylish and/or flashy. Suit and tie is almost always the ideal choice - even if the job doesn't requite you to wear this type of business uniform. The best suits are patternless and either dark blue or charcoal gray in color. The dress shirt should be solid white and freshly pressed, and the necktie should add color and contrast but without being too overpowering. The best necktie colors for a job interview are navy blue and burgundy. As far as patterns are concerned, choose simple diagonal stripes or fine foulard patterns. Stay away from big-picture ties (also known as novelty ties), ties in very bright and flashy colors, as well ties made from materials other than silk or silk imitations such as leather or wool.

We at Cheap-Neckties put a timelessly classic outfit together for you (see picture at the top). The charcoal gray suit and solid white dress shirt are classic, conservative, and instantly will create a professional and mature impression. The burgundy tie adds just enough color to add some contrast to the outfit and the narrow stripes in amber and navy add a lively, not too flashy touch.

Good luck on your job search!

For More Related Readings we Suggest:
Job Interview Dress Code
Basic Job Interview Attire for Men

Popular Ties Back in Stock by the End of Next Week

Dear valued customer, if you have purchased a tie from us in the past, but can no longer find it on our website, then this means that the tie is currently sold out. Most of the time this is only temporary, and the tie will re-appear as soon as it is back in stock. We at Cheap-Neckties are expecting several shipments from our suppliers and designers this coming week. Over the Holidays many of our most popular designs and colors have sold out. Our slightly depleted inventory will be fully restocked by the end of next week. In the meantime, this link will direct you to all our currently Sold Out Ties.

Your Cheap Neckties Team

Men's Fashion 2010: New Colors

The start of a new year usually signals the entry of new movements and trends in men's fashion. That, however, rarely means a complete wardrobe overhaul. Most of the time, getting on board the newest bandwagon of male style simply requires the purchase of a few items that will update your existing repertoire of clothes. With 2010 now upon you, it's high time to give some thought about the new entries to your wardrobe.

Bright Shirts
It's a widely held notion that men's fashion tends to lean on the drab side as a means of adhering to 'classic' styles. That's part of the reason why plain white shirts and plain black shoes hold their place of honor in every man's wardrobe. Some novelty is on the horizon, however, as brightly colored shirts will be an emerging trend in the next few seasons.

Men shy away from color for a number of reasons. Some see it as an effeminate aspect of clothing, while others simply don't know how to wear any color other than black, white or gray. This emergence of strong, bright colors is not without purpose. When done right, it adds life and energy to any old outfit that would otherwise have been humdrum.

The trick to pulling off a bright shirted style is to allow your shirt to be the star of your outfit. Keep the rest of your look to simple, nondescript pieces, and that goes for every item from your eyeglasses to your shoe laces. Giving the spotlight to the eye-catching hue means giving it the attention that it's meant to get, while at the same time avoiding any clashing or possible eyesore that it could create with other pieces you're wearing.

Lively Pocket Squares
If men's fashion as a whole already leans in a not-so-interesting direction, then the office attire segment is even more drab than the usual. Considering the kinds of dress codes that are usually imposed in offices, you're not left with a lot of space to dress up creatively.

One way that you could add some life into an office ensemble that's dull as dishwater is to tuck a patterned pocket square into your front jacket pocket instead of the usual solid white fabric. Plaids and checks are becoming increasingly common in men's boutiques, and fashion observers are taking notice. Buy yourself a set of five, wear one a day to the office and watch as your colleagues try to spot the imperceptible difference in your look.

Remember, however, that pocket squares have very little visual real estate, so keep its competition to a minimum. Like what you would do with the brightly colored shirt, the lively pocket square must be paired with simple style pieces to achieve maximum effect.

Brown Accessories
For decades, black leather has maintained its dominance in the accessories segment of men's fashion. Whether it's a pair of lace-ups or a tote bag for the office, odds are good that you own it in black leather. You may, however, want to change that position for 2010, as brown is beginning to steal the thunder that once belonged to black.

It's been an ongoing trend for the last few months, and it's highly likely that brown leather accessories will enter the year 2010 in the spotlight. More and more men are switching allegiance over to brown (for now, at least) as a pleasant break from all the black. And why not? It's as traditional and classic as black, and has a similarly rich heritage rooted in centuries of menswear. In short, it's just as good as any other color, if not better.

A big part of the trend began when men began wearing brown shoes and belts instead of black ones with gray suits as a more traditional and sartorial choice. Now that the range of the selection has expanded, though, don't be surprised if you see magazines and store displays putting brown belts and shoes on everything from gray suits to denim jeans. It takes some getting used to, but it strikes a particularly dapper cord in any outfit.

You May Also Like to Read:
Matching a Pink Dress Shirt
Floral Ties in Lavender and Purple

Your Cheap Neck Ties Team

How to Match a Pink Dress Shirt with Suit and Tie

If you think that pink is not a color for men's business attire, then you may want to think again. Pink is a color that will add a fresh look to any shirt and suit, and if combined properly, is well suited for even a more conservative office environment. First of all, pink shirts and neckties should only be worn during the spring and summer - preferable also on a sunny day. Next, consider how conservative of an outfit you would like to create. Our example above is a perfect match for the slightly more traditional "suit & tie" wearer. The light rose-pink dress shirt adds subtle style to the conservative navy-blue suit. The narrow pink stripes in the dark blue tie perfectly bring the colors of shirt and suit together. It is a classic-elegant outfit that is perfect for spring and summer. The outfit is stylish, yet not too flashy.

You Might Also Like:
Matching Striped Shirt and Striped Tie
How to Match Shirt and Ties

Your Cheap Neck Ties Team

New Collection of Neckties with Plaid Check Pattern

Dear customer and visitor, we are excited to announce another new necktie collection that combines a trendy plaid pattern with modern colors. All ties out of this collection are handmade from 100% silk. For matching tips on each tie please read below. To see a larger image of each tie, and or to purchase one of these ties, please click on your tie from below.

This orange tie gives off a brilliant, almost golden, shine. The plaid check pattern adds gray, white, and royal blue to the bright color of this tie. This tie looks best in all four season of the year. In the spring and summer we suggest to wear this tie with solid light blue dress shirt, beige colored suit, and brown shoes. For the later part of the year we recommend a light gray dress shirt with subtle herringbone fabric weave, and a navy blue suit. This tie is handmade from pure Italian silk.





The violet-purple background color of this tie is complimented with a plaid pattern in colors white, gray, and magenta. Just as the orange tie above, this tie can be worn in spring as much as in fall and winter. For the warmer months of the year we prefer to wear this tie with rose-pink dress shirt and a light gray suit. For the fall and winter we suggest darker color shades and thicker fabrics on shirt and suit. A great way to wear this tie for the later part of the year: gray flannel pants, white and gray striped dress shirt, and a charcoal gray sports jacket.




The metallic green background color of this tie is paired with a check pattern in colors olive-green, royal blue, and white. It is a tie that looks best in the fall and winter season. This tie will add all the color you will need. We therefore suggest to wear this tie with subtle and classic shirt and suit colors and patterns. A great outfit for this tie: beige dress pants, olive-brown sport coat or blazer jacket, and a narrow striped dress shirt in either white and blue or white and gray.







Your Cheap Neckties Team

Save $10 on Your Next Tie Order

Dear valued customer, even though we already offer the lowest prices on men's neckties and bow ties on the internet we decided to offer additional discounts for this years Holiday season. Below is a list of coupons that will save you an additional $10 on your next tie order with us. Simply write one of these coupons down and enter it during check-out. $10 will automatically be taken off from your order. Please be aware that each coupon can only be used once, a $20 min order size is necessary, and only one coupon can be used per order. We are looking forward to earn your business. Enjoy your shopping!

$10 Coupon Codes:
TZY615
TZX856
RMT178

Your Cheap Neckties Team

The Men's Guide to Khaki Pants

Khakis in men's fashion are often viewed as a "go-between" clothing choice when you don’t want the stricture of dress pants, and jeans may just be too casual. Wearing them, however, involves a few more considerations than merely throwing on the first pair of neutral pants you find in your closet. Whether you're planning on dressing for casual Fridays or for a Saturday lunch, khakis requires its own rules of style.

Formal Khakis?
When you have a clothing item as wide spread as khaki pants, it can be challenging to fit this more casual look into a formal outfit. The color and fabric are one of the most important considerations when pairing kahis to a slightly more formal outfit. Khakis comes in an extremely wide variety of colors from almost chocolate brown to cream-white. One rule of thumb is to keep lighter shades and thicker/stiffer fabrics for more casual occasions, while darker pairs and more delicate fabrics are good for formal situations. Faded shades are thus okay for weekends out with the family, while a crisp and freshly ironed pair in a darker hue is what you’ll need for the office. Proper fit is another good yardstick for formality. Longer pants – ones with a little bit of break – are fine for the office, as long as the fabric doesn’t bag around your ankles.

Modern Twists
Khakis have been in men’s fashion for over one hundred years, and sticking to some of the more traditional styles is rarely a good idea today. Numerous brands and designers have reinvented the age-old khaki. While colors and fabrics haven't changed much it is the tailoring that will differentiate a modern from an out dated pair of pants. Pockets that slant forward, for example, are more modern while straight cut pockets are from yesterday. Loose and baggy cuts were once a khaki signature from the 1990s while today's cut is fitted at the waistline and upper leg and slightly more loose near the bottom.

A Perfect Cuff
Rolling the pants hem up to a cuff is a bit more complicated than you might imagine. You want to avoid the severe and perfect folds of, say, denim, while at the same time keeping the cuff looking neat as a whole. When you roll your khakis up into a cuff – something to be done only in casual occasions – you’ll want to maintain the no-fuss vibe of the fabric.

Fold up about an inch of the fabric two to three times without pressing on the folds or in any way evening them out. That should give you a fairly rough cuff. To achieve that unstudied effect, give each cuff a good scrunching around so that they’re truly uneven.

Khakis are ubiquitous and classic pieces in the modern repertoire of men’s fashion, and are style pieces that you definitely shouldn’t go without. Invest in two or three pairs of varying formality, and don’t be afraid to splurge on high-quality material; the right pairs can last you a decade of stylish service.

Other Suggested Readings
Mens Guide to Wearing Pink
Casual Fridays Style Tips

Your Cheap Neck Ties Team