The rule may seem ridiculous to some but there is a reason why the classic guideline of keeping your tie width and lapel width roughly the same exists. Let’s look at a couple of examples.
Exhibit A: Skinny Tie/Wide Lapels
As you may have noticed his wide lapels were probably the first thing your eyes locked onto. Thats because the skinny tie exaggerates it’s size. It also pulls the eyes in toward the tie and not up toward the face which is where you want them. The wide peak lapels paired with the skinny tie also makes his chest seem wider and if you’re body type is already on the wide or short side this doesn’t do you any favors.
Exhibit B: Wide Tie/Narrow Lapels
This combination has the opposite effect, The tie, because of the amount of surface area it covers, is where the eyes start and move outward to the lapels and once again not up. Although he seems to have the back of his tie showing in this picture which makes it look like one big tie, you get the point. Other than that, it’s a great outfit.
Putting together a well proportioned outfit is all about balance and this time honored bit of sartorial knowledge still holds true. Remember that all eyes should rest on those pearly whites…or whatever you got.
