Our most popular tie patterns revealed!
A patterned tie does more than complete your outfit, it’s an extension of your personality. Whether you’re dressing up for an important meeting, celebrating a milestone, or want to elevate your everyday style, the pattern on your tie speaks volumes. But how do you choose the right tie pattern for the occasion?
This guide will walk you through why tie patterns matter, how to choose the perfect design for any occasion, and reveal our most popular patterns to simplify your decision-making process.
Necktie and bow tie patterns are far from an afterthought. They’re often the first thing someone notices about your outfit. A well-chosen tie pattern can enhance your look, reflect your personality, and even spark meaningful conversations. Matching your tie pattern to the occasion instantly hones your style while staying appropriate.
Every event has its own vibe, and so should your tie. For instance:
In the most serious of formal settings, it may be best to keep it traditional with classic stripes, subtle dots, textural prints, or neat geometric patterns in safe, more tame colors like navy, maroon, emerald, gold, or grey. These tie patterns communicate professionalism without being distracting.
More laid back occasions call for experimenting with playful designs like whimsical florals, plaids, or novelty prints that highlight your hobbies and interests. These patterns show your fun side and make you approachable and intriguing which may lead to you making a few friends! Have fun with your color palette in these settings and don't be afraid of a pop color.
Think luxe, with intricate paisley patterns or more elegant ornate prints. It's okay to be bold with your color choices in these settings, so don't shy away from striking tones like rich cobalt blue or deep magenta. Accentuate your pattern with hints of gold or metal inspired hues for a sophisticated finish.
Your choice of tie says a lot about who you are. The right pattern bridges the gap between your style preferences and the message you want to convey. Which persona do you most identify with?
Opt for clean designs like faux textures or two color dots or geometric patterns with thin linework.
Bold florals motifs, fun retro patterns, or conversational prints featuring things you're passionate about can showcase your vibrant personality.
Go for the classics like collegiate stripes, uniform dots, or timeless paisleys.
Wearing a distinctive tie pattern can turn into a great icebreaker. Whether it’s a quirky print or an eye catching color palette, people are bound to notice and compliment. For instance, an outdoorsy inspired tie with stripes made of aspen trees could resonate with a fellow nature lover. A beer glasses design could catch the eye of a fellow home brewer or craft beer lover. A space themed pattern could strike up a conversation about the latest conspiracies or developments in intergalactic exploration. This not only makes a strong first impression but also demonstrates your attention to detail. You'll leave a lasting memory as "the person with the awesome tie."
Now that we’ve covered why patterns matter, here’s a simple guide to zero in on what works for you:
Take a quick inventory of your shirts and suits. Are they mostly neutral, or do you lean toward bold colors? If your outfits are neutral, you’ll have more freedom to experiment with statement patterns. Conversely, if your wardrobe already features bold prints, go for subtle tie designs to balance things out.
When mixing patterns, pay attention to scale:
This creates harmony without overwhelming the eyes.
Ensure your tie complements your wardrobe or matches the event's color scheme with ease using our ColorMatch chart. Featuring over 500 color options printed directly on our tie fabric, it allows you to select the perfect shade in person. Say goodbye to the uncertainty of screen colors not matching reality—our chart gives you confidence in your color choices.
Patterns can also reflect the season, and this should be a key consideration when selecting a tie design.
In Spring, embrace fresh, vibrant patterns like gingham, polka dots, or dainty floral designs. Bright colors on cheerful prints mirror the blooming flowers and sense of rejuvenation during this season. Additional examples include pastel stripes, soft watercolor-inspired prints, or patterns featuring butterflies, birds, or greenery.
For Summer, opt for bold, playful designs such as lush floral prints or tropical motifs like palm leaves. Patterns inspired by your favorite outdoor activities, like hiking, biking, or paddle boarding, work great too. Other summer-friendly designs include nautical stripes, pineapples, beach-inspired prints, or abstract wave patterns, all perfect for evoking a fun, relaxed vibe under the sun.
In Fall, transition into warmer, richer tones with patterns like plaid, houndstooth, or dried florals. Deeper earthy colors are ideal, reflecting the changing leaves and cozy atmosphere. Additional fall-friendly patterns include pinecones, wheat motifs, or even football inspired patterns in your favorite teams colors.
In Winter, rich, dark hues and textured patterns steal the spotlight, with designs like herringbone or evergreen-inspired florals setting the tone. Festive motifs, such as tartan plaids or prints celebrating classic winter activities like skiing, are perfect for embracing the season and adding a touch of cheer to holiday gatherings.
To help you fall in love with a new tie (or bow tie, pocket square, or set of suspenders), here are some of our all-time customer favorites organized by pattern style:
If patterned ties aren’t your thing, don’t worry, we have plenty of other customizable options for you. Explore our customizable solid options, perfect for a simple look that never goes out of style. Want to make it truly yours? Add a personalized touch with a customized monogram, available on our ties, bow ties, and pocket squares. For an eco-friendly twist, try our upcycled pocket square option, which allows you to select a custom thread color to add a subtle pop of personality to a plain white pocket square.
The right tie pattern doesn’t just complete your outfit, it speaks volumes about you. Whether you’re drawn to bold, quirky designs or classic sophistication, our shop offers hundreds of customizable patterns to help you find the one that truly suits you.
At Knotty Tie Co, customization is at the heart of what we do. Get inspired, create a one-of-a-kind design, or explore our tried and true customer-favorite patterns to redefine your wardrobe.
Manufacturing in the USA allows quick customization with orders shipping in as fast as 7 days from order. Learn about our standard and expedite turnaround times and what you can expect based upon order size and shipping location.
We have no minimums so whether you want a full production sample to review prior to placing a large order, need only one product for now or want to order several different designs, go for it! Learn more about products and pricing at our FAQ.
You can easily start a custom design in just a few minutes and we'll work quickly to create a design in a business day or less, so long as we have the color and design assets needed. Request swatches to verify designs or ask for quick revisions to meet your design objectives.
Hundreds of patterns have completely customizable colors so you can match to a dress, suit, palette or just make a rad one-of-a-kind design you won't see anywhere else. Remember that colors on screen are different than print and if you need exact colors, please verify with the ColorMatch Chart.
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