Whether a red tie goes well with a white shirt is a common sartorial dilemma for many men. The combination of a crisp white shirt with a bold red tie can be striking, but getting the pairing just right takes some consideration. In this article, we’ll explore the factors to think about when wearing a red tie with a white shirt, and offer guidelines for creating a sharp, coordinated look.
The Classic Combination
Red ties and white shirts are a timeless combination in men’s fashion. A red tie paired with a white dress shirt is considered a staple, versatile look that works for many formal and professional occasions. The bold pop of red against the clean white backdrop catches the eye and creates visual interest. This classic pairing has been a go-to look for businessmen, politicians, and others in positions of leadership for decades.
There are several reasons why the red and white combination has enduring appeal:
- Contrast – The vibrant red tie makes a strong contrast against the white shirt, creating a bold, attention-grabbing look.
- Versatility – A red tie offers versatility in terms of matching with different suit colors like navy, gray, black, etc.
- Professionalism – The red and white pairing conveys a sense of power and leadership.
- Timelessness – As a traditionally masculine color, red in a tie communicates confidence and strength.
For these reasons, a red tie and white shirt can be considered a foundational look that nearly every man should have in his formalwear arsenal.
Factors to Consider
However, there are a few factors to keep in mind when wearing a red tie with a white dress shirt:
Shade of Red
Not all reds are created equal. The exact shade of red you choose for your tie can impact the overall look when paired with white. Some guidelines:
- Brighter reds tend to look more bold, youthful and casual
- Darker reds like burgundy or maroon appear more formal and elegant
- Avoid orange-y shades of red that may look out of place with white
- Metallic reds add flair for eveningwear
Consider where and when you’ll be wearing the outfit – a darker, muted red may suit a formal business meeting, while a bright cherry red could be perfect for a weekend date.
Texture and Sheen
The texture of the red tie, along with any sheen or shine, impacts the formality level of the look. For example:
- Satin or glossy ties in red appear dressier
- Matted or duller reds come across as more casual
- Avoid ties with a heavily dimpled or textured weave, as these can look too informal against a crisp white shirt
Generally, the more texture or shine in the red tie, the more formal the overall aesthetic.
Tie Width and Length
A red tie paired with a white dress shirt looks best when the proportions are balanced. Follow these guidelines:
- Tie width should match the lapels of your suit or blazer
- Wider neckties (3.5″-4″) work well with wide-notch lapels
- Skinny ties (2″-2.5″) pair better with narrow lapels
- Tie length should fall to the middle of your belt buckle
Keeping the tie’s width and length in scale with the rest of your outfit ensures proper proportions for a polished finish.
Tie Knot and Collar Style
The shape of your tie knot and your shirt collar also affect the overall visual impact. Guidelines include:
- The classic Windsor or Half-Windsor knots add symmetry and structure
- Spread collars flatter wider Windsor knot ties
- Point collars better complement narrow four-in-hand knots
- Avoid pairing a big, thick knot with a small collar, as it can look unbalanced
Getting the combinations of tie knot, collar style, and tie width right will take your red and white pairing to the next level.
Creating a Coordinated Look
Putting together a coordinated, stylish look with a red tie and white shirt also requires paying attention to the other elements of your outfit. Here are some tips:
- Match metals – belt buckle, watch, tie clip should all be same color (silver, gold, etc.)
- Suit color – solids like navy, gray, or black are versatile; patterns like checks or pinstripes also work
- Consider adding layers like a vest, sweater, or jacket on top for additional visual interest
- Red pocket square can complement tie but should not match exactly
- Limit other flashy accessories – keep focus on tie as statement piece
By coordinating the other pieces, you’ll allow the eye-catching red tie and crisp white shirt to take center stage in your look.
Do’s and Don’ts
Here’s a quick summary of the dos and don’ts to keep in mind when wearing a red tie with a white dress shirt:
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Wear a darker, muted red for formal occasions | Wear bright orange-y reds to formal events |
| Choose a glossy, satin tie for a dressy look | Wear heavily textured or knitted ties for formalwear |
| Match tie width to lapel width | Wear an extra wide tie with narrow lapels |
| Pair spread collars with thick Windsor knots | Wear a thick knot with a narrow point collar |
| Coordinate metals and leathers in the outfit | Mix silver and gold metals |
| Limit flashy accessories to let the red tie pop | Wear red tie with a loud patterned suit or pocket square |
Conclusion
Pairing a red tie with a white dress shirt is a timeless, iconic combination that, when done right, will always make a fashion statement. By paying attention to the shade of red, tie texture and sheen, proportions, and coordinating the rest of your outfit, you can nail this look for both formal and professional occasions. A crimson red tie against a crisp white shirt conveys confidence, power, and classic masculine style – so don’t be afraid to give this dynamic duo a prominent place in your wardrobe.
