Selecting the right tie to go with a red shirt can seem tricky, but following some basic guidelines around color, pattern, and formality level will help you pull together a sharp look. In this article, we’ll walk through the factors to consider when choosing a tie for a red shirt and provide specific tie recommendations. Whether you’re dressing for the office, a date, or a special event, pairing the right tie with your red shirt can elevate your whole outfit.
Guidelines for Selecting a Tie for a Red Shirt
Here are some key guidelines to keep in mind when choosing a tie to wear with a red shirt:
- Aim for contrast – Ties that are distinctly darker or lighter than the red shirt typically work best. Monochromatic looks can appear washed out.
- Complementary colors – Ties in shades of blue, green, purple, pink, and sometimes yellow pair nicely with red. Avoid ties in clashing shades like orange.
- Patterns – Smaller patterns like dots, stripes, or paisley tend to complement a solid red shirt better than larger patterns or prints.
- Texture – Look for ties with interesting textures like knits, grenadine, or small geometric patterns to add visual interest.
- Formality – Make sure the formality level of the tie matches the occasion. Save very casual knit ties for weekend wear.
Beyond sticking to these general guidelines, choosing a tie color, pattern, and texture that flatters your complexion is key.
Best Tie Colors for a Red Shirt
Here are some of the most stylish tie color options to pair with a red shirt:
Navy Blue
A navy blue tie is one of the most versatile options to wear with a red shirt. The classic color pairing evokes a nautical, preppy feel that works in both formal and casual settings. To dress it up, opt for a solid navy tie in a luxurious textured fabric like grenadine. For more casual looks, try a navy tie with white dots or stripes.
Royal Blue
Deeper royal blue ties lend a bolder, modern look alongside a red shirt. Ties in this shade with interesting geometrics, small patterns, or textural fabric mixes add visual appeal. Keep the suit and other accessories simple to let this eye-catching color combo take center stage.
Forest Green
Forest green ties complement red shirts beautifully. Whether in a matte or shiny finish, a deep green tie draws out the richness of a red shirt. Pair it with a navy suit and leather accessories for an elegant way to mix colors. Lighter olive green ties can also work well for more casual occasions.
Burgundy
Burgundy ties may seem counterintuitive with a red shirt, but the right maroon or oxblood tie offers a sophisticated tonal look. Focus on texture such as a burgundy grenadine or knit tie. Wear it with a gray suit for events like weddings or important business meetings.
Purple
From eggplant to lavender, purple in all hues complements red nicely. Deep purple ties lend a touch of royalty and elegance. Pale purple looks great for spring and summer weddings and garden parties. Avoid wide stripes or large patterns and opt for dots, paisleys, or solids in purple shades.
Best Patterns & Textures for a Red Shirt
In addition to choosing a tie in a color that pairs well with red, pay attention to pattern and texture:
| Pattern/Texture | Description |
|---|---|
| Dots | Small dots work better than large polka dots with a red shirt. Navy, black, gray, or purpledotted ties keep the look refined. |
| Stripes | Thin stripes in colors like blue, gray, or black add interest without clashing. Avoid wide stripes. |
| Paisley | Small-scale paisley ties offer an intricate pattern that pairs well with solids. Stick to neutrals or colors like navy, purple, or green. |
| Grenadine | The delicate woven texture of grenadine ties in silk or wool lends dimension. Navy, black, or gray grenadine ties work for dressy occasions. |
| Knits | For more casual settings, knit silk ties in solid colors or subtly heathered textures bridge the gap between dressy and relaxed. |
| Micro patterns | Ties with allover micro patterns like mini geometric shapes or flecks add visual interest when paired with a solid red shirt. |
| Sheen | Look for ties that mix matte and shiny elements like textured satin. This creates appealing contrast against the red shirt. |
Sticking to small-scale patterns and adding in texture prevents the tie from competing too much with a bold red shirt. Bolder patterns and prints tend to look busier and are best avoided.
Tie Recommendations for Different Occasions
Here are some examples of ties in specific colors, patterns, and fabrics that pair well with a red shirt for various occasions:
Business Professional
- Navy grenadine tie
- Burgundy dotted tie
- Slim black striped tie
- Deep purple satin tie with subtle sheen
For important business meetings, job interviews, and formal daytime events, choose a high-quality tie with an intricate texture or small-scale pattern.
Business Casual
- Navy knit tie
- Blue striped tie in cotton or wool
- Heathered gray tie with texture
- Olive green tie with small geometric pattern
For office settings with a more relaxed dress code, try ties with knit or cotton fabrics. Subtle heathered or textured looks also work well.
Smart Casual
- Slim burgundy tie with stripes or dots
- Purple silk tie with paisley
- Red, white and blue striped tie
- Forest green microprint tie
For date nights, social events, and occasions that call for smart casual attire, inject personality into your look with a fun pattern or color pop tie.
Very Casual
- Solid royal blue knit tie
- Navy tie with white polka dots
- Black or gray textured cotton tie
- Red, white and blue striped tie in cotton
For relaxed daytime weekends and events, knit ties, cotton ties, and subtle patterns keep the look laid-back.
Considerations for Pale vs. Fair Skin Tones
The shade of red shirt you choose can impact what ties pair most attractively. Here are some tips for pale vs. fair complexions:
Pale Skin Tones
Those with very light skin that often burns in the sun tend to look best in muted, lighter reds like pink, light cranberry, and soft brick reds. Pair these with:
- Baby blue ties
- Steel gray ties
- Mint or seafoam green ties
- Blush pink ties
These cooler colors flatter pale skin while still coordinating with the red shirt.
Fair Skin Tones
Those with fair skin that may burn but also tans should opt for ties with clear blues, rich greens, and jewel-toned purples. Try pairing:
- Sapphire blue ties
- Emerald green ties
- Eggplant or lilac ties
- Sunflower or marigold ties
These richer colors harmonize with warmer medium reds and create vibrant contrast against fair skin.
Tie Length & Width Guidelines
In addition to color and pattern, pay attention to tie length and proportions:
- The tip of the tie should fall to the top of the belt buckle.
- For formal looks, lean toward narrower 2.5-3 inch ties.
- For casual wear, ties 3-3.75 inches wide work well.
- Ties should not be wider than 4 inches or skinny 1 inch ties.
- Match tie width to the lapels on your blazer or suit jacket.
A tie that’s too short looks like you’ve outgrown it, while an overlong tie can appear sloppy. The right narrow to medium width also balances out the bold red shirt.
How to Incorporate Patterns & Textures
Once you’ve selected a tie in a coordinating color, you can incorporate patterns and texture for extra visual interest:
- Dotted ties keep patterns subtle and refined.
- Textural ties like knits, linen, and grenadine add dimension.
- Ties mixing matte and shiny facets create appealing contrast.
- Paisleys and geometrics work if scaled down in size.
- Stripes can be incorporated as accents on knits or within paisleys.
When pairing several patterns, vary the scale and play with lighter and darker shades for contrast. Keep the suit and shirt solids to let the tie patterns pop.
In Summary
Choosing the perfect tie to match a red dress shirt does require some strategy, but you can build sharp looks by keeping these guidelines in mind:
- Aim for color contrast – shades like navy, purple, green and blue work best
- Use smaller-scale dots, textural stripes, paisleys or grenadine
- Make sure the formality matches the occasion
- Complement your skin tone with flattering hues
- Get the right tie proportions for proper fit
Staying mindful of these considerations when selecting a tie for your red shirt will ensure you look pulled-together for whatever the occasion may be.
