Countess Mara: The Gentleman's Necktie

[_Simon Belmont]

Gentlemen, take note: the tie that MrStakhanovite is wearing is a UK-style stripe (high on the left), whereas American-style stripe tends to be high on the right.

A tie is the gentleman's most noticeable accessory, and it is not to be taken lightly. It's hand should be thick, either with a thin batting and thick outer shell, or a thick batting and thin outer shell. For silk ties, rub your hand across it lightly; if it feels rough, it is possibly not a high quality tie.

EDIT: Picture was taken before I learned how to tie a Double Windsor.

Ah, the knot. In my opinion the knot makes or breaks the tie. I always, I repeat always, go for the Full Windsor (also called the Double Windsor). This knot is larger than most others, is perfectly symmetrical, allows for the "dimple" if so desired, and its prominence accentuates both the shirt and the suit-coat. It is not a sloppy knot like the Half-Windsor, small knot, or military knot.

[_Simon Belmont]

Countess Mara is my favorite tie, but for a cheaper alternative (and seemingly the same quality and "hand") check out thetiebar.com, where every tie is $15, and they have literally thousands to choose from.

[_harmony]

Ah, the knot. In my opinion the knot makes or breaks the tie. I always, I repeat always, go for the Full Windsor (also called the Double Windsor). This knot is larger than most others, is perfectly symmetrical, allows for the "dimple" if so desired, and its prominence accentuates both the shirt and the suit-coat. It is not a sloppy knot like the Half-Windsor, small knot, or military knot.

We have a Beau Brummel amongst us. Lord, have mercy!

[_Simon Belmont]

Have they (He) ever worn a bow tie (and not a clip on)

I own two Countess Mara bowties, and one from The Tie Bar. I rarely wear them so I stopped purchasing them. I do know how to tie them and have done so many times.

[_Darth J]

Stak and Simon are actually the same person. The first rule of Mormon club is you do not talk about Mormon club.

Have they (He) ever worn a bow tie (and not a clip on)

Clip-on ties are useless. They aren't long enough to tie anyone up and they aren't strong enough to be nipple clamps.

Maybe someone should say something about religion so this thread doesn't get kicked into the Off-Topic Forum.

I know:

Howard W. Hunter, "Being a Righteous Husband and Father", Ensign, Nov. 1994

Tenderness and respect—never selfishness—must be the guiding principles in the intimate relationship between husband and wife. Each partner must be considerate and sensitive to the other’s needs and desires. Any domineering, indecent, or uncontrolled behavior in the intimate relationship between husband and wife is condemned by the Lord. Pornography and unwholesome fantasies erode one’s character and strike at the foundation of a happy marriage.

Therefore, my suggestion that ties can do double duty for light bondage---as if I would have ever done such a thing with my eternal companion---is an affront to God.

[_Simon Belmont]

We have a Beau Brummel amongst us. Lord, have mercy!

Is that an antiquated term for metrosexual? LOL.

[_Simon Belmont]

No so fast. I wear the skinny part in the front.

No doubt for the sake of accurate anatomical symbolism.

Hey Kishkumen, have you heard of the Atlantic Knot? Try it, it's a fun knot wear around.

[_Doctor Scratch]

Ah, the knot. In my opinion the knot makes or breaks the tie. I always, I repeat always, go for the Full Windsor (also called the Double Windsor). This knot is larger than most others, is perfectly symmetrical, allows for the "dimple" if so desired, and its prominence accentuates both the shirt and the suit-coat. It is not a sloppy knot like the Half-Windsor, small knot, or military knot.

The choice of knot is really more dependent on the type of collar that your shirt has, among other things. The Half-Windsor and the Four-in-Hand have their uses. (Not everyone is built like a washed-up former NFL linebacker, for whom the Double Windsor would make a lot more sense.) This post is just yet another example of you trying to sound as if you know what you're talking about, Simon. The only people who need to "always" sport the Double Windsor are guys with massive insecurity issues, or guys with 21" necks.

[_Simon Belmont]

The choice of knot is really more dependent on the type of collar that your shirt has, among other things. The Half-Windsor and the Four-in-Hand have their uses. (Not everyone is built like a washed-up former NFL linebacker, for whom the Double Windsor would make a lot more sense.) This post is just yet another example of you trying to sound as if you know what you're talking about, Simon. The only people who need to "always" sport the Double Windsor are guys with massive insecurity issues, or guys with 21" necks.

I did not declare it a rule, I stated my opinion. You are entitled to yours as well. The Full Windsor allows the knot to be a prominent feature on the traditional collar, the quarter spread, the half spread, and small spread collars. I do agree that the Full Windsor does not work as well with the button collar or the pin collar, but I absolutely hate the look of the button collar and do not own any shirts with one.

[_karl61]

If you are going to wear anything representing the English please start with an English shirt such as Thomas Pink or Turnbull & Asser. Once you start wearing their fancy stripe shirts with a white collar then we can really see if you know how to match a shirt and tie. The easy way is just wearing a solid tie the color of any of the stripes but when you start mixing stripes and polka dots or stripes and stripes then we can see if you know the fine art of getting dressed. If you need help read Dressing The Man by Alan Flusser: he shows how the movie stars of the 20's and 30's dressed and explains why they did and why it's correct....hundreds of photos and drawings.

http://www.amazon.com/Dressing-Man-Mast ... 941&sr=8-1