February 5, 2025
Can You Wear A Tie with a Button-Down Collar?
A tie with a button-down collar leans casual, but the right fabric and knot can refine the look. Find out how to pull off this classic combination.
Yes, you can wear a tie with a button-down collar, but this is generally considered a more casual style and not suitable for formal occasions. A tie and a button-down collar dress shirt are a winning combination if your workplace has a business-casual dress code or you'll be attending a relaxed professional event.
You're guaranteed to be well-dressed when you select a tie that complements a button-down collar but be sure to choose a small tie knot that will coordinate with the laid-back nature of a button-down collar.
Achieve a cohesive look by going with a solid color tie that's slightly darker than your shirt color or select a pattern that has a color in it that echoes your shirt color. Since a button-down collar can neatly frame a tie, this is a great casual pairing for layering under a sweater or a sports coat.
Context matters! Wearing a button-down shirt with a tie is ideal for workplaces that have a business casual dress code, or for semi-formal events. Avoid the button-down collar and tie pairing for formal settings and events that require a full suit.
Shop The Tie Bar's tie collection to find casual and business-appropriate ties that are ideal for pairing with a button-down collar.
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