Thoughts on Corporate Ties & Business Neckwear
Neckwear is often the piece on any uniform that first draws the viewers’ attention. As they introduce unique colours to the suit palette, they can compliment a uniform in ways a shirt, or a pair of shoes cannot. With unique fabric patterns, they add a depth and character to the overall image that a uniform transmits.
For an article so definitive and eye catching, it is an opportunity for advertising that one cannot pass up. By incorporating a business logo into a pattern design, (if done correctly) the wearer of the necktie associates a company name with a pleasing aesthetic. As it draws attention to the uniform, it is effectively remembered as a point of interest.
Of course, some neckwear can be remembered simply for poor taste; the definitive element that draws the dividing line between corporate image, and shameless advertising.
So how does one go about creating an effective design that creates this balanced corporate image?
COLORS
It is obvious that colour is vital to the makeup and affect of any design. Combinations of colour make up the ‘story’ of the necktie, and achieving a complimenting palette with a happy ending can be quite difficult. When it comes to weaving fabric, the woven finish of the thread and the tonal difference between thread colours complicate this delicate issue even further.
To philosophise on colour would take a very long time indeed. But if we could reduce the machinations of colour in weaving down to a common denominator, I would suggest that colour combinations are only as effective as the way they work to reflect light back to the viewer.
This is what makes a navy tie with a repp weave (what looks to be ‘ribbing’ of thread) ultimately conservative. The weave breaks up reflective light, while the dark tone absorbs it. This does not promote attention, but a simple, working co-ordination of elements.
Lighter blues with a high sheen satin finish are an exact opposite. Commonly found in modern paisley & floral designs, it is a colour used effectively as a highlight to add depth and perspective to intricate patterns.
Keeping this element in mind when selecting a colour palette is an effective way of communicating the nature of your company image, and how that ‘story’ is told.
FIT and CUT
Neckwear has experienced many reincarnations in shape and form since its creation.
Current fashion trends in Europe have seen the necktie be reduced in curvature and mitre width to between 5cm and 8cm, as per the popular style in the 1980’s.
However, the classic shape that we have arrived to that is not affected by the waxing and waning of fashion culture, remains the standard for business and mainstream fashion attire. This is the bottle shape, which is commonly 9cm at its widest point at the mitre, with a total length of 145cm to 155cm.
PATTERNS
As a fashion item, patterns are in constant demand and creation.
Business and mainstream fashion neckwear however, are more easily managed. Four basic forms are common :
Stripe patterns rarely age, and can communicate a logo most effectively. Used in combination with different weave patterns and effects, it remains the most popular kind of design that can cover both modern and conservative looks.
Repeat Motifs are for more conservative or commemorative type ties commonly used by government, sporting and financial organizations. A particular logo or symbol is repeating along the tie for emphasis on the organization or association.
Geometric patterns can achieve a balance between both conservative and modern design, while being able to accommodate a complimenting logo. Geometric patterns are popular among businesses for this reason. They also provide an interesting alternative to the standard stripe configuration without impeding the professional aesthetic.
’Art Nouveau’ designs are less common and are usually done for already recognized companies. Emphasis here is placed on the quality of the pattern itself, often utilizing some familiar aspect of the logo. Of course, some organizations are inclined to request these patterns, as the name implies, just as adorning pieces of art to an established uniform.
PATTERN MATCHING
Matching your shirt and tie is relatively easy when using a base of solid colours. However, branching out into more modern colors and patterns can become a little problematic.
As a simple starting rule, try and work with the dominant or high light colors found in either the shirt or tie. If you are working according to a company image, that dominant colour will most likely be the primary or highlight colour of the logo.
Vary the patterns found between shirts, ties and suits to good effect. Ensure that the colours are complimentary and the patterns do not compete. For example, this can be achieved by combining similar patterns of finer detail and opposing size. Avoid trying to match similar patterns between all the elements of your uniform. Combining a pin striped suit, shirt and tie for example, will certainly be overwhelming.
Break up signature patterns with more solid colours or patterns either above or below. Most importantly, do not hesitate to experiment with combinations that are not familiar to you.