Are Ties Still Required in 2026? | The Modern Tie Guide by SUITBAE
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Are Ties Still Required in 2026? | The Modern Tie Guide by SUITBAE
Do you still need to wear a tie in 2026? Short answer: it depends — but most lads underestimate how much a tie cleans the look up.
Weddings, interviews, prom and formal events still treat a tie as standard. The only place it’s truly optional is a relaxed summer wedding or a casual registry office ceremony. Everywhere else, turning up without one can make your outfit feel unfinished.
At SUITBAE, we fit hundreds of men every month, and the reality is simple: a tie almost always improves the overall look.
When You Should Definitely Wear a Tie
Weddings (Especially If You’re in the Photos)
If you’re a groom, best man, usher or close family member, the answer is yes. Photos last forever, and a bare shirt collar ruins the shape of an otherwise great suit.
Interviews & Important Work Meetings
A tie tells people you’ve put effort in. Not wearing one can look lazy, even if the suit is good. For interviews, presentations and first days in a new job, wear the tie.
Race Days
York, Ascot, Chester, Aintree — ties are still the norm, especially in smarter enclosures and hospitality. Turning up without one is an easy way to look underdressed next to everyone else.
Prom
Prom photos need structure. A tie or bow tie keeps everything neat and intentional. Shirt open, chain out might work for nights out — not prom photos with your parents watching.
When You Can Skip the Tie (But Only If Everything Else Is Perfect)
Casual Registry Office Weddings
Tie-free can work here — but only if the rest is spot on:
- You’re wearing a three-piece suit.
- Your shirt fits properly at the neck (no gaping collar).
- The suit has structure in the shoulders and chest.
- Colours are simple and clean: navy, stone, grey.
If any of those are off, a tie would have fixed it.
Outdoor Spring & Summer Weddings
On very hot days you can lose the tie, but only if you keep the waistcoat on. No waistcoat + no tie usually looks like you’ve just escaped the office, not dressed for a wedding.
Fashion-Led Looks
Influencers can just about get away with open collars and layered jewellery because everything else is tailored perfectly and styled head-to-toe. Most lads aren’t being filmed for a campaign — you’re going to a wedding with relatives. A tie keeps it safe and sharp.
Why We Still Recommend Wearing a Tie in 2026
1. A Tie Balances the Suit
A good tie frames the shirt, draws the eye vertically and tidies up the V-shape of the jacket. Without it, the outfit often looks unfinished, especially in photos.
2. It Helps Bigger Lads Look More Structured
On Big & Tall or plus-size builds, a tie reduces the open chest gap that appears when the collar is bare. With a waistcoat and tie together, the whole front of the suit looks cleaner and more controlled.
3. It Shows Respect
Especially at weddings and interviews. A tie is a small detail that signals effort. You rarely regret wearing one — you only regret not wearing one when you see the photos afterwards.
4. It Looks Better in Photos
High-resolution cameras are unforgiving. An open collar can collapse, spread or sit unevenly. A tie keeps everything in place, so the outfit looks as sharp in photos as it did in the mirror.
The Best Tie Colours for 2026
Navy Tie — Safest & Strongest Choice
Navy works with almost every suit: navy, grey, charcoal, stone. It’s subtle, professional and ideal for weddings, work and interviews.
Burgundy Tie — Rich, Confident & Formal
Burgundy looks great with navy and charcoal suits and is perfect for autumn/winter weddings, evening events and business settings.
Black Tie (Colour) — Evening & Formal Wear
A black tie pairs perfectly with black and deep navy suits for evening functions, black tie-leaning events and sharp, minimal looks.
Sky & Pastel Ties — Spring/Summer Weddings
Sky blue, soft sage and pastel tones work brilliantly with stone, beige and grey suits — especially for outdoor ceremonies and destination weddings.
Tie Mistakes to Avoid in 2026
- Super skinny ties — very dated and make the suit look cheap.
- Overly shiny satin ties — catch the light badly in photos.
- Novelty or cartoon ties — never appropriate at weddings or interviews.
- Clip-on ties — always look flat and unnatural at the knot.
- Ties wider than your lapel — throw off the proportions of the whole outfit.
Do Bow Ties Still Work?
Bow ties absolutely still have a place — but only in a few situations:
- Black tie events with tuxedos or dinner suits.
- Prom, when the rest of the outfit is formal and well-fitted.
Outside of that, a bow tie can easily look gimmicky. If you’re unsure, go for a standard tie.
Recommended Tie Sets at SUITBAE
All of our tie sets are designed to work with our main suit colours and fabrics, so you don’t have to guess.
- Navy Tie Set — the safest choice for most weddings and interviews.
- Burgundy Tie Set — great with navy and charcoal suits.
- Dark Green Tie Set — ideal for autumn weddings and race days.
- Charcoal / Silver Tie Set — works with navy, charcoal and black suits.
FAQ: Ties in 2026
Do I need a tie for a registry office wedding?
Not always — but most men look better with one unless the fit, waistcoat and collar are perfect. If you’re unsure, wear the tie.
Should grooms wear ties?
Almost always. A waistcoat and tie together give the cleanest, most structured look in wedding photos, especially next to the rest of the wedding party.
Is a tie or bow tie better for prom?
For most lads, a standard tie is the better option. Bow ties work best with tuxedos or very formal evening looks. If you’re wearing a classic three-piece suit, stick with a tie.
What colour tie goes with a navy suit?
Navy, burgundy, dark green, silver or sky blue all work perfectly. For interviews, choose navy or burgundy; for weddings, sky or pastel tones look great in photos.
Are ties going out of fashion?
Not at weddings, interviews or formal events. The fully open-collar look is what’s starting to look dated — a clean tie and waistcoat feels more modern and intentional in 2026.
Shop Ties & Wedding Accessories at SUITBAE
Whether you’re dressing for a wedding, race day, interview or prom, the right tie finishes the suit and pulls the whole outfit together.
Visit us in Blackpool, Barnsley, or browse our Tie Sets and Accessories online at SUITBAE.COM.
We’ll help you match your tie to your suit, event and photos — so you look ready for 2026, not stuck in last decade.
SUITBAE — Made for the moments that matter.