Different types of shirt collars, tie-knots, and face shapes: while there are many combinations that you can choose from, only a handful of them are the best. We’ve compiled a list of the top shirt collar, tie knot and face shape combinations so that you can always choose what looks the best for you.

Fit is the king, after all. It doesn’t matter how beautiful your colors and patterns are, if it’s not right, you can throw everything away. Certain collar shapes work best with certain tie knots. Certain collar shapes work best with particular face shapes. It all comes down to your body composition and facial structure.

Let’s look at the main facial shapes and the best tie-tie options for them.

THE GENERAL RULE FOR CHOOSING THE BEST SHIRT COLLAR TYPES

For the sake of balance, think in terms of opposites when pairing shirt collar types with face shapes.

• Wider or more round faces require a more narrow spread.
• A wider collar is necessary for a narrow, angular or chiseled head.
• A medium spread collar is best for the average face shape.

It’s quite simple if you break it down this way.

Let’s now get into the specific recommendations and details for each face shape.

 THE BEST SHIRT COLLAR FOR A SLIM FACE

Spread collars are better suited for slim faces. This collar is very similar to the way it sounds. The two points are spread out so that the angle formed is greater 90 degrees. There are many spread collars available, including the semi-spread collar, the standard spread collar and the English spread collar. The cutaway collar is also an option, but it has a very wide spread.

You may also come across different names for these collars. It is important to be able and aware of what each style looks like.

A standard spread collar is a good choice for slim faces. As we said before, it is important to think in terms opposites. For balance, you can complement a narrow face with a wider spread collar. Spread collars will give your narrow face and body more width.

Let’s now talk about the choice of tie knot.

A Full Windsor knot or a Half Windsor knot will give you a broad collar. You can also try the Pratt Knot, which is one of Effortless Gents’ favorite tie knots. It works well with all types of collars and face shapes.

A full body knot, such as a Half / Full Windsor, or the Pratt, will fill in the gap between the collar points. It will also emphasize the wideness of your collar (similarly to the collar style itself), which will balance your slim, angular head.

THE BEST SHIRT COLLAR FOR A ROUND FACE

A point collar is best for a man with a rounder facial shape. The most traditional is the point collar shirt. It is typically made with a narrow-to-medium spread and can be found on around 90% of men’s shirts.

This style is very popular. It works well for most men. The collar of a point collar shirt (palindrome alert!) are closer together than a regular collar shirt. They are less than 90 degrees apart if you want to get all math geeky. Referring to our emphasis on balance by opposites, a narrower collar can help to reduce the size of a face with a round shape.

What is the best tie for a round face and a point collar?

The best knots are either a Four-Inhand or Double Four In-Hand. It takes up the perfect amount of space between your shirt collar points. These knots, similar to the point collar, visually lengthen your facial features. The Double Four-Inhand is a stronger knot that has the same shape as the Four in Hand.

THE IDEAL SHIRT COLLAR FOR OVAL FACE

Congratulations if you have an oval face. You have the perfect combination of width and height. You have the option to choose from a variety of collar styles and tie-knots. A medium or semi-spread collar is best if you are looking for something mid-range. You have the same flexibility as with different shirt collars.

We recommend the Four In Hand or Double Four-In Hand for medium spread collars. You could also try the Half Windsor. The Pratt or Half Windsor are your best options, depending on how wide you spread.

A FEW OTHER THINGS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER

• CONSIDER THE FUNCTION / OCCASION

It is important to consider your facial structure as well as occasion when choosing the tie type. You can wear a more skinny tie if you are with friends at a bar or restaurant.

A more vertical knot, such as the Four In-Hand knot, will complement the look best since skinny ties are not made of a lot of fabric and are very thin throughout their length. A larger knot is more professional if you are attending a fancy event such as a gala fundraiser, or cocktail reception.

A Half Windsor knot is best for slimmer people with more angular faces. If you have a more round face, you can opt for a Pratt or Double Four In-Hand. You’ll still look professional and sharp.

• CONSIDER THE NECKTIE FABRIC

Your necktie’s fabric can also influence which knot you choose.

Thicker interlining makes ties more dense, so I recommend a Four in Hand to avoid a large knot. If you are looking for a stronger knot, you can choose a Pratt or Double Four-In Hand tie.