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Tie Knot Styles: Windsor, Cross & Cavendish

As men that possess superior style, we have a collection of tasteful ties that complement our clothes. Yet finding a necktie that flawlessly fits the occasion, our body types, and our chosen suit is sometimes challenging. And these factors only just touch the surface when considering which tie to wear. Others include eye and hair color, complexion, lapel width, and of course your personality.

However, today we're laser-focusing on just one aspect: which ties go with particular face shapes.

As with much of our expert advice, these aren't hard and fast rules. Your objective should be to internalize your own personal guidelines that help you intuitively know what ties -- and styles, generally -- accentuate your strong features.

Ties for angular faces

Suitable for: Men with elongated, oblong faces with pronounced U-shaped chins; men with diamond-shaped faces with high cheekbones and pointed chins.

Knot type: A great knot is one that's not only in style, but also in proportion to your face. So, if you want to reduce the prominence of your long face, wear as wide a knot as you can, such as a Windsor, which is also referred to as a full Windsor or a double Windsor.

Goes well with: Shirts with spread collars that will help balance out your angles.

Ties for round faces

Suitable for: Men with relatively short necks and full cheeks; men with cheekbones that are about as wide as your face is long.

Knot type: Wear slimmer and longer tie knots, such as the four-in-hand, Christensen, or Plattsburgh. Occasionally the half Windsor will do, but avoid the full Windsor, which might make your face appear wider than you want it to. Also, avoid small knots such as the simple knot, which is also called a Kent knot or oriental knot, because it can get lost under a fuller face.

Goes well with: Shirts with point or button-down collars.

Ties for oval faces

Suitable for: Men with faces that are longer than they are wider; men with cheekbones that are wider than the rest of your face.

Knot type: Generally, the broader the better. Use knots such as the Cavendish, the Saint Andrew, the Windsor, or the half Windsor. These will help keep things in proportion.

Goes well with: Shirts with medium-spread collars.

There are no perfect ties

With our style choices, we often strive for perfection, while ultimately knowing that we can only approach it rather than attain it. With ties, some men do their utmost to find the best color, fabric, pattern, and knot to match their attire and the occasion, yet unwittingly shirk how a particular tie harmonizes with — or clashes with — their face. Don't be that guy. Get that much closer to perfection by considering how the shape of your face should influence your tie selections.

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• How Long Should a Tie Be?
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• What Your Tie Says About Your Style
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