( 
)A well dimpled necktie makes a strong first impression in social circles as well business situations. The dimple is that stylish fold or crease in the portion of the necktie that flows down and out of the knot. It adds a touch of class and snap to any ward robe. Lets face it, one of the first things people notice about you is your necktie knot. If the knot looks sloppy and lifeless, it makes a poor impression. However, when neatly dimpled, it makes a powerful first impression and sends an important message to others; you care about your appearance, show attention to detail, and have a positive self image. It's one of those little things that makes a big difference!
Here are some pointers to keep in mind when you go about dimpling your neckties:
GENERALLY SPEAKING, WIDER TIES TEND TO ACCOMMODATE A a fuller, deeper dimple for the simple fact that there is more material available to facilitate the dimple. For the same reason, narrow ties will usually hold a shallow dimple with less body. Nonetheless a narrow necktie still looks very sharp with a dimple and some men prefer this more subtle presentation to that of a fuller, deeper dimple.
LIGHTER COLOR TIES TEND TO SHOWOFF OR SHOWCASE A DIMPLE BETTER THAN darker ties. Lighter ties display a dimple very nicely because the dark shadows formed in the trench or trough of the dimple will contrast sharply with the lighter colors of the tie. With darker ties the contrast is not as crisp and the dimple is not quite as noticeable. Darker ties still look great sporting a dimple and some men prefer this more subliminal effect.
SOLID COLOR TIES TEND TO DISPLAY A DIMPLE BETTER THAN PATTERNED TIES. The pattern in or design on a tie may make the dimple a little less noticeable because it acts like camouflage and breaks up the contours and outline of the dimple. A solid necktie will clearly showoff the outline and contours of your dimple so it can be seen a mile away.
THE LENGTH AT WHICH YOU WEAR YOUR NECKTIE WILL IMPACT THE nature of your dimple for obvious reasons. If you tie your necktie so that the broad end hangs anywhere above your belt buckle, you tend to get a fuller, deeper dimple for the simple reason that the dimpling spot of the necktie will be at a wider part of the tie. As pointed out above, a wider portion of the tie will accommodate a more full bodied dimple. If, on the other hand, you tie your necktie so that the point of the broad end hangs well below your belt buckle you will tend to get a dimple with a little less depth and body. This is simply because the dimpling spot of the necktie will generally be at a more narrow portion of the tie which will accommodate a dimple with less depth and body. Nonetheless, many men wear their neckties at this length and prefer the style of dimple that this fashion will accommodate.
SOME MEN PREFER TO WEAR THEIR NECKTIES VERY LONG AS MENTIONED ABOVE, but prefer a very deep, full bodied dimple all the same. If this is your preference, one suggestion is to purchase extra long neckties. This way the dimpling spot of the necktie will generally be relatively wider than that of a regular length necktie when tied to hang very long, and therefore, will facilitate the creation of a fuller, deeper dimple.
AFTER YOU'RE DONE TYING/DIMPLING YOUR TIE THE TAIL END MAY HANG A LITTLE longer than the wide end. If so, simply run the tail through the label on the rear side ofthe wide end or the loop that some ties have sewn in there for that very purpose. Then tuck the tail end into your trousers or into your shirt directly behind where the wide end of the tie hangs free. This will hide the tail end from view and help to keep the wide end straight and held in place.
THE FIRST TIME YOU TIE AND DIMPLE a new necktie, it is very important to get the dimple just the way you like it. This is because the silk and lining of a necktie have a memory that will “remember” the size and shape of the original dimple. The extent of this memory will, of course, differ from necktie to necktie. However, it is something to keep in mind when you bring the newest necktie home for the first time and get ready to dimple it up.
LASTLY, LIKE THE BRONCO THAT CAN'T BE BROKEN, there are some neckties that simply don't lend themselves to holding a proper dimple. These rogue neckties may have a hidden seam or fold in the lining that defies dimpling or just not have the body or consistency necessary for holding a dimple. Don't frustrate yourself with these ties and winnow them away from neckties that will hold a proper dimple.
DIMPLE QUOTES
" A tie without a dimple would be like Cindy Crawford without her beauty mark - it just wouldn't be as beautiful"
Ellen Askin Bailey, Daily News Record 3/1/2005
"Less obvious, less ostentatious than french cuffs, a dimple sends a subtle message. Men, in their quest to set themselves off from one another can wear the ultimate style statement, and they can wear it right under their chins. Better than that it, it doesn't cost a dime. It's as simple as the dimple on a necktie. And leading style makers including designers, retailers and professional stylists say a dimple not only brings a tie to life, but it is both a starting point and finishing touch for a well dressed man."
Robert Loher, Dimple-matically Correct: Why Dimples Do More For Neckties, Daily News Record 8/14/98
I think a dimple is absolutely de rigueur. A tie without a dimple is like an old photograph where they've airbrushed out peoples navels. It just looks like something fundamental is missing.
Simon Doonan, Executive Vice President Creative Services, Barneys Mens Stores
It is important to create a dimple or crease in the center of the tie just underneath the knot. This makes the tie billow and creates a fullness that allows it to drape properly. I think there's a subliminal expression of authority when someone lines up the dimple to fall right under the middle of the knot. That line when it's well done, you'll see it looks very coherent. That projects subliminal authority, someone who is wearing his clothes, as opposed to his clothes wearing him.
Alan Flusser
"Always keep it dimple. The single most important rule about wearing a tie: Be sure that it's always dimpled just below the center of the knot. A small vertical cravat crease lends sophistication to your image"
Rules of Style, Men's Health March 2003
The dimple, the slight indentation or crease that appears just below the knot, is indeed part of a well-tied necktie. ....If you observe men who are particularly known for dressing well, such as Bryant Gumbel and Pat Riley, you'll notice that one element that distinguishes the men from the boys is a beautifully tied necktie. Those dapper fellows always include a dimple in the tie.
Luis Fenton, Chicago Sun Times July 19 1995
"Wear it well. A tie should never lie flat. For a look that's lively and pronounced, it should arch with a dimple in the field, right under the knot."
Laura Egodigwe, Black Enterprise Magazine, Sep 2004
"Oscar de la Renta stands-actually he beams effortlessly-as an exemplar of urbane elegance....his tie is never without a perfect center dimple,"
Hal Rubenstein, In Style, 1 August 2001
Guide created: 05/17/06 (updated 10/13/07)
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