What are proportions?

In any field that works with beauty, proportions are one of the key elements a creator is looking for. Whether it is a painting, a photograph, a piece of music or even a film, proportions and balance are the main focus points that one should be looking for.

By proportion we understand the relative size of the parts of a whole. Obtaining the right relationship between several objects that are composing a whole; and discovering the right proportions of these to the whole results in a balanced outcome that is harmonious and pleasing to the eye.

Proportions in fashion

These principles apply in fashion as well and knowing how to use proportions will result in the creation of better-looking, outfits.

We already know that your clothes need to be in tandem with the size of your body. Fit is one of the key pillars to style. A well-fitting garment is a piece that does not squeeze your body, nor does it come too loose around it, but one that touches it without creating restraint and therefore offering you comfort and an overall feel-good attitude.

Moreover, when it comes to styling up an outfit, we always advise people to make sure that their accessories are proportionate to the size of their bodies. Therefore, if you are a larger man, you should wear bigger watches, wider ties, and bigger bracelets, while if you are rather on the thin side, you should opt for narrow ties, thin watch straps, small necklaces, etc. In terms of ties, an average tie should be about 3 inches / 7,6 cm at their widest point. Ties that are below that are considered thin ties, while those that are wider than that fall in the “wide tie” category.

Lapels, ties and collars

When it comes to men’s fashion, there are three elements you can use to obtain more proportionate outfits that will flatter your body, regardless of your size or on whether you are wearing a casual outfit or a formal one.

The rule of thumb is very simple and can be followed by any guy. Basically, the widest part of your tie should be approximately the same width as the widest part of one of your lapels. This is something you can very easily measure and make sure you do.

 

This rule however, has exceptions and can be taken a step further.

In the eventuality that you are wearing a jacket that has very wide lapels, you don’t need to wear an extremely wide tie. In this case, what you need to do is to match the width of your tie to the width of your collar. Make sure that when you are wearing a jacket that features wide lapels, you should opt for a collar and a tie that are more on the wide side.

Our recommendation is that you establish the things you are planning on wearing together before you actually put on the clothes.

 

 

Printed and knit ties

Some style advisers say that a printed tie should be wider than your lapel, since it is not a block color and needs to stand out a little more. The wider size of the tie is supposed to balance the dynamic impression the print gives.

 

 

With knit ties however, some experts say that thinner ties works better. The reason for this is because the depth of a knit tie balances out the width of the tie.

 

 

Tie knots

If we are talking about proportions, we also need to refer to collars and tie knots. The knot of your tie should also be proportional to the collar. A good knot, regardless of the style, should be so big to force the collar open, but not too small and become lost.

 

Making use of this guidelines will ensure you that your outfits are balanced and make you look your best. Of, course, we encourage you to develop your own style and be creative in your own way!

 

Fraquoh and Franchomme

 

 

 

 

Further reading:

The complete guide to choosing a tie

Choosing the right tie for your body and face type

A guide to knit ties

The complete guide to jacket lapels

How to match striped shirts with striped ties

P.S. How do you obtain proportions when you are putting an outfit together? Share your comments, questions or feedback in the comments below and remember that you can subscribe to our website via e-mail or follow us on our Facebook or Twitter!