Most of my ties are plain. And I like them that way. However, every now and then you might want to feature some pattern in your ties. So do I. And for business purposes you have a few options that in my opinion are the most appropriate. In this post I will take a closer look at of one them and feature a Prince of Wales tie paired with a gray suit and black shoes.
In terms of patterned ties for business you can go for stripes, dots or prints such as printed florals. Or you can go for the Prince of Wales pattern ties. In fact that pattern is in my opinion equally suited for formal events and business meetings alike. 
Dark gray double-breasted suit with light blue thin striped shirt and gray prince of wales pattern tie.
Prince of Wales pattern – PoW
The Prince of Wales pattern is a pattern you see featured not only in ties but even more often suits, jackets and sport coats. The pattern was originally named after the Prince of Wales (later known as Edward VII). He was the one who famously popularized this check. The particular checked pattern is also known as glen check, glen plaid and Glen Urquhart check.
To put it shortly, the pattern is basically made up of two dark and two light stripes alternating with four dark and four light stripes to create a crossing pattern of irregular checks. Nowadays though, the names glen check and Prince of Wales check can be used to refer to any textile with the distinctive box-like graphic pattern, even in smaller scale.
The restrained pattern of the suit and simple color choices highlight the patterned tie.
How to incorporate the Prince of Wales tie into your business attire?
As mentioned, the Prince of Wales patterned tie is equally suited for formal events and business meetings alike. And in fact you can also wear the pattern for more casual events. In that case just make sure that you choose a fabric that has more casual texture, such as heavier wool or cashmere.
In case you want to wear your tie for more formal business purposes, I personally would recommend to go for smooth silk or wool-silk fabric. But of course as always, it’s all about the balance. If you wear a flannel suit for example, choose a tie fabric that matches the texture of the suit. But if you go for a lighter suit or sport coat, it is appropriate to wear a tie made of smooth silk as well.
I personally like outfits that look very simple and restrained when you take a look from far away. But when you come closer you can see the different textures and patterns.
As you can see here I have chosen to pair the tie with dark gray double-breasted suit and light blue button-up shirt with thin stripes. I also chose to finalize the look with a white linen pocket square featuring blue borders. So as you can see the outfit is build to highlight the PoW patterned tie.
Close-up – Four-in-hand knot and layered pocket square.
Versatility in your business wardrobe
In my opinion, Prince of Wales pattern tie is not a staple every man need to have. But after you’ve got the basics covered, it is a good option to give versatility to your rotation. And if you go for shades of gray and blue, it is easy to pair with classic plain or patterned business suits.
A little bit sprezzatura on the pocket square – as you can see, the edges are not unifromly present.
For me, this kind of outfit is something I like to wear for official business meetings or when I need to go and have a presentation for example. It is classic and elegant, yet there are little elements that make the ensamble interesting. The patch pockets of the suit, light blue color of the shirt and pattern of the Prince of Wales tie also dress down the attire just that little notch. It is formal but definitely not too stiff.
The double-breasted gray herringbone suit by Rose&Born is one of my personal favorites in my rotation.
And finally the shoes. For this kind of outfit the only option in my opinion is black shoes. And this time I chose the black calf leather double monks by Alfred Sargent. The other option would have been black oxfords. Or wholecuts. But as I wanted with the footwear also keep the ensemble on the casual side of business wear, the choice was the double monks.
My black calf leather double monks by Alfred Sargent - perfect for business (and casual).
Leave a comment