Is this how we're wearing ties in 2026?
The new rules (or lack thereof) from the runways.
THERE WAS A TIME – not that long ago – when a tie meant something. It meant you were going somewhere serious. A meeting. A date. A wedding. But 2026 has arrived with a different attitude entirely: if the tie used to be a symbol of conformity, this season’s designers have taken it hostage, loosened it, twisted it, stuffed it in a pocket, and given it back with a shrug.
The question isn’t should you wear a tie anymore; it’s how unserious can you make it while still looking good?
Across Europe’s runways, the tie has gone rogue. It’s long, it’s messy, it’s scarf-like, it’s occasionally unrecognisable. And yet, it’s undeniably cool – the kind of styling choice that makes an outfit look intentional without looking like you tried too hard.
For a piece of clothing that’s essentially a decorated strip of fabric, that’s no small feat.
Below, the key ways we’ll be wearing ties in 2026 – and if you’re ready to shop, we’ve rounded up the best ones here.
The loose, low and unbothered tie
The clearest sign ties have entered their leisure era: they’re being worn so low they almost brush the waistband. Boss set the tone with ties (and pins) slipping over open collars, jackets thrown on casually; Dior Men followed with striped versions left to hang over relaxed shirting.
Tom Ford pushed it further, treating the tie like a piece of jewellery – knotted low, worn with an undone shirt – effortless.
The rule: Wear the tie like you don’t believe in rules.
The hidden tie
At Saint Laurent, the tie doesn’t sit over the shirt – it dissolves into it. Perfectly colour-matched, tucked cleanly beneath sharp lapels or a trench, it becomes part of the silhouette rather than an accessory. The effect is sculptural, almost severe, and unmistakably intentional.
The rule: If it stands out, you’ve gone too far.
Ties in pockets
Ferragamo also treated the tie like an accessory that never quite made it to the neck. Folded neatly into the breast pocket – part pocket square, part styling trick – it nods to formality without fully committing to it. A tie you carry, not wear.
The rule: Carry the tie; wearing it is optional.
The bow tie (literally)
At Zomer, the tie abandons its straight-laced instincts entirely and reappears as an oversized bow – schoolish, a little mischievous, and surprisingly elegant. Striped, tartan, knotted high at the collar, it works just as well on men as it does on women: a soft, playful counterpoint to sharp tailoring or casual outerwear.
The rule: A bow works best when it isn’t behaving.
The illusion tie
Not a runway moment, but hard to ignore: Instagram has fallen hard for the cut-out shirt that pretends you’re wearing a tie. A tie-shaped slit down the centre reveals whatever layer sits underneath – stripes, prints, colour blocks – turning the tie into negative space rather than an accessory.
The rule: The layer underneath does the talking.
Related:
Knot dead yet: the tie makes its comeback with an off-duty upgrade
