"The balance will be between the knot size and what we call the V-zone," he says, referring to the area where the lapels of a jacket converge across the wearer’s chest.

Other factors to consider when selecting a tie include width, color and contrast. The width of a necktie ideally should relate to the width of a man’s lapels. If you have broad shoulders, and therefore your lapel is a little wider, then you need a little wider tie, meaning 3-3/4 of an inch to 4-1/2 inches. If you have narrow shoulders and narrow lapels, you wear a slimmer necktie, meaning 3-1/2 inches or so.

The color and pattern of the tie should complement the wearer’s complexion. If you have dark hair and light skin, so you have contrast, you can wear a tie that has more color or more contrast without diluting the face. But if you have blond hair and blond skin — not much contrast between your hair and skin — and you wore a bright-colored tie, you’d never see the person’s face.

Caring for ties is largely a matter of preventative maintenance. When removing a tie, untie the knot at the neckline instead of pulling the short end all the way through. This prevents unnecessary stretching of the fabric and seams. Once removed, the tie should be stored on a hanger to avoid creasing or curling. It’s also wise to take special care when eating to avoid stains before they happen.

It’s generally not a good idea to have ties cleaned. This is not without exceptions, but generally speaking, the cleaning process flattens and deadens the tie.

With proper care, a good silk necktie can last for many years, and if chosen properly, will never go out of style.