Extra long ties are matches based on five main principles. The first three are a general rule and are true for any tie length: regular sized ties as well as extra long ties. The last twp principles of matching extra long ties, are in particular true for XL neckties.

1. Color of the extra long tie
2. Your complexion
3. Color and pattern of your dress shirt and suit
4. Pattern of the extra long tie and fabric
5. Your body type (height, neck size, and weight)

The color chosen for the extra long tie:

The color you choose can say quite a bit about your personality and mood. Darker necktie colors appear more formal with the solid color black tie being the most formal necktie color. Lighter colors are better suited for wearing during the day and work. The time of the year also affects the color of neckties people wear. As a general principle: The sunnier the day, the lighter and fresher the necktie color. Especially pastel tones such as light green, pink, yellow, and baby blue are popular for the summer and spring. In the fall and winter months shades of brown, gray, dark blue and burgundy are typically chosen by brand name necktie designers. This general guide about necktie colors is the same for normal length as well as extra long ties.

Your complexion:

Typically formal attire of a shirt and suit doesn’t allow for much color. The only exception is the necktie, and to some part the dress shirt you choose. People with light complexion can wear light pastel colored neckties quite well. Dark skinned people typically look well with yellow and golden colored neckties. The classic necktie colors of navy blue and burgundy are always a good choice regardless of your complexion. The lenght of the tie obviously has no impact.

Colors and patterns of dress shirt and suit:

Most people have trouble matching a necktie to a striped or checkered dress shirt. To make it really simple, avoid matching patterns that are too similar in size. For example: A wide striped necktie should be matched with a narrow striped tie, and vice versa. If you are uncertain weather or not two or three different patterns will go with one another, then the safest bet for shirt, suit and tie combination is a solid colored necktie.

Pattern of extra long ties and fabric:

Different necktie designs and patterns require different size necktie knots. In general, tall and bigger people should wear thicker and more triangualr looking tie knots. A tie knot that is too small on a tall and slightly stocky built person does look a little funny. Especially ehn combined with extra long ties that are slightly wider and longer than a regualr length tie.

Classic patterns, such as british regimental striped ties look better with a slightly more tube shaped necktie knot. Solid colored neckties, and ties with small petterned motifs look best with larger tie knots. Ties made from a shiny smooth satin silk fabric also look best with a bigger necktie knot. With that in mind, smaller tie knots look best on tall and skinny people, while tall and bigger built men should choose bigger tie knots to keep things in proportion.

Body type, neck size, weight and age:

The larger the combination of both height and neck size, the more likely you will need extra long ties. If you are tall and have a skinny to regualr build, then solid color ties, and diagonal striped ties look great. Bigger people look best with ties made from a thicker and heavier silk fabric. As far as designs and patterns are concerned: Ties with tiny patterned motifs, and single colored ties with some structure in the fabric such as basketweave fabric ir ribbed patterns.

Your age and the profession you are in also dictate the type of tie to some degree. Typically older people choose more conservative necktie designs and colors such as a navy blue striped tie, or a classic paisley design necktie.