Few garments have earned their place in a gentleman's wardrobe quite like the navy suit. Timeless, versatile and effortlessly elegant, a well-tailored navy suit is equally at home in the boardroom, at a wedding or enjoying an evening out. Yet while the suit provides the foundation, it is often the choice of tie that defines the outfit.
The right colour, pattern and texture can transform the appearance of a navy suit entirely, introducing personality and character without compromising its sophistication.
So, what colour tie should you wear with a navy suit?
Burgundy, blue, forest green and brown silk ties are among the finest choices. Each brings something different to the outfit, and understanding how to wear them is one of the simplest ways to elevate your personal style.
1. Burgundy and Red Ties: The Timeless Combination
There are few combinations in classic menswear more dependable than a navy suit paired with a burgundy tie. The richness of burgundy provides a beautiful contrast against navy tailoring, creating an appearance that is confident, sophisticated and remarkably versatile. Whether paired with a crisp white shirt for a formal occasion or a pale blue shirt for the working day, a burgundy silk tie rarely looks out of place. It is an excellent choice for business meetings, weddings and evening engagements alike. For those who appreciate a little additional character, a burgundy tie featuring a subtle geometric or repeating pattern can add interest without appearing excessive.
Our Claret silk tie, with its geometric pattern and intricate repeating motif, is a particularly fitting example. Alternatively, The Mayfair, a microdot pattern offers a more understated interpretation. Woven in Italy from luxurious silk and then hand finished in England, its rich burgundy tone and subtle woven texture make it an exceptionally versatile companion to navy tailoring.
Both demonstrate why burgundy ties remains such an enduring favourite in the gentleman's wardrobe.
Our recommendation: Navy suit, white shirt, burgundy silk tie and dark brown or black Oxford shoes.
2. Blue Ties: The Art of Tonal Dressing
Wearing a blue tie with a navy suit might initially seem rather unimaginative. In reality, when executed correctly, it can be one of the most elegant combinations in a gentleman's wardrobe.
The secret lies in introducing contrast through texture, shade or pattern. A navy tie in precisely the same shade and smooth finish as the suit can appear rather flat. However, choosing a darker textured silk or introducing a slightly lighter shade of blue creates a far more interesting appearance.
Grenadine silk is particularly suited to tonal dressing. Its distinctive open weave introduces depth and character while maintaining the simplicity of a solid-coloured tie. The Chesterfield Navy Grenadine is an excellent example. Woven in Northern Italy from authentic Garza Fina silk and hand-finished in England, its refined texture allows the navy silk to complement the suit without disappearing against it.
For those who prefer something with a little more personality, a lighter, more expressive shade of blue can provide an equally elegant alternative. The St. James, with its beautiful madder blue ground and traditional white polka dots, is particularly well suited to this approach. The combination of blue-on-blue dressing with a classic polka dot pattern creates an appearance that feels both traditional and refreshingly individual. It works particularly well with a crisp white shirt, allowing the contrast between the suit, tie and shirt to do the talking.
Alternatively, a classic navy regimental stripe provides another opportunity to introduce character. The Marlborough, with its navy ground and traditional red and white stripes, offers a timeless interpretation of this style.
Whether choosing the understated texture of grenadine, the charm of a polka dot or the familiarity of a regimental stripe, blue remains one of the most versatile choices for navy tailoring.
Our recommendation: Navy suit, crisp white shirt and either a navy grenadine for understated elegance or a lighter blue polka dot tie for a little more character.
3. Green Ties: Understated British Elegance
Green is perhaps one of the most overlooked colours when it comes to choosing a tie for a navy suit. Yet deep forest green and traditional sporting greens work exceptionally well against navy tailoring.
The combination has a distinctly British character, calling to mind traditional country clothing, classic tailoring and the understated confidence associated with the well-dressed gentleman. A green tie also offers an opportunity to introduce subtle patterns and motifs. Small sporting designs, paisleys and traditional repeating patterns can provide visual interest while retaining an appropriate level of formality.
Our Signature silk tie, featuring a rich racing green ground and traditional paisley-inspired detailing, offers precisely this balance. Worn with a navy suit and light blue shirt, it creates an outfit that feels considered without being overly formal.
For something with a slightly different character, The Medici presents another excellent option. Inspired by the artistry and decorative elegance of Renaissance Italy, The Medici combines a rich forest green ground with an intricate geometric motif and subtle contrasting tones. Its considered design adds depth and individuality to a navy suit, making it equally suitable for the working week or a more distinguished occasion.
For those who appreciate a touch of sporting heritage, The Navajo, with its rich racing green silk and subtle thoroughbred horse motifs, offers a charming nod to the British countryside whilst pairing beautifully with classic navy tailoring. A particularly fitting choice for a day at Cheltenham, Royal Ascot or any occasion on the racing calendar where sartorial elegance and sporting tradition go hand in hand.
All 3 ties demonstrate how green can introduce a welcome sense of character without compromising the timeless appeal of navy tailoring.
Our recommendation: Navy suit, pale blue shirt, forest green silk tie and dark brown leather shoes.
4. Brown Ties: An Often Overlooked Alternative
Although burgundy and navy remain traditional favourites, brown deserves consideration. Deep chocolate and tobacco tones offer an exceptionally tasteful contrast against navy, particularly during autumn and winter. A chocolate brown grenadine silk tie introduces texture and warmth, lending itself beautifully to navy tailoring, pale blue shirts and traditional leather accessories.
Our Churchill Grenadine, woven in Northern Italy and hand-finished in England, is a particularly versatile example. Its rich chocolate colour and distinctive Garza Fina weave create depth without relying on elaborate patterns or contrasting details. Paired with a navy suit, it offers a softer, more relaxed alternative to the traditional business tie, while remaining entirely appropriate for formal occasions.
It is a combination that feels confident, individual and quietly sophisticated.
Our recommendation: Navy suit, pale blue or white shirt, chocolate brown grenadine tie and dark brown leather shoes.
What Colour Tie Goes With a Navy Suit? A Gentleman's Style Guide
Few garments have earned their place in a gentleman's wardrobe quite like the navy suit. Timeless, versatile and effortlessly elegant, a well-tailored navy suit is equally at home in the boardroom, at a wedding or enjoying an evening out. Yet while the suit provides the foundation, it is often the choice of tie that defines the outfit.
The right colour, pattern and texture can transform the appearance of a navy suit entirely, introducing personality and character without compromising its sophistication.
So, what colour tie should you wear with a navy suit?
Burgundy, blue, forest green and brown silk ties are among the finest choices. Each brings something different to the outfit, and understanding how to wear them is one of the simplest ways to elevate your personal style.
1. Burgundy and Red Ties: The Timeless Combination
There are few combinations in classic menswear more dependable than a navy suit paired with a burgundy tie. The richness of burgundy provides a beautiful contrast against navy tailoring, creating an appearance that is confident, sophisticated and remarkably versatile. Whether paired with a crisp white shirt for a formal occasion or a pale blue shirt for the working day, a burgundy silk tie rarely looks out of place. It is an excellent choice for business meetings, weddings and evening engagements alike. For those who appreciate a little additional character, a burgundy tie featuring a subtle geometric or repeating pattern can add interest without appearing excessive.
Our Claret silk tie, with its geometric pattern and intricate repeating motif, is a particularly fitting example. Alternatively, The Mayfair, a microdot pattern offers a more understated interpretation. Woven in Italy from luxurious silk and then hand finished in England, its rich burgundy tone and subtle woven texture make it an exceptionally versatile companion to navy tailoring.
Both demonstrate why burgundy ties remains such an enduring favourite in the gentleman's wardrobe.
Our recommendation: Navy suit, white shirt, burgundy silk tie and dark brown or black Oxford shoes.
2. Blue Ties: The Art of Tonal Dressing
Wearing a blue tie with a navy suit might initially seem rather unimaginative. In reality, when executed correctly, it can be one of the most elegant combinations in a gentleman's wardrobe.
The secret lies in introducing contrast through texture, shade or pattern. A navy tie in precisely the same shade and smooth finish as the suit can appear rather flat. However, choosing a darker textured silk or introducing a slightly lighter shade of blue creates a far more interesting appearance.
Grenadine silk is particularly suited to tonal dressing. Its distinctive open weave introduces depth and character while maintaining the simplicity of a solid-coloured tie. The Chesterfield Navy Grenadine is an excellent example. Woven in Northern Italy from authentic Garza Fina silk and hand-finished in England, its refined texture allows the navy silk to complement the suit without disappearing against it.
For those who prefer something with a little more personality, a lighter, more expressive shade of blue can provide an equally elegant alternative. The St. James, with its beautiful madder blue ground and traditional white polka dots, is particularly well suited to this approach. The combination of blue-on-blue dressing with a classic polka dot pattern creates an appearance that feels both traditional and refreshingly individual. It works particularly well with a crisp white shirt, allowing the contrast between the suit, tie and shirt to do the talking.
Alternatively, a classic navy regimental stripe provides another opportunity to introduce character. The Marlborough, with its navy ground and traditional red and white stripes, offers a timeless interpretation of this style.
Whether choosing the understated texture of grenadine, the charm of a polka dot or the familiarity of a regimental stripe, blue remains one of the most versatile choices for navy tailoring.
Our recommendation: Navy suit, crisp white shirt and either a navy grenadine for understated elegance or a lighter blue polka dot tie for a little more character.
3. Green Ties: Understated British Elegance
Green is perhaps one of the most overlooked colours when it comes to choosing a tie for a navy suit. Yet deep forest green and traditional sporting greens work exceptionally well against navy tailoring.
The combination has a distinctly British character, calling to mind traditional country clothing, classic tailoring and the understated confidence associated with the well-dressed gentleman. A green tie also offers an opportunity to introduce subtle patterns and motifs. Small sporting designs, paisleys and traditional repeating patterns can provide visual interest while retaining an appropriate level of formality.
Our Signature silk tie, featuring a rich racing green ground and traditional paisley-inspired detailing, offers precisely this balance. Worn with a navy suit and light blue shirt, it creates an outfit that feels considered without being overly formal.
For something with a slightly different character, The Medici presents another excellent option. Inspired by the artistry and decorative elegance of Renaissance Italy, The Medici combines a rich forest green ground with an intricate geometric motif and subtle contrasting tones. Its considered design adds depth and individuality to a navy suit, making it equally suitable for the working week or a more distinguished occasion.
For those who appreciate a touch of sporting heritage, The Navajo, with its rich racing green silk and subtle thoroughbred horse motifs, offers a charming nod to the British countryside whilst pairing beautifully with classic navy tailoring. A particularly fitting choice for a day at Cheltenham, Royal Ascot or any occasion on the racing calendar where sartorial elegance and sporting tradition go hand in hand.
All 3 ties demonstrate how green can introduce a welcome sense of character without compromising the timeless appeal of navy tailoring.
Our recommendation: Navy suit, pale blue shirt, forest green silk tie and dark brown leather shoes.
4. Brown Ties: An Often Overlooked Alternative
Although burgundy and navy remain traditional favourites, brown deserves consideration. Deep chocolate and tobacco tones offer an exceptionally tasteful contrast against navy, particularly during autumn and winter. A chocolate brown grenadine silk tie introduces texture and warmth, lending itself beautifully to navy tailoring, pale blue shirts and traditional leather accessories.
Our Churchill Grenadine, woven in Northern Italy and hand-finished in England, is a particularly versatile example. Its rich chocolate colour and distinctive Garza Fina weave create depth without relying on elaborate patterns or contrasting details. Paired with a navy suit, it offers a softer, more relaxed alternative to the traditional business tie, while remaining entirely appropriate for formal occasions.
It is a combination that feels confident, individual and quietly sophisticated.
Our recommendation: Navy suit, pale blue or white shirt, chocolate brown grenadine tie and dark brown leather shoes.