Generally, the corporate work environment requires a standard code of professional dress, and generally its employees are bound by that code. Now, companies rarely venture into the tiny specifications regarding work attire, rather, a broad overview is presented as a guideline. For example, companies that welcome the presence of neckties won’t necessarily dictate the parameters it must abide by; such as its color, fabric, or pattern. Sure, common sense is a fantastic guide to certain unwritten rules within the office. Meaning, an office environment boasting a variety of stripes & solids; a Disney themed Donald Duck necktie may be slightly out-of-place. However, among that sea of stripes & solids, other designs are perfectly acceptable, save your favorite Disney character. Enter the medallion print necktie – your new go-to necktie in the workplace.

Simply, a medallion print consists of a repeating pattern of detailed, decorative emblems. Patterns and shapes can be symmetrical or asymmetrical, complex or straightforward, large or small. Certainly, a medallion necktie can interrupt the visual monotony induced by over usage of striped or solid selections. Sure, the latter choices are safe options, however, medallions afford forward style without breaking any corporate dress protocols – written or unwritten. Illustrated above is a necktie courtesy of Brooks Brothers. In fact, I actually own the necktie above. A Brooks Brothers necktie tends to lean decidedly conservative with solid construction. However, I highly recommend purchasing their neckties in person, as the weight and feel can be hit or miss. The material of some neckties are robust and thick – excellent attributes for knotting purposes; others are a little dainty and thin – workable, but not my preference.

A medallion print necktie works with solid, striped, or checked dress shirts. A gentleman should be mindful of the scale between the patterns of the necktie and dress shirt. A large medallion print should be balanced by either a small stripe or check pattern. Conversely, a small medallion print will work best with a larger stripe dress shirt pattern. Solid shirts, of course would be negligible. Gentlemen’s Standard approved, an array of medallion patterned neckties in your rotation is an intelligent investment for the professional gentleman.