What Color Ties Go With a Black Suit

Black-on-black is the ultimate classic for formal events. A black solid tie or a subtle patterned black tie pairs perfectly with a black suit and a white dress shirt. This look works especially well for weddings, funerals, and black-tie events. Black ties keep everything sleek and polished without drawing attention away from the overall ensemble.

Red is a classic for a reason. It grabs attention and pairs beautifully with a black suit for almost any occasion, from the office to weddings. Deep shades like burgundy or crimson are especially sophisticated. Consider a solid burgundy tie, a red tone-on-tone stripe, or a paisley design. Red adds confidence without overwhelming the outfit.

Silver and gray ties create a sleek, monochromatic look. Ideal for formal events or professional settings, they keep the ensemble polished and refined. A silver solid tie, gray diagonal stripe, or paisley pattern can subtly catch the light and complement a white shirt. These ties never feel too loud, making them perfect for classic black suits.

Blue is versatile and approachable. Navy provides a professional vibe, while medium or royal blue brings a softer contrast. Blue ties look great with crisp white shirts or even pale blue shirts for lighter occasions. Consider a navy blue tie, blue plaid tie, or blue geometric. It’s a safe, stylish choice that still gives personality.

White or ivory ties are formal and elegant, ideal for weddings or black-tie events. They create a crisp, clean look against a black suit and a white shirt. Ivory solid colors, subtle white tone-on-tone stripes, or ivory floral patterns work beautifully. These ties can feel a bit stiff for everyday business settings, but they’re perfect when the occasion calls for refined simplicity.

Purple and lavender ties offer a modern, stylish twist. They work well for weddings, parties, or creative work settings. A lavender solid tie, purple paisley, or lavender pattern tie adds character without overwhelming the outfit. They’re less common, which can make your look stand out—just coordinate shirts and accessories carefully.

Pink is surprisingly versatile. Soft pinks give a fresh, modern appearance, particularly in spring and summer. Hot pink or bright shades feel playful or daring. TieMart’s pink solid ties, bright fuchsia paisley, and subtle pink floral designs pair beautifully with black suits, especially with white or pale blue shirts. Pink is fun but still classy if done right.

Dark greens like hunter or jewel-tone green shades are understated and elegant. They’re perfect for fall or winter outfits and can add a subtle pop of color. Olive or patterned greens can work too, but bright green shades are generally too bold. (Unless that's the look you're going for.) Think hunter green solids, dark green plaids, or subtle green patterns for the best results.

Gold ties, when muted, can look elegant and evening-ready. Metallic gold or soft yellow stripes work, especially for formal events. Bright yellow can feel harsh against black, so it’s better to stick with softer, buttery tones. A gold solid tie, muted yellow plaid, or subtle patterned gold tie can add warmth without clashing.

Orange is rarely a first choice with black suits. Muted shades like burnt orange or rust can be stylish in the fall. Bright or neon orange tends to clash and feels aggressive. Stick to deep, warm tones and consider subtle patterns rather than solids to keep the outfit balanced. A burnt orange stripe or persimmon solid can work for adventurous dressers.

Brown ties are tricky with black suits. Dark, chocolatey browns can sometimes work for fall or winter, especially in subtle patterns. However, lighter browns, beige, or greige shades generally clash and should be avoided. If you want a brown tie, stick to deep, rich tones with minimal patterning to keep the look cohesive and sophisticated.

If your black suit features pinstripes, windowpane checks, or subtle textures, tie choice changes slightly. Solid ties usually work best, helping balance the pattern. Small-scale textures or understated patterns can complement the suit, but avoid loud designs—they’ll compete with the suit rather than enhance it. Your tie should highlight the suit, not fight it.

While black suits are versatile, some colors are tricky. Neon shades, light browns, and certain pastels often clash or feel off. Very bright yellow and neon orange are particularly risky. Stick with jewel tones, muted metallics, and classic neutrals to keep your outfit polished. Black suits are forgiving but not magic, so pick wisely.

Choosing the right tie for a black suit is about balancing color, occasion, and personal style. Classic shades like black, red, blue, and silver will always look sharp, while colors like pink, green, purple, and deep brown offer chances to stand out. Bold shades like neon orange or bright yellow are rarely safe choices, but muted gold, deep orange, and dark green can add personality without clashing. The best tie complements your suit, highlights your style, and feels comfortable.

TieMart is a family-owned online shop offering a wide range of men’s neckties, bow ties, and accessories. Their collection includes classic ties for the office, paisley favorites for weddings, school-striped options for uniforms, and more. With affordable prices and fast shipping from their Midwest location, TieMart makes it simple to find the perfect tie for any occasion.