Michael Glen Plaid Ties: Classic Pattern, Modern Versatility

Glen plaid—also known as Glenurquhart check or Prince of Wales check—originated in 19th-century Scotland. The pattern was first used in Glenurquhart, a valley in Inverness-shire, where it adorned woolen hunting garments for estate workers.

Its signature? A mix of small and large checks created by alternating broken checks and houndstooth-like lines. Traditionally black, gray, or muted, glen plaid gained international fashion fame when Edward VII (and later Edward VIII, the Duke of Windsor) began wearing it as a suiting staple.

Today, glen plaid has evolved far beyond tweed suits. On a tie, especially in subtle tone-on-tone variations like TieMart’s Michael Glen, it becomes a refined pattern that suits a wide range of styles and occasions.

A closer look at the subtle texture of our tone-on-tone glen plaid.

Our Michael Glen plaid ties offer a modern take on tradition with tone-on-tone patterning, meaning the plaid is woven in a single color with slight textural contrast. It’s understated, but unmistakably stylish.

Here are the six current colors:

• Dark Blue: Navy with a classic twist, perfect for navy or gray suits.
• Dark Green: Rich and unexpected; looks fantastic with brown, charcoal, or tan jackets.
• Black: Our top choice for uniforms and formal events.
• Toffee Brown: A warm, versatile brown that pairs beautifully with cream or olive shirts.
• Sunflower Yellow: Bright but grounded, ideal for spring weddings or standout work outfits.
• Cameo Pink: Soft, elegant, and surprisingly easy to pair with grays or light blues.

Whether you're shopping for yourself or outfitting an entire team, our Michael Glen plaid comes in every style you could need:

• Standard, slim, and extra-long neckties
• Self-tie bow ties, band collar bow ties, and diamond tip bow ties
• Zipper ties and floppy bow ties
• Boys’ neckties and boys' bow ties
• Coordinating pocket squares for a complete look

Need large quantities? Especially in black, this collection is ready to outfit staff and uniformed groups in cohesive style.

Our Michael Glen plaid ties come in so many styles, there’s literally one for everyone — yes, even your dog’s impeccable taste.

One of glen plaid’s biggest strengths? Its adaptability. Here are a few shirt-and-suit pairing ideas for each color:

Pair with a crisp white shirt and gray or navy suit. For a more casual Friday, wear with a chambray shirt.

Looks sharp with a tan suit and cream or light olive shirt. For cooler weather, try with a tweed blazer.

Classic with a white or light gray shirt. Add a black or charcoal suit for a monochrome look that works in formal or professional settings.

Works well with ivory, cream, or even dusty blue shirts. Match with brown or olive suits.

Pop this against a white or pale blue shirt with a tan or light gray suit. Great for outdoor events.

Pair with a soft gray or white shirt and a charcoal or light gray suit. Surprisingly sleek and modern.

Glen plaid is a go-to for anyone wanting a pattern with presence—without loud colors or novelty prints. It blends in at the office, adds texture to a groom’s ensemble, and keeps uniformed staff looking polished and professional.

If you’re outfitting a group, our black glen plaid ties are a top choice, offering just enough detail to stand out—while still maintaining a cohesive, classic look.

The dark blue, dark green, and toffee brown styles are customer favorites for everyday business wear.

For weddings, couples are gravitating toward the sunflower yellow and cameo pink versions—both perfectly in step with current wedding color trends.

Meet the Cameo Pink Glen Plaid Tie—a wedding favorite that says hello to all the dreamy dusty pink vibes.

Absolutely. Glen plaid works beautifully for weddings, especially in softer shades like pink or yellow—or more formal tones like black and navy.

Stick to solids like white, light blue, cream, or gray to let the pattern shine.

They’re both. Glen plaid’s heritage makes it formal enough for weddings, but tone-on-tone styles make it easy to wear daily.

There are a few great options. Women can match the men exactly, wearing the same tie style and width for a perfectly uniform look. Or, go with a slimmer 2.5-inch necktie—still matching the pattern, but with a slightly more flattering silhouette. You can also opt for a bow tie. Choose from a pre-tied band collar bow tie, a diamond tip bow tie, or our floppy bow tie style (which is a traditional uniform option for women).

Yes! We carry boys' neckties and bow ties in every Michael Glen plaid color.

Ready to find your color match? Shop the full Michael Glen Plaid Collection now »

TieMart is an online retailer specializing in men’s neckties, bow ties, and accessories. You’ll find a wide variety of patterns, including two-color striped ties for school uniforms and graduations, paisley styles for weddings, classic plaids for the office, and even polka dots. TieMart’s ties are affordable and ship quickly from their Midwest location.