Finding a great tie is something that most men have a hard time doing. Most of the time, they need to get the expert advice of a stylist just to get the tie that suits them best. But if you knew exactly what it was to look for, you would be spending a lot less money on ties than you normally do.

A tie is something that you can wear over and over again, especially if it's one that defines you; a tie that screams your personality, if you will. So what is it that makes a tie a great tie for you?

• Fabric – Buying a tie is more than just eyeing it and taking it down from a rack of your choice at the store. What you need is to touch the tie and feel what it's made of.

Fabric is important when you buy a tie. The fabric has to be soft enough that you are comfortable wearing it and it has to be thick enough that you can wash it and wear it time and time again. This should actually be the first thing you should look at when trying out ties.

To be safe in this category, always pick a tie that is made of pure silk. It's got the look that you need no matter what color you choose and it will definitely look great with any shirt or suit that you wear.

• Proportion – The next thing you should look at is how long the tie is. This is, of course, assuming that you are looking to purchase a necktie and not a bowtie. A necktie should only be so long that it will touch the top of your belt buckle or top of your pants. It shouldn't be any longer than that; otherwise it will look very awkward.

You should also find a tie that is proportionate to your build. If you are slim, you probably should wear a wider tie. A narrower tie will go great if you are a little overweight.

• Color – Now, just because your favorite color might be, for example, red it doesn't mean that you should get a red tie for your green suit. Remember to be sensible with colors and know what you already have in your wardrobe as far as shirts and suits are concerned.

You need to buy a color tie that will go with most of that which is in your closet already. Also, find a color that will suit the color of your skin.

For example, you might want to get a lighter colored tie if you are a person with a light complexion. A darker tie will go with your dark complexion. These are just some basic things you need to remember when you are picking out a colored tie.

• Coordination – Now, it can be really tricky when you are buying a tie that has a certain print or pattern on it. Remember that patterns can be the enemy; you are better off getting a basic plain tie. But if a pattern is what you want, make sure that it doesn't clash with any other patterns that can be found in your suits or shirts. Otherwise, you will look quite silly no matter how expensive the tie was.