5 Things to Ask About Silk Ties
We show you what to look for in a qulaity necktie.
1. How do I tell if a tie is well made?
First, hold it up by the narrow end; if it twists to one side, it was cut incorrectly and will forever hang askew. Then, scrunch the material. A great tie feels smooth and substantial and bounces back wrinkle-free when released. Flip the tie over and check the panels, called tipping, that cover the lining at each end. Top-of-the-line tipping is made of silk -- sometimes of the same fabric as the rest of the tie. Whatever the material, it should extend deep into the narrow part of the tie. Look for two horizontal stitches (one on each end), called bar tacks, joining the back flaps, as well as a "keeper tab," which holds the tie in place (on lesser ties, the label doubles as the keeper). Finally, try the tie on: If it dimples under the knot, you've got a winner.
Row 0 - Cell 0 | Video: How to Buy a Quality Tie |
Row 1 - Cell 0 | 5 Things to Ask About Ice Cream Makers |
Row 2 - Cell 0 | 5 Things to Ask About Gas Grills |
Row 3 - Cell 0 | 5 Things to Ask About Whiskey |
2. How do I vet the quality of the fabric?
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Run your fingers over the tie. A luxurious feel indicates high-quality silk; some makers try to disguise silk that's too thin by bulking up the liner. Heavy silk -- say, 36-ounce or 50-ounce -- boasts rich colors and more depth of design than the flimsy stuff, says Michael Ostrove, of Paul Stuart, a high-end clothier. "With thin, cheap silk, the pattern sits on top."
3. Which countries produce the best silk?
Italian and British mills set the standard for high-quality production, says Ostrove, although Chinese and Korean producers have improved the quality of their silk. You can find the provenance of the silk by checking the tie tip for the label. As for linings, the best are made of wool.
4. I found a 4.5-inch-wide tie in the back of my closet. Dare I wear it?
Sure -- if you don't mind looking like Sonny Corleone. Most contemporary ties measure 3.25 inches to 3.75 inches wide. Some, produced by a few European makers, have broken the 4-inch mark, says Bill Thompson, of Wm. Fox Co., a men's clothier in Washington, D.C.
5. How much should I expect to spend?
Nice ties in a store's private-label line start at about $35. Top labels, including Robert Talbott, Drake's London and Ike Behar, usually run $100 to $200.
Watch our video on how to buy a quality tie.
Three brands fit to be tied
Cool and Fresh:
Vineyard Vines
Price: $65
These handmade ties have patterns that include pineapples and fall leaves as well as dolphins, flip-flops and fireflies. They're made of Korean silk.
Best Value:
Pronto Uomo
Price: $40
Sold by Men's Wearhouse, these look and feel like high-priced haberdashery. Made of Chinese silk, they feature a sturdy keeper tab.
Top-Knot Ties:
Drake's LondonPrice: $100-$135
One of these lets you look like a king for a princely price. Handmade of heavy British silk, they have a lush feel, crisp design and bright, saturated colors.
To continue reading this article
please register for free
This is different from signing in to your print subscription
Why am I seeing this? Find out more here
-
Stock Market Today: Nasdaq Soars Ahead of Tesla Earnings
The EV stock rose nearly 2% ahead of its highly anticipated Q1 earnings report, due after tonight's close.
By Karee Venema Published
-
GM Stock Accelerates After Earnings Beat
General Motors beat expectations for the first quarter and raised its outlook for the year. Here's what you need to know.
By Joey Solitro Published
-
403(b) Contribution Limits for 2024
retirement plans Teachers and nonprofit workers can contribute more to a 403(b) retirement plan in 2024 than they could in 2023.
By Jackie Stewart Published
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2024
Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up for 2024. Here's what you need to know.
By Jackie Stewart Published
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnb
real estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
By Miriam Cross Published
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute Vacation
Travel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
By Vaishali Varu Last updated
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?
insurance Instead of relying on rules of thumb, you’re better off taking a systematic approach to figuring your life-insurance needs.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
Five Reasons You Shouldn't Shop on Amazon Prime Day
Smart Buying Think twice before getting lured into buying a bunch of stuff you don't need just because it's on sale.
By Andrea Browne Taylor Published
-
When Is Amazon Prime Day?
Amazon Prime In 2023 Amazon had two Prime Day events — one in July and another, called Big Deal Days, in October. We expect 2024 to follow the same schedule.
By Bob Niedt Last updated
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Steps
insurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
By Kaitlin Pitsker Published