Understanding What to Look For in a Good Quality Tie

How does one know that the tie they are purchasing is a good quality tie? Ties are often expensive and the hype of a tie being 100% silk does not always mean they are of the best quality. There are many tips that one can follow to make sure the tie they buy will last.

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}

·        An excellent quality tie is open at both ends.

·        Pull the tie by both tips. If the tie twists or does not stay flat, it’s not cut properly and will not last.

·        Hold the tie up by one tip. If the tie does not twist and turn, it is a good quality tie.

·        Look for the recovery loop at the very narrow end of the tie. This loop helps the tie stretch back out after being worn.

·        Check to make sure it has a nice lining: thick and of good quality wool. This will also help the tie recover.

·        Check for loose threads or runs

·        Check for symmetry of the tie from the front along the center line.

·        A great quality necktie will have noticeably straight edges.

·        After tying the knot, the necktie should not have lumps.

·        An excellent quality tie should not have any noticeable threads on the back.

·        Repeating patterns on a great quality necktie should not be very spaced out.

·        Excellent quality ties are either constructed by folding a single piece of silk 7 times or by cutting the silk into three pieces comprising the front, back and neckpieces.

·        A good quality tie is ‘cut on the bias’, which means it is cut to a 45 degree angle.

·        There should be a horizontal stitch at the back of the tie on the wider end. This is called the ‘bar tac’ and it keeps the tie from pulling open.

·        The greatest quality ties are hand crafted.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to tell the quality of the silk used. But assessing most of the above things is within the ability of the average consumer.

It is important to remember that one does not have to buy the most expensive tie in order to end up with excellent quality neckwear. One has to be a bit discerning about where they purchase the tie, what qualities the tie has and how well the tie ultimately wears. While cheaper ties will often not last as long as the more expensive varieties, the ties can still look great on the wearer and still be of great quality. When looking at solid color ties such as the power-red tie or a gold tie, be extra careful when looking for pulls, runs or loose threads.