I was just in NYC and I was on a grenadine tie mission, I went to Paul Stuart, J Press, Bergdorf Goodman, \tCharles Tyrwhitt, and a few other places. I wanted a black and a navy first and foremost, with price being of little object for those colors and I would have settled with anything useful after that if there were deals to be had. After all the looking around I ended up with J Press in black, and navy, (I also bought a black silk knit there as well) after being impressed with their quality, thickness, weight, and the weave of the tie. I ended up wearing the black grenadine out of the store I loved it so much, it looked fantastic with my charcoal Hickey Freeman suit and a black and white check shit (the check is almost micro sized). The tie is around 3.25 I would guess; I have not taken my tape measure to it but it is a faint bit wider than what I am seeing as the most common width these days (2.75-3.00), but it would not overpower a slimmer lapel that is reasonable (not one of these laughable Express or JCrew Ludlow style lapels that are around 2 inches). The thickness and weight of the tie allowed for a perfect four-in-hand with a natural dimple, I would suggest this tie to anyone and the price is very reasonable for what you are getting. The Charles Tyrwhitt tie was also nice, it has a unique look to the fabric similar to the Hober weave and I would have swooped for the gray and the royal blue for the combo price but neither of the stores I visited had the royal in-stock so I am just going to order those from the website. I was not impressed with the offerings at Paul Stuart, the tie just didn't feel as nice in my hands as the J Press model and their color offerings in the store were not what I desired. Some may disagree but I just think the J Press model is a nicer feeling tie, and while $20.00 isn't a big difference in price I wouldn't plump the extra money into a Paul Stuart just because it is Paul Stuart when something nicer can be had for slightly less money. I have yet to experience the Sam Hober tie, but I plan on telling someone that is asking me what I want for Christmas to order me one in purple or red. The weave of the tie really does "lift" the tie from your suit and shirt without being loud, or fashion forward. I highly suggest investing in and taking good care of a few staple colors in these types of ties.
