Pattern Ties (What's Wrong w/ Solids)

Question:

In the Hermes here in Houston, or Niemans, I'm hard pressed to try and locate solid Hermes ties. I know Hermes isn't known for solids, but all in all they are probably my favorite ties.

I've seen some of the preferred ties on this forum, but I'm not really sure exactly what distinctions others make when they acquire ties, and I wonder if there's something I'm missing.

Are solids too boring, what's important when acquiring new ties, and do I have to go to France to purchase a solid Hermes tie without any pique or basket weave detail?

For me, whenever I go tie shopping, it's whatever stands out to me. I have one solid navy tie, solid red, and solid black. I use them rarely, patterns are infinite and also much more interesting.

Visually, there is a lot less to distinguish an expensive solid tie from a cheaper one. Think about it, and then think about on-rack appeal.

Originally Posted by cmorebusiness

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Question: In the Hermes here in Houston, or Niemans, I'm hard pressed to try and locate solid Hermes ties. I know Hermes isn't known for solids, but all in all they are probably my favorite ties. I've seen some of the preferred ties on this forum, but I'm not really sure exactly what distinctions others make when they acquire ties, and I wonder if there's something I'm missing. Are solids too boring, what's important when acquiring new ties, and do I have to go to France to purchase a solid Hermes tie without any pique or basket weave detail?
Cmorebusiness, I love solid ties and often wear them. Textures can make all the difference but I understand the interest in basic ribbed silks and or satins etc.. which is why we often weave silks like that. Hermes ties tend to have a light interlining and construction is that part of what you like or is it something else?

Hermes makes solid ties, they are thick silks. Yes, they are rare, but a Hermes store should sell them although its possible they are in a period when they dont want to offer them.

Part of their exclusivity aura is to be able to tell you 'we wont be offering solids again until 2012, sorry'.

Originally Posted by cmorebusiness

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In the Hermes here in Houston, or Niemans, I'm hard pressed to try and locate solid Hermes ties. I know Hermes isn't known for solids, but all in all they are probably my favorite ties.

What? They have **** load of solid ties. There are always basket weave and jacquard. There are also two-tone (but they're solid still). Right now, some part of the world carry gridded five fold for like $450. Most of their non-silk are also solid (cashmere, linen, cotton).

Go to a real Hermes store, not Neimann Marcus....

Originally Posted by onix

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Go to a real Hermes store, not Neimann Marcus....

Good point, they only provide a fraction of their line to dept stores

There's nothing wrong with solids. In fact, they're very useful. I generally break them out when I'm wearing a patterned shirt and a patterned suit. Solid ties really pull those kinds of outfits together.

Originally Posted by vincerich

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There's nothing wrong with solids. In fact, they're very useful. I generally break them out when I'm wearing a patterned shirt and a patterned suit. Solid ties really pull those kinds of outfits together.

+1

There is 'nothing wrong' with basically any pattern. Its a matter of how you put it together.

Originally Posted by idfnl

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Good point, they only provide a fraction of their line to dept stores

Especially since the Hermes store is a 3 minute walk from Niemans

I have found myself instinctively moving more towards solid ties over the past year, but generally seek out ones that are woven (Grenadines etc.) or of a heavy silk or even a wool/cashmere - something substantial that makes a nice, beefy knot - where the texture is the driving visual component.

I'm not sure why, but my sense is that I have been trying to focus on toning down the overall presentation and emphasizing silhouette and a solid tie tends to help with that.

Otherwise, it's the occasional pin dot (in a woven)...though I did pick up an unusually cool looking repp the other day from B&S - probably the first striped tie i've bought in years.


No real reason yay or nay, but I generally don't see patterned ties that appeal to me all that much....

To be honest, I'm also more of a silhouette guy. Solid ties just seem to make all the lines work a little better in my mind.

I think I do like the basic (non-basquet weave, etc.) Hermes ties because of the light interlining and construction that Sam noted.

I tie a basic four-in-hand, so I'm more in to having a really good dimple than really "fat" knot.

Also, The "Real" Hermes store, and Niemans are the only stores that I know of that have any kind of stock, but neither of them usually carry plain (no pattern/texture) ties, or at least that's what I'm told from the people in Hermes. The only time I've seen just a wide selection was when I was in Paris for a few days. So I was wondering if I'd have better luck in other cities?

All of that said, I'm not sure if I'm off-base when it comes to my personal tie selection and I'm open to any thoughts on expanding my personal tastes, but as far as "what looks expensive", does that really ever come into place when you're selecting anything for a wardrobe?

There is nothing wrong with solids they are just seen as formal most times and in business or other settings can be kind of blah. patterns are better because they stand out slightly without sending the wrong message and make you more memoriable in a positive way.

Originally Posted by cmorebusiness

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To be honest, I'm also more of a silhouette guy. Solid ties just seem to make all the lines work a little better in my mind.

I think I do like the basic (non-basquet weave, etc.) Hermes ties because of the light interlining and construction that Sam noted.

I tie a basic four-in-hand, so I'm more in to having a really good dimple than really "fat" knot.

Also, The "Real" Hermes store, and Niemans are the only stores that I know of that have any kind of stock, but neither of them usually carry plain (no pattern/texture) ties, or at least that's what I'm told from the people in Hermes. The only time I've seen just a wide selection was when I was in Paris for a few days. So I was wondering if I'd have better luck in other cities?

All of that said, I'm not sure if I'm off-base when it comes to my personal tie selection and I'm open to any thoughts on expanding my personal tastes, but as far as "what looks expensive", does that really ever come into place when you're selecting anything for a wardrobe?


Cmore business,


Your ideas make sense to me and at one time for about a year all I wore were solid ties with just a few stripes or patterns on occasion.

My mother used to live in Houston so I am quite familiar with your humidity (very similar to Bangkok where I now live) and Hermes construction is a good choice for your weather.

I loved visiting NASA although the control room was smaller in real life than I pictured it from TV.

Hermes is very good marketing so I wonder why they do not make more solid ties available - perhaps you can call them in Paris and have them mail you swatches?

I stll love solids so if contacting Hermes directly does not work let me know and I will either have something on hand in a solid silk that we can make with a light construction for you or we may be able to custom weave a silk.

PS My name is David, Sam is Samantha my 4 year old daughter.

Originally Posted by cmorebusiness

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Also, The "Real" Hermes store, and Niemans are the only stores that I know of that have any kind of stock, but neither of them usually carry plain (no pattern/texture) ties, or at least that's what I'm told from the people in Hermes. The only time I've seen just a wide selection was when I was in Paris for a few days. So I was wondering if I'd have better luck in other cities?

At least stores in Chicago and New York have full selection. You can always buy them online through their website.