Drake's and Conrad Wu Ties

The trouble with a one-in/one-out rule for ties is that you get to those that you'd be happy to keep. Prices are firm for now...I'm happy to keep them. Each worn less than 10 times.

• Here are two chosen to make room for two coming in. Prices include CONUS shipping with tracking.
• Please have a good forum reputation or good B&S feedback or perfect eBay feedback (PM me).
• As no returns, please ask all questions. I'm happy to take more measurements, provide more pics etc.

1. Drake's rust tweed, hand rolled edges, lined. 3.5inches x 62 inches $90 SOLD

Just a beautiful rustic tie, softly woven though feels tweedy (slightly coarse) in hand. It has undertones of green, and is a thick substantial fabric.

The only issue I have is that it ties a big knot but see pics below. I love this tie but as I'm working towards "perfection" it's knot for my collars is slightly less than perfect (i.e. slightly too big). Would recommend to those who have more "tie space" in their collars.

It sounds long (I was surprised by the measured length), but with wool ties, since the knot doesn't cinch so tightly, the extra length "dissipates", especially in this thicker fabric. I wear my bespoke ties at 58-59 inch length but this tie ties similarly in back blade length. Let me know if you have concerns, and I can tie it and give precise back to front blade "distance" at tips.

This shot I think gives the best sense of the color though the tie is just peeking out (daylight shot)



Fits




Indoor shot...look at the subtle variegated color...just fantastic.






2. Conrad Wu iconic tan shantung regimental. 3.25 x 59 inches $75

Indoor lighting shot (the rust tweed looks much redder here...see daylight shot below).


I suppose this is one of the standard bearers in Conrad's collection. Has reappeared once perhaps.

It ties an effortless knot, a great spring/summer tie with a navy blazer.

NB: This is from the first round, and Conrad's first tie maker in NYC, which I understand to be a well-known one. That said, the one issue with my two Wu's is that the tip is asymmetric as you can see. I didn't let this bother me, and in a way, given the casualness of the fabric, it sort of fits. No one will notice it, but I mention it here.

This shot makes the tie more gold than it is



Daylight shot

Pleased to say I own an icon...hope folks jump on these quickly. They are really great.

ericgereghty said:

Pleased to say I own an icon...hope folks jump on these quickly. They are really great.

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Good taste Eric and thanks. The Wu (the icon!) is a great tie...I've only allowed myself 20 for S/S, though, so something's got to go.

That's ok. It's good to have some turnover for variety's sake and not to hoard!

You're a better man than I. Not a hoarder by any means, but I definitely have far too many ties. All in I probably have at least 20 linen ties alone haha.

ericgereghty said:

You're a better man than I. Not a hoarder by any means, but I definitely have far too many ties. All in I probably have at least 20 linen ties alone haha.

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Define hoarding

For me, 20 means each tie is worn once a month. If I wouldn't wear the tie even once in a month for that season, there's no point in keeping it.

The goal is to have every tie be one that I would happily wear at least twice in a month. If I get to that point, maybe for an exercise, I'll up the limit to 25 and do it again.

Revised: you're a FAR better man than I ha!

So, I just measured two other Drake's wool ties I have (both 8cm width) and they are at least as long, with one (from Barney's) even longer. Hmmm. They all tie fine.

Traditional wisdom is that wool ties are sometimes cut longer than silk, perhaps because more of the tie length is "consumed" by the knot.

Here's the length between the front and back blade tied so it is worn normally, like other Drake's I own. Also, just more pictures of the fabric and texture, with Drake's fine hand rolled edges.

Drake's is sold!

This made the latest round of The Best of B&S (Someone Should Buy This!)

Thanks @razl

A few others from SF

@Betelgeuse



The man himself, perhaps:



@Claghorn

All excellent looks. Somebody buy this damn tie ASAP

All good looks but Clag's is like perfect.

ericgereghty said:

All excellent looks. Somebody buy this damn tie ASAP

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razl said:

All good looks but Clag's is like perfect.

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Cheers gents. @razl I sort of like my pocket square pairing a bit more than @Claghorn 's though his is a very nice fit indeed.

The iconic Wu tie is sold!