Tie basics 101

[pinkpanther]

Flyswatter,

How does one distinguish reppe twill versus herringbone on a tie? I dont think I know the difference.....

Here is an example of a herringbone (from the Hober website)...

Here is an example of a reppe (again from the Hober website)...

Here is an example of a twill (from the Hober website, he doesn't have grey offered)...

 

[Flyswatter]



Flyswatter,

How does one distinguish reppe twill versus herringbone on a tie?  I dont think I know the difference.....

Ennius,

pinkpanther posted some nice examples of herringbone and twill. I'm no fabric expert, but basically herringbone (any cloth, not just ties) is similar to twill, but has a distinctive "zigzag" look to the weave. Twill has textured ridges that run only in one direction, usually diagonally.

The burgundy "solid textured" tie from Kamakura you linked to does indeed look very similar to herringbone, as the ribs have periodic reversals in direction that give it that chevron appearance. Personally, I'm not a fan of herringbone ties. While I'd prefer herringbone over something smooth like satin, there are other textured options I like better for solid ties, namely the various grenadine weaves. Knit ties offer lots of texture but are more casual in nature. I also like oxford, diamond weave, and shantung or raw silk. Then there's the seasonal fabrics that are often rich in texture, such as wool and linen, but those don't really belong in a "bare minimum" necktie collection.

 

[Ennius]

Gents,

Thanks for the nice pics and guidance. I think i get it now.

How can I post pics? I want to show a grey and white cashmere houndstooth tie by Drake's. and get folks views if it belongs in the top 6-8 tie list.

It is visually stunning in the picture!

 

[Balfour]

Click the insert image icon in the header to the "reply" box (on my screen on the left-hand end of the bottom row of icons).

 

[archibaldleach]



Gents,

Thanks for the nice pics and guidance. I think i get it now.

How can I post pics? I want to show a grey and white cashmere houndstooth tie by Drake's. and get folks views if it belongs in the top 6-8 tie list.

It is visually stunning in the picture!

The tie sounds absolutely stunning. I am not sure I'd consider anything in a fabric like linen or cashmere to belong in a top 6-8 list when we're looking at versatility (I understood the sheppard's check / houndstooth silk argument awhile back since it is great for weddings and the right wedding tie can be worn year round), but if you have a few decent basics and truly love it, I'd seriously consider buying it.

 

[Ennius]

 

[Ennius]

 

[Ennius]

Hi Gents,

Thanks for the advice on posting pictures. Looks like it worked - see above.

I was wrong about houndstooth but still like it. Apparently its Pure Cashmere Gingham Check, by Drakes of London. Also comes in black/white and blue/white.

Can this make the top 8 list? Seems like it would work well with solid navy blue or charcoal or dark grey suits. But more seasonal - fall/winter?

I posted more of the Drake ties below as they look very nice and belong in top 6-8 list? Maybe the first two are a bit too 'edgy'?

 

[archibaldleach]

I like the cashmere gingham check tie for fall / winter but not for spring summer. Any tie that can only be worn half the year does not make a top 6-8 list of essentials IMO. That said, if you already have at least 5 versatile staple ties, go for it. The whole top 5, top 8, top 10 list is largely an academic exercise in any event, especially once you get past the top 5. There are core basics that everyone should have, but after a certain point, your taste starts to matter more.

As to your second post, I like the first tie though I tend to prefer more subtle pindots. Second tie is kind of pointless IMO (I don't get a grey pindot tie). Third is unobjectionable. Fourth looks great. A plaid tie like that is almost as useful as a silver / grey grenadine IMO.

 

[Gbg brouge]

The plaid tie looks really great! Like archibald says, the greatness lies in it's versatility. Dont't go for the two spotted ones, they're not even on the same field as the others.
Nice thread though, and a lot to be learned here...keep it up!

 

[Ennius]

Thanks Gents for the feedback.

Looks like the plaid and gingham are polling well. Both seem pretty versatile and would add some nice action to my mainly solid suits.

I must confess I like the bigger polka dot ties, as there is something playful/whimsical about them that appeals to me. But I do see they arent staples.

Can I assume Drake ties are high quality?

Has anyone been to Seigo's in NYC? Handmade Japanese silk ties that are only ~$80. I just got one that I like very much. They have both staples and also some very fun whimsical stuff, too. Its a shame they dont sell online as they have some interesting stuff.

http://seigoneckwear.blogspot.co.uk/

 

[Maboulding]

Hi,

I think it varies to be honest.

Firstly what are the reasons that you are buying the ties for? Work? Leisure? Wedding? or all of the above.

Recently I have become a little bit obsessed with knitted ties. Here is a red one that I purchased recently from Broni&Bo, works with my blue, grey and black suit along with a crisp white shirt and also casual with a nice jumper and blazer

I love the grey check one below.

Anyone for houndstooth

 

[conradwu]

Thanks Gents for the feedback.

Looks like the plaid and gingham are polling well. Both seem pretty versatile and would add some nice action to my mainly solid suits.

I must confess I like the bigger polka dot ties, as there is something playful/whimsical about them that appeals to me. But I do see they arent staples.

Can I assume Drake ties are high quality?

Has anyone been to Seigo's in NYC? Handmade Japanese silk ties that are only ~$80. I just got one that I like very much. They have both staples and also some very fun whimsical stuff, too. Its a shame they dont sell online as they have some interesting stuff.

http://seigoneckwear.blogspot.co.uk/

Drake's are the best quality, imo.

Wasn't impressed at all by Seigo's stuff.

 

[Flyswatter]

I've posted a lot in this thread, but don't think I ever mentioned my own list of basic, must-have ties. I couldn't narrow it down to 5, so here's my list of 8:

5 solids. Grenadines of various weaves:
- Navy
- Burgundy
- Brown
- Black
- Silver/gray (A wedding/formal tie, such as a glen plaid, could be substituted for this)

3 patterned/striped ties:
- Navy w/ white pindots
- Burgundy w/ white pindots
- Versatile striped tie (possibly a shantung)

For variety's sake, the dots on the navy and burgundy ties could vary in size/scale.

 

[Ennius]

Conradwu,

Where do you like to get ties in NYC?