Neckties discussed in Kiplingers Personal Finance

[thinman]

The September 2006 issue of Kiplingers Personal Finance has a one-page article on how to evaluate the quality of a necktie:

http://www.kiplinger.com/personalfin...6/09/ties.html

They also highlight a brand in each of 3 categories:

"Cool and Fresh": Vineyard Vines. These handmade ties have patterns that include pineapples and fall leaves as well as dolphins, flip-flops and fireflies. They're made of Korean silk.

"Best Value": Pronto Uomo. Sold by Men's Wearhouse, these look and feel like high-priced haberdashery. Made of Chinese silk, they feature a sturdy keeper tab.

"Top-Knot Ties": Drakes London. One of these lets you look like a king for a princely price. Handmade of heavy British silk, they have a lush feel, crisp design and bright, saturated colors.

I think they're right on the mark about Vineyard Vines and Drakes makes excellent ties, but I have no experience with Pronto Uomo. Although it may be asking you to risk admitting you shop at MW or an equivalent, does anyone have an informed opinion about Pronto Uomo ties? What are your thoughts about the other categories? What are your candidates for top honors in each category?

(Cross-posted on AskAndy and StyleForum)

 

[edmorel]

I must've missed the Vineyard Vines memo. What exactly is it that they do that almost all mid to lower priced tie brands don't do?

 

[thinman]

Originally Posted by edmorel

I must've missed the Vineyard Vines memo. What exactly is it that they do that almost all mid to lower priced tie brands don't do?

They have cutesie designs (whales, butterflies, etc.) beloved by the Trads. Their ties don't appeal to me, but I own several of their pocket squares, solid with contrasting border, that I find very versatile.

 

[Manton]

Originally Posted by edmorel

I must've missed the Vineyard Vines memo. What exactly is it that they do that almost all mid to lower priced tie brands don't do?
Successfuly copy Hermes designs, color schemes, lining thickness, and silk quality.

 

[EL72]

1. How do I tell if a tie is well made?

...(on lesser ties, the label doubles as the keeper)...

Like those crappy Charvets.

 

[Aureus]

Originally Posted by EL72

Like those crappy Charvets.

Regardless I'd much rather have a seperate keeper and personally won't buy any tie that does not have said feature.

 

[kitonbrioni]

Darn, and to think I've been shopping in the wrong places all these years.

 

[grimslade]

Originally Posted by EL72

Like those crappy Charvets.

There may be exceptions, but the keeper=better ties is a pretty good, and well-accepted, rule of thumb.

 

[EL72]

Originally Posted by Aureus

Regardless I'd much rather have a seperate keeper and personally won't buy any tie that does not have said feature.

I agree with you and was only half-joking. I don't get why Charvet cannot use a damn self-keeper when they sell $160 ties. I am not a big fan of their ties anyway.

 

[Jovan]

Originally Posted by kitonbrioni

Darn, and to think I've been shopping in the wrong places all these years.
I think a good deal of us would agree.