Understanding What to Look For in a Good Quality Tie

How does one know that the tie they are purchasing is a good quality tie? Ties are often expensive and the hype of a tie being 100% silk does not always mean they are of the best quality. There are many tips that one can follow to make sure the tie they buy will last.

• An excellent quality tie is open at both ends.
• Pull the tie by both tips. If the tie twists or does not stay flat, it’s not cut properly and will not last.
• Hold the tie up by one tip. If the tie does not twist and turn, it is a good quality tie.
• Look for the recovery loop at the very narrow end of the tie. This loop helps the tie stretch back out after being worn.
• Check to make sure it has a nice lining: thick and of good quality wool. This will also help the tie recover.
• Check for loose threads or runs
• Check for symmetry of the tie from the front along the center line.
• A great quality necktie will have noticeably straight edges.
• After tying the knot, the necktie should not have lumps.
• An excellent quality tie should not have any noticeable threads on the back.
• Repeating patterns on a great quality necktie should not be very spaced out.
• Excellent quality ties are either constructed by folding a single piece of silk 7 times or by cutting the silk into three pieces comprising the front, back and neckpieces.
• A good quality tie is ‘cut on the bias’, which means it is cut to a 45 degree angle.
• There should be a horizontal stitch at the back of the tie on the wider end. This is called the ‘bar tac’ and it keeps the tie from pulling open.
• The greatest quality ties are hand crafted.

 

Unfortunately, it is difficult to tell the quality of the silk used. But assessing most of the above things is within the ability of the average consumer.

It is important to remember that one does not have to buy the most expensive tie in order to end up with excellent quality neckwear. One has to be a bit discerning about where they purchase the tie, what qualities the tie has and how well the tie ultimately wears. While cheaper ties will often not last as long as the more expensive varieties, the ties can still look great on the wearer and still be of great quality. When looking at solid color ties such as the power-red tie or a gold tie, be extra careful when looking for pulls, runs or loose threads. 

 

Be sure to look at www.tiecoon.com where we offer excellent quality ties at very affordable prices. When you try our ties, and inspect the quality of our ties, you will want to order more!

5 Ways to Tie a Necktie

5 Ways to Tie a Necktie  

There are many ways to tie a tie. A book exists (The 85 Ways to Tie a Tie) that, based on mathematics and geometry, shows one many ways to tie a necktie, but states that only 13 are symmetric enough to wear. We cannot cover all thirteen in this article, but we will cover 5 ways to tie neckwear.

1.      Oriental Knot

This is a very simple and small knot typically used for Chinese school uniforms. Start with the tie inside out, right wide side longer than left narrow side. Bring the left over the right in an X. Wrap the wide blade around the narrow and bring it up through the center loop. Bring the wide blade down through the front loop and tighten. Cover the inside out neck loop with your collar.

2.      Victoria Knot

This is similar to the Four in Hand Knot except for one move which makes it a little larger. Start with the tie right side out, draped around the neck such that the wide blade is on the right and is longer than the narrow blade. Cross wide over narrow blade. Wrap the wide blade twice around the narrow blade and bring it up through the center neck hole. Pass the wide blade down through the front loop and tighten. This is a self-releasing knot.

3.      Four in Hand Knot

Start with the tie right side out, draped around the neck such that the wide blade is on the right and is longer than the narrow blade. Cross the wide over the narrow blade and wrap it around the narrow blade. Bring the wide blade up through the neck hole and pass it down through the loop. Tighten the knot. This is currently the most popular knot.

4.      Half-Windsor Knot

This is an asymmetric knot that is very popular. Drape the tie around your neck right side out such that the wide blade is on the right and longer than the narrow blade. Cross the wide blade over the narrow blade. Wrap the wide blade behind the narrow, bring the wide blade up and pull it down through the neck hole towards the left. Wrap the wide blade in front of the narrow blade; bring it up through the neck hole from the back. Pull the wide blade down through the front loop and tighten the knot.

5.      Windsor Knot

This is a very wide symmetric knot that is appropriate for wide collars when one is planning on going on an interview or needs to look confident. It is the same as the Half Windsor, but instead of wrapping the wide blade in front of the narrow after the first time through the neck hole, after you pull the wide blade down through the neck hole towards the left, bring it up in front and down through the neck hole again, pulling it to the right. At this point, pull it across the front, push the wide blade up through the neck hole in back and bring it down through the front loop. Tighten the knot and hide the wide corners of the knot under the collar.

While you are deciding how to tie a tie, be sure to visit www.tiecoon.com . We have a great selection of ties of all colors and patterns (including silver and gold!). We also have directions for how to tie a tie for some of the above knots as well as two others not included in this article.

All About Neckwear from Then to Now

Some documents trace the origin of the necktie to 221 BC during the reign of China’s first emperor. The ‘terracotta army’ that was buried with the emperor, comprised of 7000 soldier statues, all wore neckwear. Ties seemed to disappear for many centuries after that. The servants of Roman soldiers were allowed to wear cloths around their necks, although it was not considered appealing or stylish at the time. Roman orators also wore it to warm their vocal cords.

The neck scarf came back into fashion as part of a military uniform in Croatia in the 1600s and was co-opted by French royalty. The French termed the neck scarf the ‘cravat’, thought to be a slight morphing of ‘Croat’. The cravat became fashionable in England in the late 1700s when Beau Brummel, a male fashion consultant, decided to add it to his wardrobe. In the early 1800s, the name ‘cravat’ was replaced by the word ‘tie’. Books were published in that time to show variations of how to knot cravats or ties. As the British spread their colonies around the world, their fashions also spread, including the necktie or scarf. Armies adopted the necktie as part of their uniform, with the color and pattern uniquely identifying different regiments. This is where the patterned necktie developed.

The modern necktie

The modern neck tie was designed in the 1920s by an American tie maker, Jesse Langsdorf. Artists of the time also placed artwork on ties, creating the first novelty ties. In the 1930s, King George V passed on a particular way to tie neckwear to the Duke of Windsor. Thus, the ‘Windsor Knot’ was named and made famous. From the 1920s, the width of the necktie has changed many times and has been as thin as 1 ½ inches and as wide as 4 ½ inches. The 1970s was a particularly ‘wide tie’ era. The 1980s placed emphasis on neckwear as being highly important for ones career. Thus, the ‘Power Tie’ was born. The 1980s ties were much narrower than the decade before, bringing back the narrow neckties of the Rat Pack era in the 1950s.

The 80s also saw the development of many novelty ties, especially the fish tie, hobby neckties and other types of art themed ties. The early 90’s saw the tie trend diminish drastically as casual days in offices took hold. Even the most formal of offices started to accept more casual dress, which signaled the end of daily neckwear as a requirement.

After the new millennium, a conservative trend took hold and neck ties made a comeback in many places of work. No longer was a novelty tie acceptable workplace apparel. After 9/11, patriotism was shown openly and very prominently on neckwear. Since 9/11, the trend of wearing ties has waxed and waned. Currently it is becoming chic to wear narrow ties even with jeans...a very nice addition to an otherwise casual look.

It is nice to know the roots of the tie, such a seemingly small clothing accessory. It is amazing how neckwear influences others through history, and how the necktie is the male form of fashion self-expression. Express yourself by visiting tiecoon.com and choosing the ties that speak to you.

Bow Ties are Cool Again

We can all remember the one male teacher in High School who wore a bow tie. Often this teacher was aged, sometimes portly, wore tweed suit jackets and had either an ‘air’ of arrogance surrounding him or was the amiable ‘absent minded professor’. But this image is changing! Bow ties are back in style with the younger set thanks largely to the wardrobe of the Eleventh Dr. Who played by Matt Smith and to the tendency toward ‘retro’.

The bow tie can be dated back to the 17^th century when mercenaries from Croat used scarves to hold their shirts closed at the top. Cravats and bow ties seemed to appear at approximately the same time and neckties evolved later. The bow tie became associated with certain types of careers such as professors, attorneys, musicians and waiters. In addition, it became a clothing accessory some wore only during very formal occasions with a tuxedo. It seems, however, that bow ties are coming back as more mainstream apparel.

Bow Tie Preferences

One can wear various types of bow ties. Bow ties can be made of silk, cotton, polyester, or combination fabrics, although heavier fabrics such as wool are not common. For those who do not know how to tie a bow tie, one can choose a ‘ready-tied’ tie. For those who are more knowledgeable, one can choose a ‘self-tie’ bow tie. There are different styles of bow ties, although it is usually not considered correct to wear a ready-tied to a formal event. Shapes of bow ties are personal preferences. One can choose a butterfly shaped bow tie or a bat wing shaped bow tie (parallel sides on the bow). Another type is a tie with pointed tips at both ends.

  How to Tie a Bow Tie

From the point of view of the person wearing the bow tie:

·         Put the strand of material around the back of your neck, allowing the right side to be 1-1.5 inches longer than the left side.

·         Cross the long side over the short side near your neck, but still with room to work in the loop.

·         Push the long end up through the loop and tighten a bit, if needed.

·         Pull the short end to the left, fold it back over itself to the right and hold it. This will be the front loop of the bow tie.

·         Put the ‘long end’ that you pushed up through the loop down over the front of the bow that you are holding.

·       Pinch the horizontally folded bow together in front of the hanging end. (The top of the dangling end is between the pinched folds)

·         Push the middle of the dangling end through the initial knot made in the beginning. This is the back part of the bow.

·         Tighten: Pull opposite sides and halves at the same time. Front left, back right = tightens if pulled. Front right, left back = loosens if pulled.

·         Refine the tightness and shape of the bow.

For a more complete list of bow tie color, fabric and style, visit tiecoon.com. Be the cool person in your friend group and wear a new stylish bow tie!

Boy’s Ties for the Young Gentleman in Your Life

One of the cutest sights is a little toddler boy or a small male child with beautiful boy’s neckwear. Boy’s ties are more and more popular, even in this age of almost constant casual dress. When young boys dress up in suits, uniforms or jackets and add a boy’s tie, their behavior changes. They love to look like Daddy and act like they are all grown up.

Boy’s neckties are worn for many occasions, sometimes formal, sometimes more casual. Family events such as weddings, funerals, graduations and holidays are usually times when little boys will want to wear formal neckwear. Some boys need to wear boy’s neck ties or bow ties as part of a school uniform.

Types of Boy’s Ties 

Young boys usually wear one of two types of ties: the bow tie or the neck tie. Both types may be made of many types of fabrics. Silk is not typically used for boy’s ties. Usually fabrics that are more washable are used instead. Boy’s ties can be found in all shapes, sizes and colors. Silver, red, blue, white, black, and yellow are only some of the colors available in boy’s neckties and bow ties. These ties come in various patterns as well. While one can find a self-tie neck tie for young boys, most ties for children come as clip on, ready-tied or zippered.

Sizing of Boy’s Ties

One of the most difficult problems when choosing boy’s neckwear, whether it is a neck tie or bow tie, is the sizing of the tie.  Infants can wear a 3 inch bow tie. Toddlers with a neck size of 8 – 10 inches can wear a 3 ½ inch wide bow tie. Older boys with a 10 – 12 inch neck look great in a bow tie that is 4 inches wide.  The best way to determine which size would be the most appropriate (other than measuring your child’s neck) is to hold a ruler up to their neck directly under their chin.

Boy’s neck ties need to be fit to the child’s height, neck size and the type of knot you desire. If you want to use a large knot, you must remember to purchase a longer tie. The last (knot size) is not an issue with ready-tied boy’s ties, clip-on ties or zippered ties. For a boy that is 45 – 49 inches tall, the recommended width is 2.5 inches and length is 42 inches. For a boy that is 50 – 54 inches tall, the recommended tie width is 2.75 inches and length is 46 inches. Finally, for a taller boy, 55 – 60 inches tall, the recommended tie width is 3 inches and length is 50 inches.  Ideally, when tied, a boy’s tie should reach at least to the middle of the child’s belt.

When you want to dress up the little man in your life and transform him into a little gentleman, tiecoon.com has the selection of boy’s ties that you

Express Yourself with Custom Ties

There are times when the ties that are available are just not good enough for the occasion. Perhaps you are looking for matching custom ties for a wedding or even for a large group of employees. At other times, perhaps you would like to customize your own wardrobe. In these cases, you may want to find a company that will create custom ties based on your specifications.

The old school rules of length, width, color and pattern are out the window when it comes to customizing your own ties. Anything goes! Custom ties can be the ultimate in self-expression. Neckties are not the only type of tie that can be customized. Bow ties are fully customizable and can be cut in the shape desired. Combine colors such as orange and blue, or green and maroon for your custom tie.  Nothing says ‘I am color blind’ like a fun red/green custom tie that is not Christmas themed! The draw of customizing your neckwear is in being able to show people your fun side and also your chic side. You also have the freedom to use custom ties to make a statement and start your own trend.

Some companies like to dress their employees in full uniforms. Hotel chains and airlines, for example, like to have their employees wear uniform clothing, including custom neckwear with the company logo. Employees dressed in these types of uniforms look crisp and professional, helping their customers feel more comfortable and confident in them and in the company. Employees dressed in custom clothing and custom ties have more confidence in themselves as well. There is a sense of cohesiveness in the company when the employees ‘dress for success’ with custom ties and custom clothing. Some may feel this is constricting, but companies often have several custom neckwear designs. Employees are then given as choice as to which custom tie to wear.  This gives employees a sense of empowerment in their choice of apparel, even within the context of a uniform.

Perhaps you are getting married soon and would like to design some sort of custom neckwear for the occasion. Do you want your custom ties to match the bridesmaids’ dresses? Do you want variety? Do you want your custom ties to harmonize with the dresses? Or do you just want to make your own wedding statement? Whatever you want to try, you can do it by finding a company that will entertain your own special ideas for custom ties. How about a school reunion? Customize your ties for your classmates, both male and female. Create custom neckwear that will make your class distinctive during Class Day.

 

For all your custom tie needs, go to tiecoon.com and create your own style. Choose from a plethora of colors and patterns or design your own. Add logos or choose from any stock style and show off your company colors. Have fun customizing your neckwear!

Extra Long Ties for Extra Long Folks

Do I need an extra long tie?

Are you considered very tall or a bit large? Are you so tall that normal neckties do not reach to the middle or top of your belt buckle when tied….even when you use as much of the tie as possible? If so, you may be in need of an extra long tie. If you are over 6’3” tall, or have a neck size of 17.5+ inches; or if you are a man with a long torso, a neck size of 16-17.5 and between 5’11” and 6’3” tall, then you should be wearing an extra long tie. Men with thicker necks may also need the extra tie length.  Even men of normal size (but typically not short men) who do not fit these size guidelines can wear extra long ties.

These ties give men the freedom to tie even the largest of knots and have the peace of mind that shorter ties may not provide. In addition, an extra long tie will ensure the end of the tie will land at or beyond the middle of your belt, keeping the attention off your belly. In general, if the measurement of your neck + your height is 92 inches or greater, you will need to use extra long ties. Men, who typically tie larger ties such as the Full Windsor, may be more comfortable with an extra long tie. A larger knot needs more material and so a longer tie makes sense.

Finding and wearing an extra long neck tie

Extra long neckties are, in general, very difficult to find. You may be told that you are purchasing an extra long tie, but beware. The best way to know is to have the salesperson measure the tie in front of you. Normal ties are typically 56-58 inches long. Extra long ties are approximately 62-63 inches long. If you are a very tall or large individual, even longer neckwear is available at 66-67 inches in length…approximately 10 inches longer than a normal sized necktie.

When you wear an extra long tie, you have much less variety in the types of knots you can use vs. the normal length tie wearer.  The four knots that are acceptable and functional are:

1.      The Half Windsor Knot which is nice for any function.

2.      The Full Windsor Knot which is wide and formal.

3.      The Four in Hand Knot which is narrow and good for thin ties.

4.      The Prince Albert Knot which is tight and nice looking with long collars.

Our online store provides a variety of colors of extra long neck ties including teal, maroon, orange, gold, green, pink, navy, blue and even lavender (among many other color variants). One can shop for extra long ties by color or by pattern. Extra long neck ties are fashionable and can also be purchased in many different widths.

If you find your height is incompatible with your neckwear length, take a look at tiecoon.com for a wide selection of extra long ties.