How to Judge a Tie's Quality: What to Look For Before You Buy

Quick Answer: How Can You Tell a Good-Quality Tie?

• Fabric: smooth silk or a quality polyester that doesn't feel thin or plasticky
• Drape: hangs straight from the knot without twisting
• Lining: gives body without making the tie stiff
• Slip stitch: a loose thread inside the back seam that lets the tie flex
• Bar tack: a small stitch securing the back seam
• Keeper loop: a loop on the back to hold the tail in place
• Knot: ties easily and holds a clean dimple

Two ties can look almost identical on the rack and feel completely different around your neck. A well-made tie drapes properly, ties a clean knot, resists wrinkling and lasts for years. Here's what to look for.

Check the Fabric

Run the tie through your fingers. Quality silk feels smooth and substantial, with a soft sheen rather than a harsh shine. Thin, stiff or plasticky fabric is a sign of lower quality.

Other good options:

• Knit: should feel dense and springy, not loose
• Polyester: affordable, durable and easy to care for, with a wide range of colours and prints

Test the Drape

Hold the tie by its narrow end and let it hang. A well-made tie hangs straight. If it twists or curls, it was likely cut "off the bias" (not diagonally across the fabric), which makes it twist when you wear it too.

Feel the Lining

The lining (or interlining) inside a tie gives it body. A good lining helps the tie knot well and recover its shape. Too thin and the tie looks limp. Too thick and it's stiff and hard to knot.

Look for the Slip Stitch

On the back of many quality ties, you'll find a loose thread running down the inside of the centre seam. This slip stitch lets the tie flex and stretch as you knot it, then return to its shape. Gently pull the ends of the tie in opposite directions. It should give slightly.

Find the Bar Tack and Keeper Loop

• Bar tack: a short, dense stitch near the wide end of the back seam that keeps the tie from coming apart.
• Keeper loop: a fabric loop on the back of the wide blade that holds the narrow end in place.

Tie a Knot

If you can, tie a knot. A quality tie should knot easily, sit neatly against your collar and form a clean dimple. Need a refresher? Read how to tie a necktie.

Caring for Your Ties

• Untie your tie fully after wearing it, rather than pulling the narrow end through the knot.
• Hang or roll ties to let wrinkles relax.
• Spot clean carefully, and avoid putting silk ties in the washing machine.

FAQ

What is the best material for a tie?

Silk is the most versatile. Textured ties add depth in cooler months.

Why does my tie twist when I wear it?

It may not have been cut on the bias, or the lining may be poor quality.

How should I store my ties?

Hang them or roll them loosely. Avoid folding them sharply, which can crease the fabric.

Shop Quality Ties at Tip Top

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