A designer tie can be the perfect gift for that special man in your life. They are a very nice gift that will last for many years if they are taken care of well.
How do you pick one that is really good? Price is not always a good sign of quality. Here are some things to keep in mind when buying ties for men:
CROSS-CUT
You want a tie where the fabric is cut diagonally. This helps make sure that the tie doesn't get twisted or fall at an angle.
To see if a cut is on the bias, take the necktie and tie it in a knot. Cover your hand with it (make sure the knot lies on top). Usually, a tie is cut on the bias if it falls straight and not in the middle.
TIE LINING
If the lining is cut too small for the shape of the tie, it can make the edges pucker or curl. Fold an untied tie in half and drape it over your hand to check the lining. Make sure that the narrow end of the tie falls in the middle of the wider end. This is a good sign that the tie is hanging straight and that the size of the lining is right.
STRETCH THE TIE
Grab both ends of the tie and pull it hard. When you relax the ends of the tie, if it stays in the same shape and doesn't change, that's a sign that it's well made and made of good fabric.
SEARCH FOR THREE PARTS
A good tie will have one piece for the narrow end in the back, one piece for the wide end in the front, and one piece for the neckband in the middle.
FABRIC
A good tie is made of silk (not satin), and the inside is lined with wool. Look for things that are mostly or all wool.
If you keep these tips in mind the next time you go shopping for a good quality men's tie, you can avoid spending too much money on a cheap necktie that is priced as if it were made well by a designer label.
