6 Practical Ways to Tell a Good Tie From a Bad Tie

Millions of ties are available, and millions more are added every year, but only a handful are of such high quality that they are worth your money. A tie is only as good as what goes into it, and there are six factors that contribute to a high-quality tie.

1. The Tie Shell

The shell is the fabric that makes up the body of the tie. The best fabrics for a tie shell are wool, linen and silk. These fabrics are strong and durable but also have a nice feel to them. The worst fabrics for a tie shell are polyester and acrylic. These materials are not as durable and don't have the same feel as natural fibres.

The shell is made from a single piece of fabric that's been cut on the bias, which gives it flexibility. A good quality tie will have a nice hand feel, be smooth to the touch and have a bit of weight to it without being too heavy.

2. Interlining

The interlining is the layer of fabric between the tie shell and lining. It is what gives the tie its shape and structure. The best interlining is made from 100% wool or 100% cotton. These materials are firm but still have some give to them, making them easy to work with. The worst interlining is made from polyester or acrylic. These materials are very stiff and can make it difficult to get a nice shape out of your tie.

3. Tip Is Same Material as Envelope

The tip is the part of the tie that goes over the top of your shirt collar. The best tips are made from the same material as the envelope. This ensures that the tip will hold its shape and not fray or come undone. The worst tips are made from paper or plastic. These materials can fray easily and are not as durable as the fabric tips.

4. Hand Stitching

The hand stitching is what holds everything together. The best hand stitching is done with a needle and thread that's been double-knotted. This ensures that your tie will stay together even if one of the stitches comes out. The worst hand stitching is done with a machine. This can make your tie look cheap, and it's not as strong as hand stitching.

5. Hidden Slip Stitch

The slip-stitch is a thread sewn throughout the tie's full length to retain its two sides together and its form. The slip-stitch will be hidden on high-quality but visible on low-quality ties.

6. Use Quality Materials

The best ties are made from quality materials like wool, linen and silk. These materials are strong and durable but also have a nice feel to them. The worst materials for a tie are polyester and acrylic. These materials are not as durable and don't have the same feel as natural fibres.

Conclusion

When you're looking for a quality tie, make sure to keep these six things in mind. A good quality tie will last you for years and make you look sharp every time you wear it.

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