My plan was to write an article about the various types of tie fabrics, but when I began to put it all together, I realized there’s so much information about the subject, one general article would not do the topic justice. Instead, I decided to write a series of articles, this being the first, with each featuring a different tie fabric, which will allow us to cover more in-depth information about each one.
Understanding the different fabrics and when they’re used will only enhance our wardrobe and outfit building skills… and that’s a good thing! With the winter holidays approaching, parties, dinners, religious services, and, hopefully, a special date are in the works, giving us reason to pull out our favorite suit and dress to the max. What better time than now to wear a silk tie?!
It doesn’t get any classier than a silk tie. Silk has long been the premier tie fabric that offers luxury and elegance to every suit it’s worn with. Any man looking to build a professional wardrobe or enhance his image in social arenas should own his share of silk ties. Ranging in price from about $20.00 to several hundred dollars for the finest designer brands, silk ties are now affordable no matter what your budget.
It’s true – silk is derived from the productive, hardworking, native Asian Silkworm. Although silk ties are made throughout the world, China remains the top producer, with India, Japan, and Italy being the other largest manufacturers. Italians, however, with their flair for fashion and dedication to quality and design, have been recognized for making the world’s finest silk ties. Still today, many Italian silk ties are handmade by craftsmen who specialize in the art of making these beauties… that have a price tag to match. Fortunately, modern factory produced ties make them more affordable for the average consumer.
Silk fabric does vary depending on the type silk it is and how it’s manufactured, resulting in various styles of ties that range from very smooth and soft to stiff and slightly crunchy. Tie fabric is either printed, which produces the smooth fabric we typically think of with silk, or woven, which still creates a silky tie, but one that is also textured. Either way, all silk ties are extremely soft and the perfect year round tie, for the fabric is neither too heavy nor warm – making it very versatile and cost effective.
Silk absorbs dye very well, giving silk ties their rich, radiant color, while never being dull or matte. The fabric is shiny and actually reflects light; adding to its brilliance and beauty. This quality is also known to give a 3D like effect, which adds to its visual size by making it “pop”. Best of all, these characteristics enable silk ties to grab the eyes and attention of others… which is a definite asset!
Perhaps my favorite characteristic of silk ties is how they drape. They hang straight down from the neck and lay perfectly against the body. There’s little worry that a silk tie will bunch up or twist. “Fluid” is the word that’s often used to describe how this fabric drapes because it closely resembles how water flows with virtually no resistance.
Unfortunately, silk ties do not come without any disadvantages or drawbacks. They stain very easily, and although they can be dry cleaned or spot treated, the fabric will never look the same. This is a big consideration if you tend to get food or water on your ties frequently. If that’s the case, you may decide not to wear silk ties, or may choose to just be very careful when wearing them – especially while eating.
Another problem is silk wrinkles easily. Instead of hanging these ties on a hanger or tie rack, roll them and store them somewhere safe like a drawer or box.
Silk ties are amazing, and something everyone should experience. If you haven’t yet, I recommend buying an inexpensive one to try out. If you like it, then up the ante by investing in a finer quality tie. Silk ties add sophistication and class to an outfit that can’t be beat, so add one or several to your wardrobe for impeccable style!
by Aaron Marino
