I have become something of a convert to wool ties of late. I just wish selection and availability were greater. In fact wool ties are about the only ties I am actually hoping to purchase in the future since I am pretty well supplied with the ubiquitous silk neckties.

As I noted in the thread on the new J. Press catalog, I was very disappointed that Press had hardly any wool ties for this year's season. Last year they had a rather nice assortment. I bought four--three in tartans, one in burgundy with fox heads. At present I have only eight wool ties (compared to 87 silk ties), but I'd like to increase their number.

bump

tartan wool ties are probably the ultimate hardcore traditional tie as far as I'm concerned. The repp/regimental/whatever stripe is a classic and all, but its such a common, standard-issue item in the US I find them kind of boring(with exceptions). Along with plain wool ties, tartan wool ties are all I wear.I suppose in the UK wearing the wrong tartan is a tie foul akin to posing as a member of a regiment or something? They don't seem too popular over there.

as far as knit ties, it took me until recently to get over my mental association with members only jackets, etc. all of the teachers wore them when i was a kid, generally grey, with grey shirts and polyester slax. i suppose a slim dark knit tie has a certain appeal above and beyond others. maccabee's fairlisle ones are interesting. i suppose the fsbric makes a lot of difference in a knit tie. a good belnd of wool makes all the difference. with that said, my conversion has only proceeded so far-still dont own one.

Last edited by shamrockmonkey (2010-09-08 02:42:09)

^
easier to tie than the floppy silks too!

A red wool knit goes well with green tweed.

As an aside on tartan ties: Even new ones are rarely overly wide, and usually nice and thin (little or no lining) too. Perhaps the cost factor of having to stock 200-odd different tartans?

Donegal ties are great too. If ever you are tempted to wear a tie with pheasants on, think again,  Donegal would probably be a better option.