Ties are both very tribal and personal at the same time. I think it is very difficult to like someone else's ties.

Some guidelines are:

1. Better to buy ties of a theme or vision than always randomly. Even a slew of ultra conservative patterns bought catch-as-catch-can will make your tie collection look like it was thrifted.

2. Pay attention to the knot which looks good on you and works with your shirts. Pay attention to a shape and length that works for you.

3. Try not to let people select your ties for you. Especially bad are store clerks who select ties for you because they go with your shirt and jacket. Selecting your own ties is a part of manhood.

4. Do not get ties cleaned, just get new ties. Dirty, faded and over pressed ties are magnets to an observer's eye. I view this as a strong negative.

I have my length, width and knot set with the help of David Hober.

My master plan will hopefully see  grenadines and poplins.
The weave and texture are as delightfull as colour or pattern.

I bought a oxford weave from David; violet on black. I was NEVER a purple.
But again, during Easter it is worn in high church and there is small satisfaction
catching the approving nod of a Orthodox Metropolitan weary of indigo blue.

That led to a palitanate square from Kent Wang that will never share wearing with the oxford.

I also acquired the 'Concordia' Yachtie commisioned. The white pindot on navy is

a classic business look, but I am not employed, so I tweeked the presentation.

The white crescent moon and star on deep blue got wierd looks from tieless iranian gas station owners, but stays home for job interviews.

Now I display my rather elaborate threebar cross when gassing up. It really messes with their heads, considering my tibetan flag brandished in the rear window.

Last edited by Chris Kavanaugh (2009-03-30 21:57:47)