By Nii B. Andrews
There has never been any real need for a tie wardrobe. It is a common faux pas to think that a flashy or elaborate tie enhances an outfit.
A gentleman should be able to get by with only two ties – yes, only two.
They are the dark navy and black grenadine.
The dark navy grenadine can be paired with a grey suit of any shade; from pale grey to charcoal.
It also works with navy suits and blazers…and with tans, browns, light blues and greens/olives.
But it does not work with black.
The black grenadine tie is just as useful as the dark navy one. Its only limitation is that it does not pair well with very bright colors – unlike the dark navy.
Grenadine is a woven silk with a luxurious texture which renders it more formal (but less so than satin – the most formal). Since grenadine is plain, it does not clash with other patterns.
Unfortunately, the delicate nature of the silk weave makes it extremely prone to snagging. This problem occurs much more often in the (more sophisticated) garza grossa than in the garza fina types.
As grenadine silk is woven not knitted; it is therefore not used for casual ties (?oxymoron alert for this present age).
The knitted tie is more common and totally different from and completely unrelated to the grenadine tie; it resembles a sock as it is made from a tube of knitted – not woven – silk, often with a straight hem at the bottom.
Since at all times, we need to maintain decorum/ keep things clean, we shall not comment at all on polyester ties.
Stick with the dark navy and black grenadine ties; they will never fail you; they always look good.
But for a wedding – such a truly special day- a Macclesfield tie takes things up another notch……that story will be for another day.
This article about ties this morning resonated with me.
My wardrobe consists of white and blue (sky blue)plain shirts and I always couple with a navy tie -suits are navy and grey.
I find it classy without having to think in the morning.
Right! Grenadine and Macclesfield ties it is then.
The hunt is On!