Brief Tie History and Basic Tie Consumer Guideline

The ever favorable silk fabric originated in China since around 2640 BC. With the trading around the Middle Ages, silk neck adornments evidently came and developed in the Western world during the 1880s. Here, men have known how silk is manufactured and have understood the quality it brings to any men’s wear. British colonies started to produce silk fibers, with the introduction of Macclesfield and paisley designs from Scotland.

Since then, men have worn neck adornments that have developed into the design that neckties now have. Although the largest silk manufacturer is still China, one of the largest in manufacturing silk ties would be in Como, Northern Italy. The silk here can be woven or imprinted with different designs, including geometrical and rhythmic style patterns.

Necktie manufacturers have developed alternative fabrics that would be less expensive compared to silk. Synthetic fibers are now available on the market, offering polyester and microfiber quality neck ties. Polyester is cheap and does not even pass for a silk substitute, having a plastic feel to it with a sobering shine. Microfiber, on the other hand, is a good alternative to silk neck ties, offering a thinner-than-silk yarn that would also be great in the stain control department.

There are other popular necktie fabrics on the market. Mogador or Poplin is a fabric that mixes silk with cotton, providing a ribbed texture and a matte shine finish. This fabric usually calls for traditional striped neck ties and silver ties as well. Having known all this, men should be aware of the quality of the neckties before purchasing one online or at a retail store.

To judge the quality of the necktie, consumers must have a keen sense of touch, especially when they are looking for good quality silk silver ties. Run your fingers through the tie and feel if your fingers would slide smoothly all the way or would get stuck on the rougher part of the finger. If it did slide, then it must be some form of synthetic material. If the fingers got stuck along the way, then it is probably made of silk.

Silver ties and other necktie colors and patterns should be purchased according to quality and high level of stitching. These small details can make a big difference on the overall appearance of the neck tie.