If you have read my primer about handmade ties, the article about tie fabrics, or even the article about the different types of folds for ties, you know that ties, just like suits is a deep rabbit hole.
It’s difficult to figure out where to start and what’s best for you.
That’s why I wrote this article. To give you the obvious place to start.
Whether you plan on developing a large collection of handmade ties, or you only need just one, this article gives you the definitive place to start your collection, as well as the perfect knot to fit the tie.
Why The Navy Grenadine 7-Fold Tie Is The Only Tie You need
The most versatile tie to start off your ocllection is the navy grenadine tie.
It works with nearly every suit and shirt combination, and can even be worn in formal settings, like with a midnight navy tuxedo.
(That’s what I do — I wear a midnight navy tux because most people wear black, and wear a navy grenadine necktie because most people wear bow ties.)
Why Grenadine?
What’s wonderful about grenadine silk is it’s subtle, yet striking. There’s just enough weave to be interesting, but not enough to outshine your suit.
The grenadine silk itself is a talking point; grenadine only comes from Como, Italy, and there are only two factories there that produce the silk.
There are two types of grenadine weaves; a large (garza grossa) and a small (garza fina). I would recommend the garza grossa because it shows off the texture better than the smaller weave.
Grenadine silk also is very durable and doesn’t crease easily, so you can tie it a lot without making it look junky.
Why 7-Fold?
If you’re going to get a handmade tie, and only one tie, you might as well make it the best tie you can get.
That’s why I recommend a 7-fold tie.
7-folds are peak luxury; they require the most amount of fabric to make the tie, and they also require the greatest amount of skill.
Most manufactured ties are 3-fold ties and require a material inside of the tie call interfacing. Without this interfacing, the tie would lose all structure and shape.
A 7-fold tie, however, relies on many folds of the silk inside the tie and doesn’t need the interfacing. This gives the tie more flexibility, but more importantly, it gives the tie more body and a three-dimensional look.
This makes a 7-fold even more interesting than just a regular, mass-manufactured 3-fold tie.
Go big or go home
If you’re going to have one tie, you might as well make it a really good tie.
It should be versatile to wear in any occasion, and be durable so it can withstand many wears. The navy grenadine silk easily covers these bases.
And as for the construction, it doesn’t get any better than a 7-fold. It’s worth the investment to have a 7-fold if this will be your go-to tie.
The Perfect Knot: The Four-In-Hand
I always recommend the four-in-hand knot over any windsor or half windsor knot because of its simplicity, elegance and interest.
The four-in-hand is very simple to tie and easy to remember. It’s an elegant tie and interesting because it’s asymetrical, which gives the tie just enough interest to not be overlooked.
In my opinion, the full-windsor almost looks fake because it’s too perfect.
Conversely, using the four-in-hand knot makes your outfit that much more spreazzaturra, or effortless elegance, that makes you look like you naturally belong with a 7-fold around your neck.
How do you tie a four-in-hand?
Check out this video if you’d like to learn how to tie a four-in-hand knot: