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As with any fashion item, ties vary considerably in
type and design, often changing with every season. The
range of ties on offer at any one time can cover anything
from plain polyester to elaborately woven silk and designer
ties. With literally thousands of different designs
available, there's a tie to suit anyone on any occasion!
Below is a brief guide to the different types of ties
available at Swagger & Swoon to help find the perfect tie for you.
Polyester
and Polyester Satin Ties:
Polyester is a strong, easily washable, man-made fibre
that is popular in ties due to its hardiness. Polyester
ties can sometimes be machine-washed but generally it
is better to dry-clean them. Polyester ties come in
a variety of finishes, including; Polyester, Woven Polyester
and Polyester Satin.
Standard Polyester ties can have a smooth finish, but
are sometimes finished with a rough texture.
Polyester Satin ties have a silky or satin finish,
creating a soft, smooth effect. They are often chosen
as cheaper alternatives to pure silk ties. Satin ties
are very popular for weddings. Woven polyester ties
can either be smooth or have a visible weave throughout
the tie.
Silk
Ties:
Silk comes from the cocoons of silkworms, the larvae
of the Chinese Domesticated Silkmoth. Silk is usually
more expensive than its polyester equivalent and will
almost always require dry-cleaning. Silk can be printed
(commonly just referred to as "silk") or woven
- woven silk tends to be thicker and you will often
see a fabric weave running through it. Silk ties usually
have a smooth finish, though some silk ties and cravats
are made using rough silk which can be very textured.
Lightweight
Ties:
Lightweight ties are popular in the USA and are made
of thin silk or polyester. In the UK thicker ties are
generally preferred.
Plain
Ties:
Plain or solid colour ties are single colour silk or
polyester ties. Plain ties come in polyester satin,
textured polyester, smooth silk, and woven silk and
in a wide range of colours. These ties can be worn for
everyday use and are very popular for weddings. In addition
to the standard smooth ties, horizontal or diagonal
rib silk ties have a weave to them which adds a light
design to an otherwise plain coloured tie. Popular colours
vary between seasons.
Fashion
Ties:
Fashion ties are printed or woven silk (and occasionally
polyester) with a specific pattern or design, for example
spots or stripes, and vary between seasons. Fashion
ties often follow similar trends to designer ties, but
at half the price! Like designer ties, fashion ties
are available for a limited season. Towards the end
of a season you will often find fashion ties on sale,
but don't assume that your favourite tie will be half
price as popular ties tend to sell out well before the
sales start!
Cartoon
Ties:
Cartoon ties are those ties which feature popular cartoon
characters, such as Homer Simpson, Bugs Bunny, Mickey
Mouse or Kyle from Southpark. Cartoon ties make great
gifts for fans and are especially popular for birthdays
and Christmas. Most cartoon ties are polyester, however
visitors to Swagger & Swoon generally choose a cartoon
tie based on its design rather than its material.
Novelty
Ties:
Novelty ties have long been the most popular gift for
Fathers Day, birthdays and Christmas, as well as fun
gifts for those occasions when you don't know what to
get someone! Novelty ties (or themed ties, as they are
also known) usually potray a specific theme, for example;
science, computers or music. Within each theme are a
number of different styles and designs to choose from.
The beauty of these ties is that they appeal directly
to the recipient's interests, so you can't go wrong!
Novelty ties come in silk or polyester, but as in
the case of cartoon ties, most visitors to Swagger & Swoon
choose a novelty tie based on its design rather than
what it is made from.
Bow
Ties:
Bow ties come in a range of styles and patterns, but
in general follow the same principles as regular ties.
Most bow ties are pre-tied, which means all you have
to do is adjust the neckstrap to fit your neck and hook
the fastening clasp at the back. Pre-tied bow ties are
available in both polyester and silk, though silk bow
ties are more expensive.
If you prefer to tie the bow tie yourself, then opt
for a self-tie bow tie. These are not as difficult to
tie as it may seem, and most self-tie bow ties come
with instructions. It's always a great achievement when
you manage to tie one yourself! Unfortunately the range
of self-tie bow ties these days is limited compared
to pre-tied bow ties.
Clip-On
Ties:
Clip-on ties are pre-tied ties that occasionally come
with a neckstrap but usually have a clip at the back
of the knot which clips onto the top of your shirt,
once the top button has been done up. Clip-on ties are
mostly polyester, though many have a satin or smooth
finish.
Extra
Long Ties:
Extra long ties are around 10" (25cm) longer than
regular ties, and designed for tall and large men. These
ties are usually only found in a smooth polyester however
are also available in silk.
Boys
Ties:
Boys ties vary from plain satin (suitable for weddings),
through to polyester fashion and cartoon ties.
Many of the plain satin boys ties and bow ties have
matching men's ties which makes them ideal for weddings.
With children's ties there are different lengths or
sizes of ties, which are indicated in the tie's description.
An ideal way to see if a tie will be suitable is to
cut a length of string to the length indicated in the
tie's description and tie a mock tie on the child to
see if it is the right length.
There are very few ties or bow ties to fit children
under 2 years old as most children's ties cover the
ages 4 - 12, though of course this varies depending
on the size of the child.
Wedding
Cravats:
If you're getting married, chances are you're going
to wear a cravat! As with bow ties, cravats come in
pre-tied and self-tie forms, and again which you choose
is simply down to personal preference. Pre-tied cravats
are generally more popular (probably because they are
less hassle) but in reality tying a self-tie cravat
is no different to tying a regular tie, so don't be
afraid to give it a go!
Pre-tied scrunchie cravats (or ruche ties) have a
scrunched up knot at the top and a large diamond shaped
tie underneath, with an adjustable neckstrap and fastening
clip to tie it on with. Pre-tied wedding (or formal)
cravats have two pieces of rectangular material, one
of which folds over the other and is fastened with a
cravat pin. Both of these usually come in polyester
satin, though are sometimes available in silk (at a
higher price).
Self-tie cravats can be tied as a scrunchie or formal
cravat, and come in polyester and silk. Most cravats
used for formal occasions such as weddings are worn
with wing collar shirts, though normal shirts can also
be used.
Casual
Cravats:
Cravats are becoming increasingly popular as everyday
or ‘casual’ items of clothing.
Casual cravats only come as self-tie however that
is because, as with the wedding cravat, they are simple
to tie. Wrap one end around the other and bring it through
the loop and you have tied your cravat. For extra security
you can fasten the ends down with a cravat pin.
Casual cravats come in plain colours however are most
popular patterned. The patterns range from polka dot
to paisley and are available in most colours. Unlike
the wedding cravats, a casual cravat can be worn with
any type of shirt and looks great when a few of the
shirt buttons have been undone.
Casual cravats are made from both silk and polyester
however, like with ties, the silk is a more expensive
option.
So you now you know a bit more about the different
types of ties available, why not browse through the
huge range of ties
at Swagger & Swoon and find the right tie for you!
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