We all need to own some quality ties. That goes for both males and females. We can dress them up or dress them down. Whatever the case may be, quality is very important! I thought this week's Thrift Tip should address how to spot a quality tie while thrifting. Click 'Read More' find out my thrifting TIE tips of the week. It's only three main points:
I. The Dollar Test :The Perfect Width
II. Length : Get It Right!
III. Built Tough : The Construction & Fabric
II. Length : Get It Right!
III. Built Tough : The Construction & Fabric
I. The Dollar Test :The Perfect Width
 | The width of your ideal tie varies with your personal taste. Some prefer thinner ties and some prefer the wider width. To make sure that you are getting your preferred tie width, make use of the dollar test. |
The Ideal Widths For. . .
the avg. male: 3 1/4"
the broader male: 3 3/4"
the slender male: 2 3/4"
the avg. male: 3 1/4"
the broader male: 3 3/4"
the slender male: 2 3/4"
A USD dollar is 6 inches. Fold the dollar in half to create your personal 3 inch ruler. Place it at the bottom of the tie right before it narrows to the tip. With the dollar test, you will know that all the ties you purchase at the thrift store are within your ideal preferred width.
II. LENGTH : Get It Right
The best way to know if you have the perfect length is to put it on and see where it falls. This can easily be done at the thrift store, since they aren't packaged. It should go slightly past your waist. Anything shorter than that will cause the tie to move a lot while you're attempting to achieve your dapper look.
III. Built Tough : The Construction & Fabric
The best ties are made from fine silk and cut on a bias, but how would you know that when the ties you are looking at are in the thrift store, pre- worn, no tags, and hanging on a small hook jumbled together. It's simple. Drap the tie over your hand. If it curls to one side or the other, then it was not cut on a bias. However, if it hangs straight, you have a winner. This hand test is great for figuring out the construction of the tie and construction is key (if you didn't know, now you do)
A great tie is lined with 100% wool, which is very hard to come by. Don't worry if you find a wool blend. They are still great ties. It will also have a tie back marker. It’s actually a small horizontal stitch on the back of the tie, right where the wide end splits to form the tip, holding the two sides together. This helps keep the tie’s shape and is often absent on mass-produced ties. Lastly, a great tie has three panels. You can feel for the seems to count the panels.
After you have done the hand test, rub the fabric against your hand. If it feels rough to you then it is probably made from a cheaper product. Don't make this one of your thrift purchases.
A great tie is lined with 100% wool, which is very hard to come by. Don't worry if you find a wool blend. They are still great ties. It will also have a tie back marker. It’s actually a small horizontal stitch on the back of the tie, right where the wide end splits to form the tip, holding the two sides together. This helps keep the tie’s shape and is often absent on mass-produced ties. Lastly, a great tie has three panels. You can feel for the seems to count the panels.
After you have done the hand test, rub the fabric against your hand. If it feels rough to you then it is probably made from a cheaper product. Don't make this one of your thrift purchases.
Thrifted By
Fitz Thrift
Fitz Thrift
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