Knit ties are certainly classic, that is not debatable. However, I have not worn a knit tie in quite a while, but I decided to break one out earlier this week. I was amazed at how many comments I received about my tie. Older men in particular seem to appreciate the classic nature of the old school knit tie. Many companies offer knit ties, and some of these companies include: Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, J Crew, J Press, etc. In the past, I have been know to mix a knit tie with a suit. Typically, you only see knit ties with blazers and sport coats, but I think it is a good balance of dressy and casual to mix a knit with a suit.
8 comments:
Knit ties are certainly getting a lot of airplay now. In the past I wore knit ties with tattersall shirts and hairy Harris tweed. A few months ago I paired a black knit tie with a Brooks Brothers grey sharksin sack suit. It's a good look, if I do say so myself, and one I rarely see on others.
One of my first ties was a Rooster knit tie bought for me as a small child at the old Best & Company when it was still in business (am dating myself here...) Stopped wearing them by the time I hit prep school when the only acceptable tie was a silk rep. Having fond memories I recently bought a silk one re-issued by my club (original was from the 1950s) and have enjoyed wearing it. Haven't worn one to the office, though, strictly after hours and weekends.
I live a ties optional lifestyle so the knits get worn a lot. Frankly, I'm not a confident pattern matcher so I'll often grab a solid knit simply becuase I can't figure out what else to do with the a striped or checked shirt.
Fond of knit ties. Was also a fan of Rooster ties, both the knits, and the quirky cotton cloth prints. Like wool, silk and cashmere knits, and have version of each. Paul Stuart has sold some particularly high quality silk knits for year, though their price is climbing for the stratosphere. Have some purchased years ago in colors like mauve, pale yellow and champagne.
Perhaps my favorites are not nearly of as fine quality. About 18 years ago, Fair Isle designs were part of fashion. Land End had wool version Fair Isle knit ties in red, blue and green. I have one of each! Great to accessorize with. Corduroys, tweeds, checks, etc.
I grew up with knit ties, and like you, Richard, hadn't worn one in many years until last Fall. Now I buy them regularly and many people comment on them.
LBT, that sounds like a great combo.
Last year my cousin Dan arrived in town for my cousin Dave's wedding. In his loose Seattle way he was going to attend the event without a tie, but a look at my collection, plus some stern words from me, caused him to change his mind. (Good thing, too, as he would have been one of two guys there without neckwear.)
His Seattle cleaners had mispressed his blazer so we spent some time finding one of mine that would do in a pinch, no easy feat as he is taller and skinnier than me, but we made it.
So far, so good. He even agreed to a pocket square.
But when I offered him a sporty green knit tie he recoiled in horror. Seems at his prep school, where ties were required for meals and community events, the boys all threw on the same navy "sock tie," which was sold in the bookstore.
When Dan left this upscale penal colony, he swore he would never wear one again.
I escaped a prep school education, myself, and I love knit ties, wear them all the time.
"upscale penal colony"...beautiful!
miss it though... I have the same problem with regimentals. I want to wear them, but I always find myself freaking a bit about all the hell I went through.
Could you write some more about knit ties? How to wear them, which to choose, how to select the pattern to go nicely with the rest of the outfit...
And can women wear them too, you think? I have come to acquire a few, but am reluctant as to wear them. I was thinking, perhaps underneath a sweater, with a nice white Oxford button downs...
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