To recognize the quality of the tie, we need to examine it closely. Therefore, before we buy a tie, we take it in our hand and check the quality of the fabric by touch. It is also important, whether the tie falls off nicely. We grab the tie by the narrow end and let it fall down. If the tie falls straight and does not twist at the same time, means, that the cut is perfect. When in use, the tie should not stretch around the knot. We check this by slightly stretching the tie in length.
When buying a tie, you should pay attention to whether it is mass-produced, branded or sold in short series? You can buy a tie for a dozen or so zlotys - is it really worth spending a few hundred zlotys on a piece of fabric??
As a newbie in the tie field, you should check it out first, which would go with the rest of your wardrobe, to have more combinations quickly. Or are you looking for a tie made of thin fabric, from which a narrow knot will come out and which fits over a button-down collar, or a heavy fabric tie to a larger knot, that will fill a collar with widely spaced tips, or a wool tie, cashmere or combinations of fabrics for winter and, accordingly, for thicker shirts.
Most stores do not display ties depending on the price, but by color and pattern. Classic, trendy, geometric – which goes well with your shirts, suits, persons? It's best to take your favorite or chosen shirt with you, to try on a tie right away in the store. You can dare to wear a patterned or multicolored tie, what if you buy "blind” (only from the mention of the shirt) it can easily turn out to be a mistake.
What is the cut? Depending on the fashion, ties can be either very narrow or very wide. Try your favorite knot. Possible, that in combination with a different cut or suitably thicker or thinner material, it looks better than you thought. Do a touch test. Pick up the wide end of the tie. Run your thumb over its surface and lightly (!) crush it. What is the feeling? "It creaks” like a synthetic material or a cheap counterfeit? Is it stiff, or soft? Choose according to your preferences. First impressions should be the most important criteria for you.
Now you can see the quality of workmanship under the magnifying glass. There should be a tag somewhere on the tie, from which you will learn about the type of fabric and possibly the country of production. This only applies to the outer material – the fabric inside and the lining are made of a different material. Lining (visible on the back of the tie ends) it is usually made of plain silk. In any case, it should be made of natural fibers. Whether it bothers you, that this silk does not match the main fabric of the tie, or that each end is lined with a different type of fabric, you have to decide for yourself. If you like the rest of the tie, do not attach much importance to the lining (no one sees her anyway). Of course, looks more elegant, when both ends are filled with matching or the same silk material, from which a tie was sewn. The inner layer of the tie and its lining can only be judged by touch. The insole fits nicely, if it resembles a well-folded letter in an envelope: whether it fills the tie to the crease? Is not too thick (that the tie material is not stretched over it)? Many cheap ties only have a tag on the back, through which you can pass the narrow end after tying the knot. In ties one class higher, you will find an additional loop made of the same material, from which a tie was sewn. The quality of workmanship is proved by the fact, whether the belt loop has been sewn flat on the sides, or inside the tie. In the second case, you have (and the tie too) more opportunities to move. There are, admittedly, first-class tie makers, which sew on the belt loop. Rather, it is a matter of a distinct style, not a bad quality signal. Take the tie by the narrow end and let it drop down – if the tie is twisted at the same time, it is not properly made. Are the seams flexible? You want to tie a tie by folding nine times – the seams have to endure it. You can check them out, pulling carefully on both ends of the tie. Does it immediately return to its original shape after that?? (Sellers hate this way of checking. Do not abuse the tie and use this test, when in doubt, whether the price corresponds to the quality.)
Whether all of these tests should be performed? And yes, and not. The most important thing is the personal impression when touching the tie. There are ties for the same price, which are first class, and such, in which case you only pay for the brand.
Price-performance ratio
You can purchase ties cheaper, which are pleasant to touch and fit nicely. For all the rest, which cost several hundred zlotys, you are actually paying for the brand – except the seven-fold tie and other first-class handmade ties. You found a tie, which you like and which suits your wardrobe? Take a look at the price – it will probably cost that much, how many exclusive extras. Before you reach your scared back to cheap ties, you should consider this, that you will wear it for a long time, probably many times a week, and that you will tie complex knots with it. Besides, an expensive tie (same as exclusive shoes) allows you to emphasize your sophisticated style without much effort.