Skip to content
Luxury gifts, delivered across South Africa
Fine Gifts
Bag
Menu

Luxury Ties: Choosing a Silk Tie as a Gift

Luxury ties are among the most personal pieces a man can wear, which makes them a thoughtful gift when chosen with care. This guide covers the houses worth knowing, the silks and weaves that matter, how to judge width and length, and how to keep a good tie looking its best.

The houses behind the finest ties

A designer tie usually carries the visual language of its house, so start with the style of the person you are buying for.

  • Hermès in Paris is known for printed silk twill ties with small, playful repeating motifs that read as a neat pattern from a distance.
  • Gucci, founded in Florence, often draws on its green-red-green Web stripe, the GG monogram and the horsebit. Browse ideas in our guide to Gucci ties.
  • Prada in Milan tends towards clean, graphic restraint: solid colours, fine geometrics and precise construction. See our notes on Prada ties.
  • Ermenegildo Zegna, with its roots in Italian wool weaving, and the Paris shirtmaker Charvet are both respected for their silks and colour.

For a first luxury tie, a quiet pattern or solid in navy, burgundy or grey will see the most wear. Save bolder prints for someone who already owns the basics.

Silk, weave and construction: what to look for

The fabric decides how a tie looks, knots and lasts.

  • Printed silk twill has a smooth, slightly lustrous surface and carries colour and fine detail well.
  • Woven jacquard silk builds the pattern into the cloth, giving more depth and a firmer knot.
  • Grenadine is an open, gauze-like weave with a subtle texture. It is breathable and versatile, from boardroom to wedding.
  • Knitted silk has a squared end and a relaxed feel, ideal with a blazer or open collar.
  • Wool, cashmere, linen and cotton suit seasonal dressing. In a South African summer, when Christmas parties and weddings fall in the heat, lighter silks, grenadine and linen are the more comfortable choice.

Good construction shows in the details: a tie cut on the bias so it hangs straight, a hand-finished slip stitch along the back, and a lining that lets it recover its shape. Seven-fold ties, folded from a single piece of silk without lining, are a mark of craftsmanship and feel noticeably fuller.

Width, length and finding the right fit

Proportion matters more than most buyers expect.

  1. Width: match the tie to the lapel and the wearer's build. A classic width suits most suits and frames; slimmer ties look sharper on narrow lapels and slighter builds.
  2. Length: when tied, the tip should reach the belt buckle. Most luxury ties are cut to a standard length, but tall men or those who favour larger knots may need an extra-long cut. A quick look at one of his existing ties is the most reliable guide.
  3. Collar: a wide spread collar suits a fuller knot and a slightly heavier silk; a point collar works with a slimmer tie.

Pairing a tie with a matching leather piece from our belts and other accessories makes for a considered, complete gift.

Caring for a silk tie and giving it well

A fine tie lasts for years with a little attention.

  • Undo the knot by reversing the steps rather than pulling the narrow end through.
  • Hang it or roll it loosely overnight so creases relax before the next wear.
  • Avoid direct ironing; a gentle steam from a distance is safer. Leave stains to a specialist cleaner.

Ties work for many occasions: a new role, a wedding, a milestone birthday or a business thank-you. For more ideas, see our gifts for him, or our corporate gifts for clients and colleagues. If you have a particular house, colour or pattern in mind, tell us what you are looking for and we will come back with options.

Looking for a specific piece?

Tell us what you have in mind — the piece, size, colour or budget — and we will get back to you with options.

Frequently asked questions

What colour tie makes the safest gift?

Navy is the most versatile, followed by burgundy, deep green and grey. These work with charcoal, navy and grey suits as well as white and light blue shirts. A small, quiet pattern in one of these colours is easy to wear often.

How do I choose the right tie width?

Match the tie to the width of his jacket lapels and to his build. Classic widths suit most people and most suits, while slimmer ties pair best with narrow lapels and a more fitted cut. Looking at the ties he already wears is the simplest guide.

Which ties are best for a summer wedding in South Africa?

Choose lighter fabrics that breathe in the heat, such as grenadine, lightweight silk twill, linen or a knitted silk. Softer colours and fine patterns sit well with lighter suits. Avoid heavy wool and dense jacquards until the cooler months.

How should a silk tie be stored?

Hang it on a tie rack or roll it loosely in a drawer, always after untying the knot properly. This lets the silk and lining recover their shape. Keep ties away from direct sunlight, which can fade the colour over time.

Shop Ties by brand