Neckties are having a moment. Spotted all over fashion week, from the runways (Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Jonathan Anderson’s debut at Dior) to the front row (Daniel Craig, Robert Pattinson, Lennon Gallagher), they’re also popping up on TikTok and Instagram.
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However, if you’re not a celeb or someone who does regular GRWM TikToks, trussing up in one (when it’s not mandated in the dress code) may feel a little too much of a statement. With the right styling (ie avoiding looking like you’re cosplaying Don Draper), though, a tie can give your look extra punch in all the right ways.
The best ties for men
Secondhand picks
Vintage Celine silk tie
£30 at Vestiaire Collective
Ties are the first thing I rummage through in charity shops. Vintage ties tend to have more personality than new ones, whether it’s stripes or a paisley print, and they’re often made from silk – the best fabric for a tie. They’re also much more affordable. You might have to rummage hard, but it’s worth it when you’re the only person at a function with your one-of-a-kind tie.
Online, Vestiaire Collective is great for secondhand luxury brands. Expect everything from a vintage Burberry check to a Vivienne Westwood monogram, as well as countless Hermès designs. The one that caught my eye was this red Celine design, which has an understated Triomphe logo and horse-bit detailing. The best part? It’s £30. You can opt in for authentication to make sure it’s legit.
Vintage Chaps Ralph Lauren silk tie
£30 at Rokit
For vintage ties, Rokit is your best bet. You can find classic thrifted styles such as novelty Snoopy collabs or Looney Tunes designs, but there’s also a strong selection of retro picks from discontinued designer lines. Case in point: this paisley tie by Chaps, the Ralph Lauren diffusion line that was big in the 80s and 90s.
Vintage Burberry pure silk tie
£58.32 at Vinted
No list of secondhand retailers is now complete without Vinted, though you may have to scroll for a while to find the real winners. My tip: if you find one you like, check out the seller page because they could be someone who specialises in luxury ties. This Burberry tie, for example, is from @thefellow85, who has loads of good options to choose from.
High-street stores
M&S floral pure silk tie
£25 at M&S
Though a floral tie is a little trickier to get right, all you need to do is look at Leonardo DiCaprio’s in Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet to see just how good one can look. That, or any of Dries van Noten’s menswear shows. Marks & Spencer currently has a strong floral option in pure silk available for £25.
Moss Italian silk medallion tie
£49.95 at Moss
This brand (formerly Moss Bros) has upped its game since dropping the “Bros” from its name in 2023, expanding from basic men’s office wear to cool smart-casual tailoring. Think double-breasted blazers, great knitwear and tailored trousers – alongside a great selection of ties. This simple medallion on brown silk is the best of the bunch.
Charles Tyrwhitt knitted wool slim navy tie
£49.95 at Charles Tyrwhitt
A knitted tie is a smart-casual flex – self-assured without feeling stuffy. For best results, stick to block colours, natural fibres like cotton or wool and always go for the OG silhouette with a flat bottom rather than one that’s pointed. Relaxed formal-wear expert Charles Tyrwhitt has just the ticket.
Luxury labels
Drake’s red-and-gold striped tie
£175 at Drake’s
Drake’s is the most luxurious choice for a preppy vibe. The British brand’s collections are full of sophisticated classics that wouldn’t look out of place on JFK Jr – and there are loads of styles to choose from: polka dot, paisley, striped and geometric prints. It was hard choosing a favourite, but this retro red stripe takes home gold.
Tom Ford polka-dot silk jacquard tie
£230 at Mr Porter
£230 at Selfridges
What’s not to love about a polka-dot tie? Fun but just the right side of chic, too. Choose polka dots that are a good size (nothing too tiny) so they feel intentional. Tom Ford nails the brief with this tie that’s handmade in Italy from a burgundy and white silk-jacquard.
Paul Smith navy silk rabbit pinstripe tie
£120 at Paul Smith
Paul Smith is the best place for tailoring with a twist. The British designer’s trademark is cool colour combinations and unexpected details. This tie is a perfect example, with a subtle artist pinstripe and multicoloured rabbit monogram.
