I was recently offered a wool scarf from the Tie Bar to review here. For those that don't know, the Tie Bar is an online shop specializing in inexpensive ties and accessories. The scarves are a relatively new venture for them, and they asked me if I wouldn't mind sharing my thoughts on one here. I chose the one above, in a pattern they call "Bucktown Houndstooth", a small scale brown and tan houndstooth check with rust and hunter green accents.
I'll begin by saying I'm a fan. The wool is soft against the skin, and the scarf is a full six feet log, plenty of length to tie in a know and cover the chest for warmth. At $25, I think this is a real value, as most inexpensive scarves I've come across are either not as long or not as soft. Made in China, its true, but so are the one's at Target or any other such place and at least the Tie Bar offers them in a better choice of classic patterns than many places.
They also offer a wide range of neckties and bow ties, most for $15 or so. If you're building a tie wardrobe on a budget and can't shop thrift like I do, these could be a good option. True, they have some very flashy options I don;t really care for, but they also have stripes, plaids, and classic small patterns in wool, silk, and cotton, as well as an extensive collection of knits in both wool and silk. You can even narrow your search by width of tie, which ranges anywhere from 2-3 1/2 inches, so whether you're young and hip and into the high and tight look, or a burgeoning old fart like me who prefers a more classic cut, they've got you covered. Most websites I've encountered tend to cater to one camp or the others. I've often considered checking out some of the knit stripes, but was wary of the quality. There are a lot of fun socks offered for $8.00 a pair that look like a deal too, as well as some silk braces for $25, also not a bad price (just stay away from the clip-on suspenders. I don't care how many dudes are wearing them in Italy right now). This scarf has convinced me that their other products are likely to be well worth the money.
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6 comments:
Great....you've caused it to be sold out! I like the Gold Coast Glen as well, so maybe I'll give it a shot!
I just wanted to chime in with some opinions on The Tie Bar's knit ties...
I received one in navy as a gift two months ago and I've already worn it a dozen times (high usage for me). I would agree with the assessment that its a good value for $15--it has a surprising depth to the color and what I consider the appropriate amount of sheen for a knit tie. One quality of potential interest is that it has a very soft, loose feel to the hand--it does not have the "crunchy" texture like some of the higher end knits I've handled. I initially took this as a sign of poorer quality, but I've quickly grown to love it because I came to the opinion that it fits cohesively with my style (lots of casual jackets worn over OCBDs with denim and workboots). The one quality I can't speak to yet is its longevity--the tie may unravel at both ends within the year, but in that time I will have gotten much more than $15 worth of enjoyment out of it.
I own several Tie Bar ties, as well as a tie bar, and I've found them to be quite decently made for what they cost. Their selection is large enough to offer styles for most tastes, the long length option works better for a taller person like me, and at this point I would rather buy from them than spend more money at, say, Macy's for a cheaply made tie with some designer's name on the label.
I'm a regular customer of the Tie Bar. I haven't tried the scarves yet, but I have been very satisfied with their ties. Considering the price the ties are well-made and the selection is good. They even have a "grenafaux" which is a grenadine-like weave for $15. I have a navy, burgundy, and charcoal grenafaux that see regular wear. They are great for someone building a collection. My nephews and godson receive a classic tie as a stocking stuffer every year.
I should also say that I worked with Greg to design a custom tie for a fraternal organization I belong to. He was great to work with and the cost still came in under $20 a tie.
All in all, I've never had a bad interaction with them!
I love that joint.
Been very happy with Tie Bar. Good-enough quality, great selection, unbeatable prices, fast and careful service. Nothing not to like.
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