Making a tie isn't a straightforward process. From cutting the material to stitching the tie calls for care, skill and experience. Such skills are found in the London Bridge workshops of Seaward & Stearn who kindly offered to make me a couple of ties. I happen to have a fascination for that printed silk known, mysteriously, as ancient madder. With its rich, natural colours and slightly chalky feel, this screen-printed silk generally comes in geometric floret, medallion or Paisley designs, adding a classic sophistication to any look, whether tweed jacket or pinstripe suit.
I had the pleasure of watching a tie being made.
Selecting from the many rolls of silk wasn't easy, but a decision was made and I followed the process from cutting to the final stitch before leaving wearing my tie. I opted for a large repeat floret and, after some discussion, it was made to be 147cm in length and 8.5cm on the tip. I'm not a great fan of narrow ties and 8.5 cm is as narrow as I will go in general. A classic look deserves a generous tie and I believe we are moving gradually away from the noughties menswear looks characterised by skinny ties, skinny trousers and too-short jackets
For more on Seaward & Stearn's superb selection of ties, pocket squares, shirts and much more, see their website here, where you can buy their products. In the second part of this feature I will explore the fascinating story of ancient madder in more detail.
This feature is unsponsored. I was given two ties but all views expressed here are mine alone.
This feature is unsponsored. I was given two ties but all views expressed here are mine alone.