My ties needed to be reorganized. The current tie set-up was a dresser drawer. All the ties were rolled and very organized. However, this made it hard to try on more than one in the morning and I didn’t think that it was good for the shape of the ties either. I have decided to move them to a tie rack. I got them all out in preparation for the move and was a little surprised how much my little collection had grown.
Ties to be altered (narrowed, bow tied, etc.)
Two years ago I had fewer than 10 ties. This was not problematic as I rarely had the opportunity to wear one. At some point, I decided that it would be a good idea to stock up on ties and that future me might appreciate that. Two years later and I now have around 50 ties. I have also started to wear a jacket and tie on Tuesday/Thursday. Guess what? Future me appreciates past me’s decision.
Okay, not all of these ties were purchased at a thrift store. 8 were purchased via Etsy and another internet re-seller, 3 were purchased at the Brooks Brothers outlet, and 2 were gifts. The other 80% of the ties were purchased at thrift stores and kept, or traded away for others.
Not twins, but maybe brothers or cousins. The tie on the left is Brooks Brothers and the tie on the right Gant.
Thrift stores have proved to be an invaluable resource for acquiring ties cheaply. If I take my time I can usually find at least one tie at every store, which is a great ROI. It does require a lot of patience. You will sort through tons of ties, find one you like, and then find the stain. It is often painful to find that stain. In fact, I have learned not to get too excited until I have done a thorough examination. Which leads me into a short rant:
Why do thrift stores accept flawed ties? I understand that “beggars can’t be choosers,” but who would benefit from a stained tie? The only person that I can imagine who might be interested in a stained tie would be someone who would use it for the material. So, all stained ties, if accepted (and I don’t think that they should be) should be placed in a bin marked as “Flawed Ties.”
Sorry for the rant, but it needed to said. The moral of this story is to be patient and consistent when looking for ties at thrift stores. Eventually you will have a day like this one (Tie Haul). String a few of these together over the course of a few years and you will have a nice collection of ties before you know it. I do want to leave everyone with something to think about. Why aren’t there more striped ties at thrift stores?
Ties are 3” and 3.25” width with less than a handful of 3.5” width ties
It would be too stereotypical for me to pick one of the printed critter ties, so I’ll pick the royal blue and green regimental thick striped. Nice collection!
“Why aren’t there more striped ties at thrift stores?”
Perhaps because striped ties never go out of style.
Rebecca – There is nothing wrong with critters in my book, but solid second choice:) Thanks!
Dutch Uncle – Good point. I was working from a similar perspective. Striped ties have been popular for so long that I thought that there would be more excess.
No black ties? I only saw one that I thought could be black in the knit ties
Lin – A black knit tie would be the only way that a black tie I would ever own other than a formal bow tie. Black is for knit ties, tuxedos, and occasionally shoes. Nothing else.