Grenadine Tie, Just The Right Tie

Even though there are less and less occasions that require wearing a tie nowadays, ‘tis the season, the moment of the year that still leaves a plenty opportunities to think about this beautiful-yet-unpractical piece of silk. The right one may serve as a tasteful gift or just be something that you will wear for a festive party to feel a bit more special.

But what does the right one even mean?

Well, we got two answers for you.

The first one - it depends, as always. Depends on the taste, preferences, age, lifestyle, one’s wardrobe… blah, blah, blah. Comprehensive answer? Yes. Helpful? No.

Luckily, the other answer is much simpler: grenadine silk.

If you aren’t sure about what to wear or what to give, grenadine tie is a safe bet. It checks all the boxes: it is plain, but not dull; intricate, but not overcomplicated; understated, but not boring.

Bonus: the story behind it is quite interesting.

The grenadine silk was probably born sometime in the 1800s in France, first as a fabric to be used as lace, usually made only in black. Later - but we cannot be sure how and when exactly - the know-how and machines reached Italy, which in the 20th century, during the post-war era of industrialization, became the European center for textile manufacturing.

However, despite being worn by Sean Connery as James Bond, the grenadine silk almost went extinct along the way - when modern, computerized versions of jacquard technique superseded older ways of creating fancy weaves and became the default method of producing textured tie fabrics, old English gauze machines became somewhat archaic.

Today, practically all the grenadine is made by two silk makers, both based in the Como region of Italy. Only there, the old machines survived and are still used for the production of this loosely woven, characteristic silk gauze fabric.

We take pride in the fact that we have included grenadine in our product lineup for several years now - beginning in 2013, if we remember correctly! - always in the form of handmade in Poland ties, made by ourselves, locally. For their production, we use fabric sourced from Fermo Fossati mill, the oldest surviving silk makers in Italy (that’s 150 years of tradition, mind you!).

We never get bored with them; these ties are our classics that are here to stay.

Grenadine silk can be made into two different varietes - Garza Fina and Garza Grossa - and currently we stock both.

Garza Fina is a finer type that may appear solid at first glance, with intricate weave visible upon a closer inspection. It is more elegant and understated of the two, well suited even to the most formal occasions, such as wedding - especially when you choose lighter, noble tones.

Garza Grossa has a slightly thicker, more expressive weave. It looks great in dark colors, adding a little more life to them - and for us, it is a great do-it-all tie. Business, wedding, everyday coordinated sets… You name it.

If you still have any doubts, one more tip from us: burgundy, navy, amber and green are always the safe bet, but never the boring one.

Now it shouldn’t be that hard to choose the right tie, right?