Guides

How to care for a silk tie

Silk, interlining and hand finishing need little but careful maintenance. Learn how to untie, air, store and protect a tie from stains.

Undo every knot completely

Do not pull the narrow blade through a closed knot after wear. Reverse the tying sequence so the silk, interlining and back seam are stretched as little as possible. Smooth the tie lightly between your hands without pressing it flat.

Allow time between wears. Rotating several ties lets the interlining relax and helps the knot area retain its form over the long term.

Air rather than wash

A tie does not belong in a washing machine or a bowl of water. Silk may develop water marks, colours can shift and the interlining can shrink or move. After ordinary wear, air the tie in a dry shaded place. Avoid direct sunlight because it can fade colour.

Odours often disappear within hours. Never spray perfume or fabric freshener directly onto the tie; alcohol and fragrance oils can leave rings.

Relax wrinkles without direct heat

Light wrinkles often fall out naturally. Alternatively, roll the tie loosely from the narrow end and leave it for several hours. Professional cleaning is safer for persistent creases than direct ironing. Steam can form droplets and may alter the interlining.

If heat is unavoidable, follow the care information for that particular product. Interlining, temperature and pressure matter as much as the face fabric.

Prevent stains

Put the tie on after shaving, skincare and fragrance. At a meal, a napkin on the lap is safer than repeatedly moving the tie. A tie bar can hold the wide blade back, but it should not clamp hard enough to leave an impression.

If liquid reaches the silk, blot immediately with a clean white cloth. Rubbing spreads the stain and can roughen the fibres.