American Handmade Ties!- A Review of Beau Ties
Berland by Beau Ties
The words 'Made in America' used to be commonplace on garment tags (95% of clothing just 60 years ago). Over the past 60 years American made clothing has dwindled to almost zero, now only 2% of clothing tags have 'Made in America' printed on them. With that in mind, I have a special place in my wardrobe for quality American made items. Today we are going to be reviewing a tie company that makes high-quality ties by hand here in America, let me introduce to you Beau Ties.
I want to offer some background before we jump into the review. In America, we have gone from spending more money on a few quality garments that last to spending far less on far more poorly made garments. To give you hard numbers in the 1960's the average price paid for a garment was $176.50 (in 2020 dollars). Today the average spent is $28*. The real difference here is that quality garments last much longer, look better, and stay in your closet longer, helping you look better and keeping the environment cleaner. The reason I am bringing this up is if you are willing to spend more on less, you will get something that lasts. Neckties are something that, if you buy right, you can build a core collection of ties that you can keep for a very long time. The key to buying right is to find a tie made of quality materials; attention has been paid to the small details and has excellent construction. Beau Ties has all of these features.
The Ties
Ties are something that every man needs to own at least a couple. I am a tie guy, so I love wearing ties. That said, in my closet, I have ties that range from $20 up to $200. I have a decent grasp on what to expect at a given price point, and with that knowledge have put Beau Ties to the test. The results have been shockingly good for the price point and value they offer. The two ties I tried were the Berland, a wine-red with white and blue striped necktie and the Blenheim, a navy and white polka-dot bow tie. Each of these is a classic look and goes with nearly everything in my closet.
When I first received the ties, I was surprised by the hand (quality of the build and drape) of the ties and the self backing, both indicative of a more expensive tie. Add in the fact that these ties are handmade, and for the price, I was blown away. Both of these ties make a beautiful knot and drape perfectly. While I am not a bow tie guy, I find myself reaching for my Berland tie and even on occasion the Blenheim bow tie. These ties are a joy to wear.
The Berland
The Berland
The red tie is a tie everyman needs. Red is a symbol of power, and the Berland, with it's white and blue stripes, is a classy way to exude that power. This tie is not the navy pinstripe suit and bright solid red tie, run you over, power look. It does, however, give a solid message that you are a boss and an authority. While I have nearly 40 ties, there are five core ties that I wear over and over, and The Berland is in that group. My favorite way to wear this tie is with a blue jacket or navy suit. It also goes well with greys and several other colors; the blue is the perfect accent to any look that contains blue. The verdict on this tie is that it needs to be in every man's core tie collection.
The Blenheim
The Blenheim
A bowtie is a matter of taste. Unless you are attending a Black/White tie event, there is no reason you need to own a bowtie. That said, a casual bowtie for those who embrace the look can be very dapper. I was apprehensive about looking great in a bowtie but was pleasantly surprised after wearing one. It's not a tie that I pull out regularly, but when I am going for that dapper look, it is a solid choice!
A Final Note: Made In America, Does It Really Matter?
Beau ties have been hand-making ties in Vermont for the past 27 years. That brings with it an American heritage that has become a diamond in the rough. With nearly all US-based clothing brands disappearing into the wind, I feel the pull to support those companies that are making an effort to help our economy. Also, the quality that comes from each of these being made by hand is astounding. I have said it before and will continue to say it; a tie needs to be sewn by hand if you want it to last for a long time. The drape and fluidity of the tie are severely hampered when sewn by a machine. The point being made in America does make a difference; one you need to see for yourself. All in all, Beau Ties, in my opinion, are far underpriced for the quality they offer. Whether you are building your core tie collection or want to add a quality piece to what your collection, Beau Ties are a great buy! Do yourself a favor and add a few classic ties to your wardrobe, your future self with thank you!
*https://www.kqed.org/lowdown/7939/madeinamerica
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ZACH MITCHEM
I have been lifting weights for over 15 years and have been a competitive weightlifter and powerlifter. I have had issues with finding clothes that fit properly for as long as I can remember. In 2017 I stepped up my style game in a serious way and realized there are very few decent options for muscular men at the average online or brick and mortar store. I started a journey to find options that fit the muscular man, and the start of the 'Muscular Style' blog was born.
I write about style with the intent to help you avoid all the wasted time and frustration I have encountered in my journey. I want you to be able to buy quality clothing that fits well. Currently, I work as a professional clothier at Smith Bespoke in Salt Lake City and have made helping men dress better into my career.