There’s this trope that keeps appearing in ads and promotional emails over the past few weeks: “Don’t get Dad another [boring/ugly/unwanted] tie this Father’s Day, buy him our product instead!”
This is where I say to my wife and boys that you don’t need to get Papa anything for Father’s Day. A Sunday afternoon together will more than suffice.
For anyone else who does want to give a gift for Father’s Day, I ask that you to reconsider the necktie. It need not be ugly nor unwanted, but boring might just be okay. Unlike the novelty ties often pressed upon fathers this time of year, the best ties are usually subdued: solid or simply-patterned in dark colors. There’s elegance in simplicity, and against a white or light blue shirt, such ties defer attention from themselves to the man wearing them. What better way to honor Dad?
My favorite ties are made by Drake’s London. Handmade in England, Drake’s ties are world-class in construction and materials used, and I daresay there’s a tangible difference from your typical tie. The first time I knotted a Drake’s tie, I literally gasped aloud. There’s something about the exquisite fabric and supple construction that creates the perfect knot almost every time, and the very act of doing so is a simple pleasure that will long be appreciated.
If you’re used to purchasing ties at department stores, the retail price on Drake’s ties will probably shock you. Thankfully, there are a number of stores that have them on sale at the moment, including Barney’s, Barney’s Warehouse, and Mr. Porter. However, with five day standard shipping at the latter, and questionable designs at Barney’s and Barney’s Warehouse, your best bet is actually at East Dane, which has a dozen Drake’s ties for under $100, and can guarantee delivery by Father’s Day if you order today.
Because maybe, just maybe, Dad wants a tie.
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