The Proff encourages men to start their tie collections with a navy grenadine tie. What is grenadine, and why is a grenadine tie so useful?
Grenadine is a woven fabric, made on a Jaquard loom. What is a Jaqard loom? A jacquard machine is a device that you attach to a loom to make woven fabrics such as brocade. Thus, the combined machinery is called a Jacquard loom. In fact, the Jacquard machine, using punch cards, was a very early version of the computer (around 1725).
Source: The Age of Revolution
Jacquard fabric (embroidered fabric, or fabric with a design woven into it with a texture) is not common today in clothing, though it survives in curtains, table cloths and other housewares.
Grenadine has a texture to it – a geometric pattern that repeats throughout it. Loosely woven, it resembles a knitted fabric, though it is tighter than knitting. It is made of cotton and was used in the past to make uniforms for tropical service because of its breathing qualities and, of course, being washable.
Made famous by Sean Connery in Dr No (and worn by Bond again in Casino Royale), the grenadine tie is usually found in navy, maroon, dark grey and other solid colours. An advantage of the grenadine tie is its texture – it looks more interesting than a plain silk or wool tie. Grenadine ties often have a square end, and are relatively narrow, having changed little since Dr No days.
Image: James Bond about to exercise his license. A grenadine tie is the perfect choice for a day full of assassinations.
The texture gives it depth, and in navy or maroon it can be worn with grey, blue, glen check, pin stripes and just about any pattern. This makes it versatile. If well made, it can last for years, so not a bad choice for a first tie.