The Grenadine Tie, initially popularized by Chuck Norris in The Delta Force Series, has become increasingly more prominent in recent years. Ok, that was a headfake. The former, but not the latter. The Grenadine Tie has long been associated with powerful, iconic men across cinematic history, from Sean Connery’s James Bonds to the once popular Frank Underwood (now fallen from grace) in House Of Cards. Whist often mistaken for its close counterpart, the knit tie, the grenadine is a superior alternative that can be worn across different functions.

The Grenadine Tie, popularized by Sean Connery’s James Bond. Courtesy of www.voxsartoria.com

WHAT IS A GRENADINE TIE

So what exactly is a Grenadine Tie? A Grenadine Tie is a textured, woven silk tie that looks incredibly elegant. While it looks a little like a knitted tie, knitted ties are for more informal occasions.  A grenadine tie is one that is made from Italian silk, having been woven as opposed to being knitted, in a gauze (leno) weave. A grenadine weave is an open weave, involving two warp yarns twisted around the weft in order to provide a strong, sheer fabric.

A Grenadine Weave, courtesy of www.violamilano.com

The interlining of a grenadine tie (typically wool) is colored in the same color of the tie, so as not to allow light through and make the skinny blade visible. Given the formal nature of a Grenadine Tie, it is self-tipped, indicating that no other material such as silk has been used for the underside of the triangular portion at the bottom of the tie.

The Dark Knot's Domaso Grenadine Navy Silk Tie

Whist often mistaken for its close counterpart, the knit tie, the grenadine is a superior alternative that can be worn across different functions.

GRENADINE TIE VS KNIT TIE

While a knit tie has been formed through (surprise!) knitting, a grenadine tie is manufactured through a loom, with the weft and warp intricately twisted around each other so as to produce a highly textured fabric. Knit ties tend to be manufactured with a rectangular base, made from a tube of yarn, while grenadine ties have your conventional pointed ends that you find with your typical silk tie. While knit ties are best worn in more informal settings, a grenadine tie can be worn for both semi-formal and formal occasions. The texture of a grenadine tie makes it highly versatile. Pair it with a tailored outfit, such as a navy or charcoal suit, or with a blazer for a more relaxed look!

A Grenadine Tie will instantly elevate any formal ensemble. Courtesy of www.thenomadicgent.com

HOW ARE GRENADINE TIES MADE

So how exactly are grenadine ties made? Grenadine fabric is produced with a gauze-style weave, popularly referred to as a Leno or Cross weave. Grenadine involves two warp yarns twisted around the weft in order to provide strong, sheer fabric. Original Grenadine Ties (such as those with The Dark Knot), are produced exclusively in Como, Italy, a smaller town in northern Italy situated on an idyllic lake. Grenadine Ties are woven together using a wooden loom. Given that Grenadine Ties are typically woven in Italy, the different weaving patterns are known by their Italian names.

Wooden Looms used in the making of Grenadine Ties. Courtesy of www.aklasu.co

GARZA GROSSA VS GARZA FINA

Garza Fina has a smaller pattern, while Garza Grossa has a larger, more prominent weave. Because Grenadine Weaving Patterns are among the most complex and the process is slower, prices are higher for grenadine ties. Garza Grossa, popularized by Sean Connery’s James Bond, has a looser weave, providing a more textured look, while Garza Fina is a smaller weave, which holds together extremely well but provides less of a textured look.

Garza Gross (left) offers a looser, but more textured weave than Garza Fina (right). Courtesy of www.styleforum.net

SOLID COLORS VS PATTERNS

Grenadine Ties are available with patterns, but most style experts suggest a solid color, given the emphasis on texture with the grenadine tie. If you do opt for a patterned grenadine tie, it is best to go with something more subtle, such as smaller dots are a less discernable stripe. When in doubt, the solid navy or wine / burgundy grenadine tie is almost a sure bet, given that they will pair with a wide range of suits and shirts, and will always provide an incredibly suave and dapper look.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT KNOT FOR A GRENADINE TIE

When wearing a grenadine tie, it is best to opt for a Four In Hand or a half Windsor knot, given the texture and thickness of the tie. While a Full Windsor looks extremely elegant with your conventional silk ties, the texture and thickness of the grenadine tie will make the knot appear disproportionate to the rest of your ensemble.

A Grenadine Tie looks fantastic with a four in hand knot. Courtesy of www.thenordicfit.com

FORMAL VS SEMI FORMAL OCCASION

Grenadine Ties are an ideal choice for more formal settings, given the rich, textured look of the tie, its open, differentiated weave that is offset by colored interlining, and its overall suave, elegant look. However, grenadine ties can also be worn in less formal settings, such as a work meeting, or when out to dinner or a date. Opt for a blazer on an evening out instead of a suit, and pair it with a grenadine tie for that ultimate, textured dapper look! Your grenadine tie can even give you that extra edge for your next job interview, as rest assured, you will be dressed heads and shoulders above your peers!

A Grenadine Tie can look incredibly suave with the right blazer! Courtesy of www.stylegirlfriend.com

And that's a wrap. I hope that you enjoy reading this as much as I did writing it!

To view The Dark Knot's range of Grenadine Silk Ties, please click here.