Dear Simon

Can you offer some advise that may help in my conundrum? Ties and their lengths are causing me some problems.

I have been purchasing several ties, all from Drakes, but realise that they are slightly too long. Being 5.6 i know i am not the tallest or people but then, many i see on the streets are also my size. So why are ties made to a certain length that it seems, is too long for the majority of people?

I then decided to have a shorter tie made at Drakes to their ‘shorter’ length and, believe it or not, this seems too short. Needless to say this also cost extra for this service.

I then came across the great videos posted by The Armoury on their own website, all about men tying their ties. I was amazed how everyone used a different way of doing their tie up but, what was not shown was the length against the trouser waist or indeed jacket. As some of them only did a ‘once around’ their ties surely must be too long too! For example i know that Ethan is not a tall man!

Then i came across the little book ’85 ways to tie a tie’ which whilst great, does not help with length. I also noticed that some of the knots, although creating a lovely knot, must surely be based on the fabric used. Too thick a fabric will lead to a giant knot.

What i want to achieve is the look of a small, tight knot that then flares out to create the blade (?). I suppose similar to that which Prince Charles uses.

Furthermore, everyone advocates the four in hand which i use but, should one also use other knots to create interest in the knot itself. I could raise a few more questions though i suppose you get the general idea.

Some advise would be appreciated.

Regards

Bradley