Simon Crompton: My Made-to-Order Tie

Permanent Style's Simon Crompton tells us what he loves about his made-to-order Drake's tie.

My Cloth

My Construction

I've always favoured a nine-centimetre tie - I find it is the best balance between tradition and modernity. I like a hand-rolled finish, rather than tipping - it feels more like you are wearing just the silk itself. And I prefer a light interlining for the same reason - this is a silk accessory after all, not a wool/cotton one. 

You can find examples in the market of all three things: of 9cm, of hand rolling, of light linings. But getting all three together is impossible. Add in the fact that I don't want a keeper on the back (because I just don't use it, and form should follow function) and you're left with a highly specific spec that can only be fulfilled with a personal order.

How I Wear It

The thing I love about this design is it could work with a grey or navy business suit, but also with most varieties of sports jacket. This is hard to find in a printed silk. Often they are dark colours with some small geometric design, and too formal for a casual tweed. You are left with knits, wools or ancient madder. But this olive with a combination of navy and orange details is perfect.

Like anything made for you, it feels very personal. It is my tie; it is not anyone else's. I may well see someone in the same silk - and that would be a lovely coincidence - but this feels very individual and specific to my taste.