Don't Fear the Frayed

Public nuisance

Some of you will be aware that I have a thing for frayed wool ties. It's not at an all-obsessive, public-nuisance-level thing, but if I see a good example, I will be interested. Here we see a prime example of a decent 'frayer': a Harris tweed tie by a our good friends at Lochcarron of Scotland. Look at those sprightly, orange and teal colours.

What did they do wrong?

I find it curious, considering the numerous hand-rolled, self-tipped, seven-folded options rendered to the modern tie buyer, that there aren't many contemporary frayed ties available. What did they do wrong?

Lochcarron haven't got frayed ties in their current collection. Let's see if I can sell the idea here and get some new examples into circulation.

Good fraying

Of course, fraying is a natural process, which means it's likely good for the environment. I've paired the tie with my majestically, naturally frayed cord trousers. These cords have reached a temporal sweet spot between far too new-looking and completely worn out. They exhibit good fraying at the waist, pockets, hems and fly. How long I can get away with wearing them without being mistaken for a gentlemen of the road remains to be seen.

Well-balanced physique

Here I'm trying to flick out the tie to show how nicely it moves. Does it have any interlining fabric? No, it doesn't. The fabric alone gives it a well-balanced physique, so it's not a stiff tie, but it's not like a wet sock either. You can see through the loose weave of the tweed in the right light. I sometimes hold the tie up and look through the end when I'm meant to be listening to someone.

The forgotten man of ties

There are several options for a plain jacket to combine and complement the colours in the tie. This jacket picks out the blue and contrasts nicely with the others.

The frayed end tie —  the forgotten man of ties. You may have a small circle of appreciation right now, but I feel your time is nigh.