How to choose a tie as a gift

Start with what he already wears

Think of the last three times you saw him in a tie, or look in his wardrobe if you can. Note the colours, the width and the patterns. A tie that goes with the suits he already owns will be worn; one that needs a new suit to go with it will live in a drawer.

Then go one step bolder. If he wears plain navy, give him navy with a small pattern; if he wears quiet stripes, try a paisley. One step, not three.

Think about when he will wear it, too. A tie for the office should be quiet enough for a Monday; one for weddings and parties can be brighter; a country tie is for weekends, the races and the shoot.

And check the width. Most Soprano silk ties are 8cm, the classic width; if he wears narrow ties, look at slim ties, about 5.5–6.5cm. The tie width and length guide has the detail.

Silk is the safe default

A silk tie knots well, holds its shape and has a soft sheen that looks right at the office and in the evening. Most Soprano ties are 100% silk, 8cm wide and 148cm long, a length that suits most men. Silk ties explained covers weaves and finishes.

Wool-rich and knitted ties make good second gifts — for the man who already has a drawer full of silk, or who lives in tweed from October to April.

Choose a pattern for the man

For the bright, Posh & Dandy’s luxury silk ties are the place to look. For the man who would rather be outside, see gifts for the countryman.

Budget, returns and when you are unsure

Every budget has a good answer; buy the best of whatever you can afford rather than more of something lesser.

• A small gift — a silk pocket square, a tie bar or a pair of cufflinks.
• A proper present — a silk tie, chosen for him.
• A finished gift — a tie and cufflink set, which comes in its own box, or a tie and pocket square set in our gift box.
• Something special — a luxury silk tie with a pocket square, or a pair of Erwin & Morris braces, made in the UK.

Unworn pieces can be returned within 30 days, so a misjudged colour is not a disaster. And if you really cannot decide, a gift voucher lets him choose for himself.